Athabasca University

What you'll study

The major requires a minimum of 45 credits in designated WGST courses, including at least 30 senior-level credits and a minimum of 12 credits at the 400 level. Students complete a 30-credit required core and 15 credits of electives.

• Required core (30 credits): INST 358 – Aboriginal Women in Canada (3); WGST 200 – Feminist Research and Women’s Lives (3); WGST 201 – An Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies (3); WGST 303 – Gender, Women, Health (3); WGST 320 – Gendered Bodies and Society (3); WGST 322 – Sexuality in Society (3); WGST/SOCI 345 – Women, Gender and Work in Canada (3); WGST 401 – Contemporary Feminist Theory (3); WGST 422 – Violence Against Women: A Global Perspective (3); WGST/HSRV 470 – Advocacy From the Margins (3).
• Electives (15 credits from list): All WGST courses; ANTH 384 – The Family in World Perspective; ENGL 307 – Women in Literature; ENGL 308 – Indigenous Literature in Canada; INST 420 – Indigenous Resistance; LGST 390 – Women, Equality and the Law; POEC 395 – Political Economy of Development: People, Processes, and Policies; POLI 350 – Women in Canadian Politics; PSYC 345 – The Psychology of Gender and Sexuality; PSYC 347 – The Introduction to Feminist Counselling; SOCI 378/CMNS 385 – Rebel with a Cause: Social Movements in History and Popular Culture.
• Program-level structure: Total program 120 credits; minimum 75 senior-level credits (including 18 credits at 400 level); at least 96 credits in Arts (minimums: 18 Humanities, 18 Social Science); Science requirement 6 credits. Residency: minimum 30 credits through Athabasca University. Maximums and other rules (e.g., maximum credits in any one discipline, PLAR cap) follow BA regulations.

Entry requirements

Students follow the program regulations in effect at the time of enrolment and must select a major when entering the BA (4-year). Students are strongly encouraged to register in ENGL 255 early; the English writing skills requirement is met by credit in ENGL 255, a B- (70%) or better in an AU English course above preparatory level, or equivalent credit. Students may change majors, undertake degree conversion from a three-year AU degree, or pursue double majors and minors under the BA regulations; consult Advising Services for program planning.

Career prospects

The BA (4-year) with a Women’s and Gender Studies major emphasizes analytical and critical thinking and prepares graduates for independent research in the major. The degree supports progression to most graduate programs and offers foundational skills applicable to community advocacy, policy, education, research assistance, and other roles that draw on critical social analysis and communication.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Specific scholarships and funding are not listed on the program page; prospective students should consult Athabasca University’s financial aid and awards offices and Advising Services for information on scholarships, bursaries, and funding options relevant to BA students and Women’s and Gender Studies majors.