The Department of Gender & Women’s Studies at CSUN emphasizes interdisciplinary, cross-cultural and transnational studies with a focus on gender.
It includes course work in feminist theories, women and social movements, transnational feminisms, women of color feminisms, decolonial and postcolonial feminisms, women’s economic conditions in the context of globalization and development, productions of women in the media and literature, queer studies, women’s health and masculinity studies. The major and minor provide a background for various careers such as law, counseling and healthcare or advanced graduate degrees in fields such as Gender Studies, Women’s Studies, education, communication, political, cultural and media studies.
Now you can Double Major in Gender & Women's Studies!
Double majoring in Gender & Women’s Studies is one of the best career choices you have today at CSUN. Make yourself distinctive from others in your primary major by adding GWS as a double major. It is easy to do. Select out of a variety of combinations of majors that pique your interests and become an expert in gender and another area of study. Talk to our academic advisors about designing a plan that fits your needs.
Feb 26
N de Apache Diasporic Sovereignty, History, and Resistance Across Fronteras: A Community Dialogue with Tribal Leadership
Spring 2026 Course Offerings
Feminist Science Fictions GWS 495FSF (21054)
Do you enjoy stories that imagine and explore the possibilities of the future?! Are you interested in tales of aliens, robots, technology, and space exploration? Do you ever wonder what science fiction has to say about gender? If so, enroll in Feminist Science Fictions!
Empower Your Academic and Professional Growth
Explore our programs, connect with dedicated advisors, and uncover career opportunities. Dive into a supportive community that champions equity and social change.
Job Openings
Visit our webpage for current opportunities and connect with the Career Center for support.
Scholarships
Every year the Department of Gender and Women's Studies awards three scholarships to outstanding junior or senior students.
Academic Programs
Explore our comprehensive academic offerings, including the Major and Minor in Gender and Women’s Studies, double major options, tailored graduation plans, and detailed course information in our catalog.
GWS Department Mission
We see our department as a force for change in California, in the nation as a whole, and in the world, change which strives to achieve social justice, deepen democracy, and create world peace.
Institute for Feminist Studies and Social Action
The Institute for Feminist Studies and Social Action (IFSSA) at CSUN is a hub for critical research, advocacy, and community engagement focused on gender justice and social transformation. Rooted in intersectional feminism, the institute brings together scholars, students, and activists to address pressing social issues affecting women, LGBTQ+ communities, and other marginalized groups.
Academic Programs
GWS Student Learning Objectives
- Identify and explain core concepts in the field of gender, women’s and sexuality studies.
- Critically analyze historical and contemporary issues from a feminist perspective.
- Demonstrate proficiency in specialized topics in the field that may include knowledge of feminist movements; global sexualities; intersectional, transnational and decolonial theories; masculinity studies; critical development studies; gender-based violence; and gender and human rights, etc.
- Articulate and employ theories and methods of feminist research and knowledge production.
- Develop effective communication skills through oral and written assignments.
- Obtain media literacy and information competency by learning how to use visual media and new technologies to assess, interpret and generate information from a variety of sources.
- Develop a sense of feminist agency to further principles of equality and justice through civic engagement within and beyond CSUN.
Department of Gender and Women's Studies
Chair Sheena Malhotra
- Phone: 818-677-3110
- Fax: 818-677-7094
