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

Professor Lisa Heineman receives Hubbard-Walder Award

Friday, March 27, 2026
Heineman has expanded curricular offerings by developing the undergraduate Certificate in Human Rights and the undergraduate Certificate in Jewish Studies as well as establishing the Rapid Response History course, which brings together campus experts to help students make sense of current events.

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.
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Events

Cultivating Rurality: Building Community around Rural Research — 2025–26 Obermann Symposium promotional image

Cultivating Rurality: Building Community around Rural Research — 2025–26 Obermann Symposium

Friday, March 27, 2026 (all day)
Iowa City Public Library

Directed by Brian R. Farrell, Daria Fisher Page, and Ryan T. Sakoda (UI College of Law), "Cultivating Rurality: Building Community around Rural Research" will bring together scholars, community leaders from across the U.S., and professionals who work with rural populations and in rural spaces. During the symposium, attendees will be invited to collaborate in theorizing rurality, share how it impacts their work, examine how rurality is represented and celebrated, and begin to discuss challenges...

Culture on Film: Short, Indigenous, Creative (pick 2 or more) - Ida Beam public lecture promotional image

Culture on Film: Short, Indigenous, Creative (pick 2 or more) - Ida Beam public lecture

Wednesday, April 1, 2026 3:30pm to 4:20pm
Becker Communication Studies Building
This talk will offer a quick-start guide for novice filmmakers, illustrated by several Indigenous-made films that showcase the creative energy and power of short-form and do-it-yourself media.
Documentary screening of "Searching for Sequoyah" hosted by Ida Beam Distinguished Visiting Professor Joshua B. Nelson promotional image

Documentary screening of "Searching for Sequoyah" hosted by Ida Beam Distinguished Visiting Professor Joshua B. Nelson

Wednesday, April 1, 2026 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Becker Communication Studies Building
We will hold a screening of the PBS documentary "Searching for Sequoyah (ᎾᏍᎩᏃ ᏍᏏᏉᏯ ᎠᏥᏲᎭ)" with commentary by co-producer, co-writer and host Prof. Joshua B. Nelson, Ida Beam Distinguished Visiting Professor.
"Reimagining Aid: Foreign Donors, Women’s Health, and New Paths for Development in Cambodia" presented by Dr. Mary-Collier Wilks promotional image

"Reimagining Aid: Foreign Donors, Women’s Health, and New Paths for Development in Cambodia" presented by Dr. Mary-Collier Wilks

Friday, April 3, 2026 2:30pm
Macbride Hall
Dr. Mary-Collier Wilks from UNC Wilmington will discuss their book "Reimagining Aid: Foreign Donors, Women’s Health, and New Paths for Development in Cambodia."
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