Sexuality and Gender Studies (Minor)
Study diverse gender expressions.
MBU’s minor in sexuality and gender studies offers students an opportunity to hone their analytical skills across disciplines like literature, psychology, sociology, and more. Students will study the history of gender expression and
and that history’s impacts on contemporary issues of gender difference and civil rights. Students will also learn how to inclusively and respectively engage sexual and gender minorities — a valuable skill in any career.
- Degree(s)Minor
Next steps
Why study sexuality and gender at MBU?
The sexuality and gender studies minor introduces students to the multifaceted dimensions of gender, sexuality, gender identity, and the ways in which they intersect with other social identities. The core of the minor explores sexuality and gender through social scientific analysis, and elective courses allow students to examine dimensions of sexuality and gender within particular academic disciplines that align to their major and career goals.
This minor would enhance a career in any professional setting, particularly those working with diverse populations or in interdisciplinary fields. MBU majors that especially benefit from this minor include:
- Business
- Education
- English
- History
- Marketing
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Strategic Communication
- Theatre
Special Opportunities at MBU
MBU doesn’t just teach about inclusivity for gender and sexual minorities in the classroom — it practices it across campus. Learn about the unique opportunities for personal involvement that MBU provides minors in sexuality and gender studies.
LGBTQ+ Resources
MBU offers welcoming spaces like the Lavender Lounge and supportive organizations like the Gender and Sexuality Alliance for LGBTQ+ students. We also host annual celebrations like April Pride Month, featuring events, workshops, and activities that promote inclusivity, as well as the Lavender Graduation Ceremony to celebrate the academic achievements of LGBTQ+ students.
Programs for Women
Historically an all-female school, MBU still offers one-of-a-kind programming for young women. The Virginia Women’s Institute for Learning is the nation’s only all-female corps of cadets. The College for Women offers young women specially curated learning opportunities to grow them as leaders and prepare them for impactful careers. And living learning communities for women of African American and Latina descent.
Programs for Men
MBU became fully co-educational in 2017 and has many programs for the growth and development of young men. PERSIST and Power Up provide living learning communities and mentorship for African American men while they study at MBU.
Next steps
Minor Requirements
The sexuality and gender studies minor requires 18 course credits across disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, history, political science, and more.
Sample Courses
This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to understanding identities, histories, and experiences in LGBTQ+ culture. Students will explore how social, cultural, and historical forces have contributed to the evolution, diversity, and complexity of queer lives. The course will critically examine how gender, sexuality, race, class, and religion intersect with LGBTQ+ experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of the dimensions of gender and sexuality. An emphasis will be placed on the role of community activism in the ongoing fight for equality and queer visibility.
Students examine the roles and influences of women in politics and the effect of politics upon their status and life choices. Students analyze gender differences in patterns of political participation, including voting, working in campaigns, running for public office, serving as elected officials, and participating in various kinds of interest groups.
The goal of this course is to enable students to heighten awareness and understanding of gender identity and perception of gender roles. The course provides an overview of concepts, terminology, and research related to gender identity and gender roles as valuable background to then address the impact of gender in the workplace. We will explore workplace dynamics and identify both real and perceived impact of gender on career development and life planning. In addition, there will be an intentional exploration of strategies and tools to help students create a pathway to success—with success to be uniquely defined by the individual.
Our Faculty
Our faculty are passionate about teaching, highly knowledgeable in their disciplines, and dedicated to providing the kind of mentorship and support that leads to student success. Their commitment to inclusivity helps ensure a vibrant and enriching educational experience for all.
