Careers and Skills

A degree in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) at Stony Brook University prepares students with a broad set of transferable skills and opens doors to diverse career pathways. Through interdisciplinary coursework, students cultivate strengths in critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and analysis—skills that are highly valued across sectors. Whether pursuing graduate studies or entering fields such as education, advocacy, media, health, business, or public service, WGSS graduates are equipped to navigate complex social issues, contribute to inclusive workplaces, and engage thoughtfully with the world around them.

Skills Gained

Students develop a wide range of competencies throughout their WGSS degree; here, we spotlight a few key skill areas that are especially impactful and transferable.

Interdiscplinary problem solving methodologies	Ability to formulate a position and defend it
Data analysis through intersectional framework	Pursuasive academic and public writing
Critical thinking and theoretical analysis	Facilitating discussions on complex, identity-based topics
Building inclusive, equity-focused group dynamics	Ethical critique of systems, institutions, and histories
Intersectional analysis of power, identity, and equality	Advocacy for marginalized communities and human rights
Deconstruction of social, political, and cultural narratives	Public speaking and debate on sensitive or controversial topics
Navigating and critiquing public policy and social justice systems	Application of feminist, queer, and trans theories to real-world contexts

Career Pathways

Students in our undergraduate and graduate programs are equipped to succeed across a wide range of fields that value equity, critical inquiry, and inclusive leadership. These are a few examples of careers WGSS degree holders could pursue.

Medicine & Health

A degree in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) equips students with a deep understanding of how gender, race, sexuality, and social structures impact health outcomes, healthcare access, and patient experiences. This critical perspective is invaluable in medicine and public health, where cultural competency, equity, and ethical care are essential for addressing disparities and improving patient-centered care.

Physician

Nurse Practitioner

LGBTQ+ Health Researcher

Public Health Educator

Midwife

Arts, Media, and Culture

A degree in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) provides critical tools to analyze how power, identity, and representation shape artistic expression, media narratives, and cultural production. This perspective enhances creative work and media literacy, allowing students to challenge dominant stories, amplify marginalized voices, and contribute to more inclusive and socially engaged art and communication.

Artist or Filmmaker

Museum Curator

Editor or Publisher

Theatre Director

Novelist or Screenwriter

Musician

Novelist

Education & Social Welfare

A degree in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) prepares students to recognize and address systemic inequalities within education and social welfare systems. It fosters critical thinking, empathy, and an intersectional approach—essential for advocating for inclusive policies, supporting diverse communities, and creating equitable learning and support environments.

Teacher or Education Administrator

Social Worker or Psychologist

Librarian or Archivist

Journalist

College Professor

Business, Marketing, & DEI

A degree in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) equips students with a critical understanding of how identity, power, and culture influence consumer behavior, branding, and organizational dynamics. In business and marketing, this allows graduates to create campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences and avoid harmful stereotypes. In DEI work, WGSS provides the tools to assess workplace policies, foster inclusion, and promote equity through informed, intersectional strategies. These skills are increasingly valued in socially conscious and globally connected industries.

Public Relations Specialist

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Officer

Marketing Consultant

Communications Consultant

Human Resources Professional

Social Impact Strategist

Law, Policy, & Activism

A degree in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) offers a strong foundation in understanding how systems of power and inequality affect laws, policies, and social movements. It prepares students to analyze legal structures through an intersectional lens and advocate for more just and inclusive policies. Whether pursuing law, public policy, or activism, WGSS graduates bring critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and a commitment to equity that are essential for driving meaningful social change.

Lawyer or Legal Advocate

Domestic Violence Advocate

Union Organizer

Congressional Aide

Nonprofit Director

Director of Human Rights Organizations