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Women's Studies (B.A.) and Humanities (M.A.)

Women’s Studies is an international discipline that focuses on gender, race, class, sexuality, ability, nation, and language as a means of understanding social systems and making meaningful contributions to a range of fields. Through a feminist perspective, women’s studies looks at how gender organizes and divides the world, and how individuals can make a difference for women and girls, and wider human rights and environmental causes. This discipline may be combined with a range of related fields at the undergraduate and graduate levels, to allow students to demonstrate a refined focus and complementary specializations.

Women's Studies (B.A.) and Humanities (M.A.)


Description


What is Women's Studies and Humanities at ODU like?

Women’s Studies is an international discipline that focuses on gender, race, class, sexuality, ability, nation, and language as a means of understanding social systems and making meaningful contributions to a range of fields. Through a feminist perspective, women’s studies looks at how gender organizes and divides the world, and how individuals can make a difference for women and girls, and wider human rights and environmental causes. This discipline may be combined with a range of related fields at the undergraduate and graduate levels, to allow students to demonstrate a refined focus and complementary specializations.

Program Highlights


What makes Women's Studies and Humanities at ODU unique?

  • This linked program allows students to propel graduate studies with select courses in distinct areas of study

  • Women’s Studies graduates have specialized in international development, media studies, environmental studies, and social work, to name just a few

  • Our students who go on to graduate work have become advocates for human rights, professional writers, educators, and law/policy experts

  • For students interested in connecting the value of social equality to a range of expressions, this linked program offers an accelerated path to a range of fields

  • Our courses, mentorship, and professional opportunities build upon a solid critical thinking foundation and the capacity to link the field of women’s studies to action, across a range of contexts

Careers


What are some careers in this field?

Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Social and Community Service Managers

$70,530

MEDIAN SALARY


Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.

Chief Executives

$196,050

MEDIAN SALARY


Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary

$68,980

MEDIAN SALARY


Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Government Property Inspectors and Investigators

$71,540

MEDIAN SALARY


Investigate or inspect government property to ensure compliance with contract agreements and government regulations.

Courses


What are some courses offered in Women's Studies and Humanities at ODU?

WMST 460W:
Feminist Theory


A study of the renaissance in feminist thought since the 1960s through close readings of key documents and texts. The course covers a variety of feminist perspectives as expressed in both theory and practice. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisites: WMST 201S or WMST 302W and a grade of C or better in ENGL 211C or ENGL 221C or ENGL 231C.

WMST 405:
Gender and Media


This course examines media-based sites of knowledge production using a feminist approach, in order to imagine new and more complex ways to think about media rhetorics; celebrity culture; digital media; and the politics of representation. Key questions will be: What roles do media play in shaping social movements? What are the promises and pitfalls of activist interventions in the realm of commercial culture? In what ways might we complicate narratives of co-optation or selling out? The class explores these questions using an intersectional lens attentive to the complex interconnections of race, class, gender, and sexuality. Case studies will include national, international, and transnational media events. Prerequisite: WMST 201S, WMST 390T, or instructor approval.

WMST 501:
Women: A Global Perspective


An analysis of the global forces that impact women?s lives throughout the world. Particular emphasis is placed on the status of women in the developing world, international institutions that protect women?s rights, and efforts to promote gender equality worldwide. (This is a writing intensive course.)

Requirements


What are the requirements to apply for Women's Studies and Humanities at ODU?

Students entering the Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's of Art Program program in Women's Studies and Humanities should meet the minimum university admission requirements (Undergraduate Admission)

To declare a Women's Studies major, students must see an advisor in the Women's Studies Department. All Women's Studies majors are required to have a conference with their advisor before each semester (preferably during preregistration).

The linked program in Women's Studies and Humanities makes it possible for exceptional Women's Studies majors to count up to 12 hours of graduate courses toward both an undergraduate and graduate degree. Students must earn a minimum of 150 credit hours (120 discrete credit hours for the undergraduate degree and 30 discrete credit hours for the graduate degree). 

Cost

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates for the 2022-23 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

Virginia Resident


Per Credit:

$ 374

Non-Resident


Per Credit:

$ 1,039

Active Duty Military Rate


Per Credit:

$ 250

Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States


Per Credit:

$ 407

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid

Scholarship


Anita Clair Fellman Service-Learning Scholarship

 

Next Steps


I like this program. What are the next steps?

Contact


Need help applying?

Meet Your Enrollment Team

Our enrollment coordinators are ready to help you through the admissions process.

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PROFESSOR


Name:

Jennifer Fish


Location:

3044 BATTEN ARTS & LETTERS, NORFOLK, VA, 23529



Office:

757-683-4908


Undergraduate Admissions


Location:

1004 Rollins Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529


Phone Office:

757-683-3685


Fax:

757-683-3255


Email:

admissions@odu.edu


International Admissions


Location:

2101 Dragas Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529


Phone Office:

757-683-3701


Fax:

757-683-3651


Email:

intladm@odu.edu

Transfer


I like this program and want to transfer. What are my next steps?

At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful transition, engagement, and academic achievement of transfer students. The services and programs offered to you as a Monarch are endless so take advantage of every opportunity. Even before you set foot on campus, we encourage you to Explore, Experience, and Engage! Visit our Transfer Students page for more information.

Additional Programs


Are there other programs at ODU I may be interested in?

With over 120 undergraduate programs, 130 graduate programs at the master'seducation specialist and doctoral levels plus a wealth of certificate and professional development programs, Old Dominion University has the program for you. Visit our academic program listing page to see other programs ODU has to offer.

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