MINOR
Women’s Studies
The Women’s Studies minor explores gender, power, and social structures through interdisciplinary study. You’ll examine historical and contemporary issues affecting women and gender-diverse communities while developing the analytical tools to advance equity in whichever field you pursue.

Dig Deeper Into the program
Explore courses that blend history, culture, policy, and activism to deepen your understanding of gendered experiences and social justice across local and global contexts.
What is a minor?
- A minor is a focused set of courses that complements your major and helps you build additional skills aligned with your interests and career goals.
Program Format
- On campus and online
- Select classes available online to provide added flexibility for students
Credit Hours
- Total credits required: 18
Explore the experiences, contributions and perspectives of women while building skills in critical thinking and analysis. The Women’s Studies minor prepares you to understand and address issues related to gender and equity.
- Valuable complement to majors focused on people and society
- Study of gender, identity and social systems
- Exploration of women’s roles across history and culture
- Focus on equity, inclusion and social change
- Development of critical thinking and communication skills
- Enrollment in a degree program at College of Saint Mary
- Declaration of the minor through an advisor
- Good academic standing
- Completion of any necessary pre-requisites
- Applications open July 1 for the upcoming academic year. CSM follows a rolling admission process, reviewing applications as they are received. We encourage students to apply early for priority consideration for scholarships, housing, and financial aid.
Tuition & Aid
Investing in your education is a big decision, and you do not have to navigate it alone. Every admitted full-time undergraduate student is guaranteed a merit scholarship, and CSM offers additional aid and personalized guidance to make your degree attainable. Our team will walk you through your options so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Why Choose This Minor?
Understand Social Structures
Gain frameworks for examining how gender and power shape personal and collective experiences.
Complement Any Field
Enhance majors like business, health, education, or social sciences with deeper perspectives on equity.
Engage Contemporary Issues
Study movements, policies, and cultural trends that shape gender and diversity today.
Mercy-Aligned Advocacy
Grounded in Mercy values, this minor encourages compassion, dignity, and ethical engagement with communities.
Your Roadmap to Admission
From application to enrollment, we guide you through each step with clarity and personal support so you can focus on what matters most and take the next step toward your future.
Career Opportunities
Women’s Studies minor prepares you for careers focused on equity, advocacy and community impact. Graduates pursue roles in nonprofits, education, healthcare and public service. Skills in critical thinking, communication and cultural awareness are valued in fields like policy, human resources and community outreach, where understanding diverse perspectives drives meaningful change.

Accreditation
The Assurance of Accreditation
The assurance of regional accreditation means that our degrees have been evaluated for their outcomes — including how well they prepare you to meet the needs of your employers, yourself and our global society. College of Saint Mary is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
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Wherever you’re starting from, we’ll help you build a future with confidence.
