Why Iowa?

Investigate how gender and sexuality shape the challenges society faces in the environment, culture, media, education, health, violence, the economy, and so much more.

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Develop a deeper understanding

Amplify your graduate studies

Learn from experts across fields

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The Women's Studies Program was established at The University of Iowa in 1974 and is one of the first programs in the United States. Be apart of this rich history and legacy.

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Critical thinking, analysis, and development of expertise in writing, research, and presentation will prepare you for a variety of careers and graduate programs. Alumni have gone on to exciting careers in policy, government, non-profits, social services, and so much more.

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GWSS professor teaching to class

Est. 1974

One of the first women's studies programs in the U.S.

large classroom filled with students learning about social justice

3 tracks

Students can earn a major, minor, or graduate certificate in Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies

16 faculty

Have joint appointments in GWSS and comes from the humanities and social sciences

students workshopping in class

55 faculty

Affiliated with GWSS and regularly cross-list their courses, supervise graduate students or serve on GWSS committees

student discussing topics in class

News and announcements

Cinda Coggins-Mosher, Interim Departmental Executive Officer, receives the Distinguished Professor of Instruction Award

Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Cinda Coggins-Mosher. Interim Departmental Executive Officer, received the Distinguished Professor of Instruction Award recognizes candidates who excel in teaching, institutional, and professional service, and their record of publications at time of advancement. The two-year award carries a one-time financial award, which may be used for research and teaching initiatives.

Teresa Magnum, CLAS English, GWSS faculty member recognized for efforts to support the humanities

Tuesday, September 30, 2025
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences faculty member Teresa Mangum is the 2025 recipient of the Francis March Award, a prestigious recognition of her contributions the field of English.

Brady G'Sell wins President's Civic Engagement Leadership Award

Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Brady G'Sell is an Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies. Her research explores the intersection of citizenship, kinship, and economy in the daily lives of South African families. Professor G'Sell co-created Iowa City's inaugural African Festival of Arts and Culture held this past fall and played a key role in planning the 2024 Engagement Summit hosted by the Office of Community Engagement. At the summit, she led the session "Do Good Well: Building Community Partnerships," highlighting best practices for fostering meaningful and mutually beneficial collaborations between faculty, students, and community organizations.
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Events

Floating Fridays American Studies Colloquium -Emerson Cram promotional image

Floating Fridays American Studies Colloquium -Emerson Cram

Friday, October 10, 2025 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Jefferson Building
The Department of American Studies will host as series of research presentations by a faculty member, recent Department PhD, or American Studies graduate students. As experts and emerging scholars in fields devoted to the study of American culture in the U.S. and globally, we invite students and scholars, at any stage of research, to attend and participate in discussions of the core issues and challenges of our time.
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