The undergraduate program in Gender Studies at Queen’s offers courses in feminist, anti-racist, Indigenous, postcolonial, queer, transgender, and social justice studies. Students learn about the histories of different forms of oppression, engage with popular culture, and critically analyze everyday events. From research papers and blogs, to presentations and creative productions, students work on meticulous research, clear and thoughtful writing, creative expression, and public speaking. Our courses span the arts and social sciences to produce a truly interdisciplinary program, one that prepares students for a broad range of careers.
Top 5 Reasons to study Gender Studies:
“Some of the most memorable times in my degree was due to the environment that Gender Studies fosters to pursue some amazing opportunities such as self-directed study and partaking in the Feminist Legal Studies Queen's course. These unique experiences have contributed to shaping my future path.”
-Nathalie Hunter, BAH ‘20
Major in Gender Studies
A major is an intensive course of study in one discipline, with approximately half of your courses within the discipline with room for an optional minor in any other Arts and Science discipline.
Medial in Gender Studies
A dual course of study in Gender Studies and any other Arts discipline.
Minor in Gender Studies
A minor is a less intensive course of study in the discipline that must be combined with a major in another discipline.
Internship option available
For a full list of Degree Plans, see the Academic Calendar
Gender Studies - MA
Gender Studies - PhD
A degree in Gender Studies can take your career in many directions. Many students choose to continue their academic inquiry with a Master’s degree. Our students are equipped with a strong foundation for careers in:
Taking time to explore career options, build experience and network can help you have a smooth transition to the world of work after graduation. Note: Some of these careers may require additional training.
The Sexual and Gender Diversity Certificate Program offers you the opportunity to:
Organizations, employers, and graduate programs look for individuals who can critically engage in a wide range of conversations surrounding Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity.
This Certificate is available to all undergraduate students regardless of their degree concentration.
Delivery Mode: On-campus
Number of Units: 30 units (5-10 courses)
Open to:
Students must pass all courses relating to the certificate with a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average of 1.90.
Register early in your studies to ensure you receive course credits towards the SXGD Certificate:
If at any time you wish to unenroll in the SXGD certificate, you can do so through the Faculty of Arts and Science office.
The SXGD certificate will be awarded upon successful completion of your degree program, provided that all certificate units have an average minimum GPA of 1.90.
Would you like to be a GNDS exchange student and go to the Centre for Gender Research at the University of Oslo in Norway for one term?
“Some of the most memorable times in my degree was due to the environment that Gender Studies fosters to pursue some amazing opportunities such as self-directed study and partaking in the Feminist Legal Studies Queen's course. These unique experiences have contributed to shaping my future path.”
Nathalie Hunter: Gender Studies ’20
Niqab Bans, #blacklivesmatter, GamerGate—what are the realitites behind the hashtags and headlines? Gender, Race and Popular Culture explores what’s happening right now. Histories matter too, examined from many angles. Study LGBTQ+ representation and politics in Introductory or Advanced SXGD courses. Discover how we wear our histories in Gender, Dress and Fashion, and Racism, Colonialism and Resistance.
Students apply to Queen’s Arts (QA) through the OUAC (Ontario Universities Application Centre) website (ouac.on.ca). ENG4U, plus five additional 4U/M courses. Applicants outside of Ontario may have additional requirements. Visit queensu.ca/admission for additional information regarding requirements and admission to Queen's.
Gender Studies (BAH)
OUAC Code:
QA (Kingston Campus)
QB (Concurrent Education, Kingston Campus)
QIA (The Castle)
QIB (Concurrent Education, The Castle)
See Full Admission Requirements
After first year, in May, students will declare their area of study (major, minor, specialization, e.g.). The thresholds are competitive year to year and do change. The thresholds for Gender Studies are: open PENDING LIST or 1.9 Cumulative GPA and a Minimum C- in GNDS 1## or BISC 101 for AUTOMATIC ACCEPTANCE.
Gender studies opens doors for students to address growing concerns about inequity, equity and justice across national and global societies. Gender affects everyone, making gender studies a space where our theory and our practice attend to the differences and connections among diverse peoples worldwide. As an interdisciplinary field, gender studies helps students connect social science, humanities, arts, and natural science methods to produce innovative new knowledge. Graduates of the MA in Gender Studies at Queen’s pursue advanced degrees in American studies, English, environmental studies, gender studies, legal studies, and medicine, and work in such fields as education, health, law, public policy, social research, social work, media, art and community organizing. Gender studies prepares students for both academic and nonacademic careers.
The MA in Gender Studies is a one-year program. Full-time students take six courses - two (3.0 credit) required courses and four (3.0 credit) elective courses in fall and winter semesters - and complete a Major Research Paper (50 pages) during spring and summer. Elective courses may consist of GNDS graduate seminars, GNDS Directed Readings (up to a maximum of two), the GNDS practicum or courses hosted by other departments.
The PhD in Gender Studies is a four-year program. Full-time PhD students complete three (3.0 credit) required courses and one (3.0 credit) elective course in fall and winter semesters of the first year, and the (3.0 credit) PhD Practicum in fall of the second year. PhD students advance to candidacy in spring / summer of the second year after they complete a Syllabus and a Research Proposal. In fall semester of the third year, PhD candidates present their research in-progress at the Gender Studies Graduate Symposium.
For more information about Gender Studies Graduate Programs, visit queensu.ca/gnds/graduate or contact our Graduate AssistantDenita Arthurs at gndsgrad@queensu.ca