Gain context. Challenge norms. Promote justice.

Compassionate, people-driven leaders know how to analyze inequities, confront social injustice, and initiate change. Studying gender, sexuality, and women—and learning how identities intersect and interact—will prepare you to thrive in a diverse and complex world.

As a Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies (GSW) major at John Carroll University, you’ll develop into a mindful citizen ready to bring empathy and insight to wherever your career takes you.

Immersive Internships

Gain experience and make connections with advocacy groups, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government agencies in Cleveland or around the country.

Service Opportunities

Volunteer with causes that matter to you. Rooted in values of social justice, our program encourages students to become civically engaged on campus, in the local community, and beyond.

Program Overview & Outcomes

As a gender studies major at JCU, you’ll explore history, psychology, sociology, art, law, literature, world cultures, and other areas all through a gender-focused lens. Among the learning outcomes of the GSW program, you will:

  • Articulate a critical understanding of the impact of gender and sexuality within your own life
  • Describe how constructions for gender/sexuality have socially, historically, and globally shaped experiences for both women and men
  • Identify ethical and social justice dimensions and implications within the study of gender/sexuality

Many of our students pursue a double major in areas such as psychology or peace, justice, and human rights.

Your Path Forward Starts Here

Plan your future from day one. Finish faster with accelerated degrees or secure your spot with early assurance partnerships.

Explore how gender and sexuality shape experiences globally and historically in our Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies program at John Carroll University.

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Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA)

Prepare for a career in mental health counseling through JCU's accelerated dual-degree pathway.

Master of Education in School Counseling (MEd)

Earn your K-12 school counseling credential and master's degree. Prepare to support students' academic, career, and social-emotional development in school settings.

CWRU

2 Years

MSSA Social Work

Complete your Master of Social Service Administration at CWRU's top-ranked Mandel School. Clinical and community practice training for careers in social justice and human services.

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Combine your JCU bachelor's degree with a master's in business administration in just one additional year.

Master of Education (MEd) – Primary P-5

Earn your teaching license and master's degree together. Graduate ready to lead your own elementary classroom with advanced credentials.

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Future in Focus

Nine graduate credits count toward both degrees—so you're building clinical skills while finishing your bachelor's. You pay your undergraduate tuition rate, and your financial aid still applies. Start helping people sooner.

Future in Focus

Nine graduate credits count toward both degrees—building counseling expertise while finishing your bachelor's. You pay your undergraduate tuition rate, and your financial aid still applies. Start supporting students sooner.

Future in Focus

Three years at JCU building your foundation in social systems, then two years at CWRU's top-ranked Mandel School. You graduate with two degrees and the preparation to change lives through service and social justice.

Future in Focus

Nine graduate credits count toward both degrees—building executive-level skills while completing your bachelor's. You pay your undergraduate tuition rate with financial aid applied. An MBA for the cost of a few extra courses.

Future in Focus

Nine graduate credits count toward both degrees—earning your teaching license and master's while finishing your bachelor's. You pay your undergraduate tuition rate, and your financial aid still applies. Get into the classroom sooner.

 
JCU's Distinct Promise

Pathways are just the beginning.
Onward makes them happen.

From your first semester forward, Onward connects your goals with the people, experiences, and support that help you build momentum with purpose.

Watch the Story

Quincy's Story

Starting in his first semester at John Carroll, Quincy Unger '26 found a team who helped him shape his ideas, find the right opportunities, and launch his own business.

Discover Onward

Where Our Alumni Go

Our alumni make a difference in organizations of all kinds. They lead business with empathy and compassion, and they serve communities near and far.

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