Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies | College of Liberal Arts and Sciences | The University of Iowa

Explore intersectionality

Where the humanities, sciences, health, and arts unite.

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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students in a social justice classroom listening to lecture on MLK

Develop a deeper understanding

Learn how to think, research, and write critically while exploring how a degree in gender, women's, and sexuality studies can position you for an exciting career in research, social services, government, academia, and more.

Develop a deeper understanding

Amplify your graduate studies

Graduate students across the disciplines have found their scholarship enhanced by the perspectives this interdisciplinary field of study offers.

Amplify your graduate studies

Learn from experts across fields

Our faculty give us strength in both social sciences and the humanities, enabling us to continue to develop the breadth of interdisciplinary strength we believe is the cornerstone of a strong gender, women's and sexuality studies program.

Learn from experts across fields

See yourself here

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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Write Your Story

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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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

55 faculty

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

News and announcements

GWSS Professor Lisa Heineman discusses the concept of antisemitism

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

In honor of the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations, observed on UN Day - October 24 - University of Iowa historian Elizabeth Heineman presented a program exploring the concept of antisemitism. We hear this charge often these days, including in criticisms of the UN. Professor Heineman shared her expertise to aid public understanding of antisemitism and of the United Nations.

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.

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Events

Book Reading by Clare Kinberg

Monday, February 23, 2026 7:00pm to 8:30pm

Prairie Lights Books

Join the University of Iowa (UI) Jewish Studies Network, an International Programs affinity group, for a special event with author Clare Kinberg. Kinberg will read from her novel, By the Waters of Paradise: An American Story of Racism and Rupture in a Jewish Family, and share reflections on uncovering long-hidden truths within her family’s history.

Clare Kinberg is a white Jewish woman whose wife and daughters are descendants of the African diaspora. When she discovered her estranged Aunt Rose’s...

Night of 1000 Dinners

Friday, March 6, 2026 6:00pm to 8:00pm

St. Andrews Presbyterian Church

Night of 1000 Dinners is a community celebration of International Women's Day and features an international buffet, entertainment, and recognition of women-led groups advancing UN Sustainable Development Goal #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

"Rural Community-Centered Research: Maternity Care and Why It Matters" — Keynote lecture (in person and virtual) by Katy Kozhimannil, University of Minnesota

Tuesday, March 24, 2026 7:30am

Virtual

Special Preliminary Event for the Obermann Symposium "Cultivating Rurality: Building Community around Rural Research."

This lecture, co-sponsored by the UI Carver College of Medicine, is designed for a non-clinical audience and will be open to the public. Katy B. Kozhimannil is a Distinguished McKnight University Professor and Co-Director of the University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center and the University of Minnesota Rural Health Program.

The lecture will take place in Pediatric...

One Day for Iowa | The University of Iowa's Annual Giving Day

Wednesday, March 25, 2026 (all day)

Virtual

One Day for Iowa returns on Wednesday, March 25, marking 10 years of Hawkeyes coming together to support what matters most at the University of Iowa.

Our 24-hour online giving day is a chance for alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends to make an impact—supporting scholarships, research, health care, the arts, student experiences, and more. With special matching and unlocking opportunities throughout the day, every gift has the power to go further.

Celebrate a decade of generosity. Be part...

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