Gender, Sexuality, & Race Studies

Undergraduate Major College of Liberal Studies

Bachelor of Arts

Student wearing PLU rainbow rose window shirt holding a pride flag behind their shoulders. The flag is seen by the wind blowing it to the side.

About

As a Gender, Sexuality, and Race Studies (GSRS) student at PLU, you’ll study how gender, sexuality and race are embedded in complex dynamics of power and resistance, and learn ways to understand identities and imagine new configurations of power.

This program gives students the important tools, resources, and language needed for personal empowerment and civic engagement. Through study and a required gender, sexuality & race studies internship or community practicum, you’ll develop skills that will prepare you to pursue social justice, solve problems in diverse communities, work effectively across differences and lead from an equity mindset, some of the most important skills and abilities desired by employers.

GSRS students develop skills in oral and written communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and community engagement and application. Our graduates are making positive changes in the way gender, sexuality and race are understood globally in the 21st century.

Graduates from the last 5 years: Their jobs

Social Service Specialist, Department of Children, Youth and Families
Refugee Service Program Assistant, Lutheran Volunteer Corps
Legal Advocate, YWCA Pierce County
Education Assistant, Washington State History Museum
Community Engagement Specialist, Molina Healthcare
DEI and Community Planning Coordinator, Kitsap County
Events and Stewardship Manager, The Mockingbird Society
AANAPISI Grant Manager, North Seattle College
Case Manager, Indiana Youth Group

Graduates from the last last 5 years: Their graduate programs

Master of Public Health - MPH, LGBTQ+ Health, Rutgers School of Public Health
MA in Counseling Psychology, University of San Francisco
PhD in Rhetoric and Political Culture, University of Maryland
MA in Pacific Island Studies, University of Hawaii
PhD in History, University of Southern California
PhD in History, The Graduate Center, City University of New York
Doctor of Law, University of Washington

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As I navigate the nonprofit world as a young professional, I find myself grateful for the ways my GSRS coursework and faculty taught me to engage in difficult conversations and actively unpack my own privilege as a white, college-educated person in America. The way I move about the world is heavily informed by my GSRS degree; I strive to cultivate equitable and inclusive environments, and I work to develop and maintain genuine relationships with all those whose paths I cross.

— Sarah C-S. '23

Did you know?

100% of GSRS complete hands-on learning through an internship or community practicum.

Did you know?

As a GSRS student, you’ll also get to choose classes from a variety of other academic programs, including Sociology, English, Psychology, Communication, Kinesiology, Religion, and more!

Did you know?

Interested in studying abroad? GSRS students have the opportunity to study away and earn credit toward their degree in places like Trinidad & Tobago, England, India, Australia, Nepal and others.

Did you know?

Want to get even more involved? You can participate in Iota Iota Iota (the national Gender and Sexuality Studies Honor Society), live in Women’s Empowerment & Gender Equity or Environmental & Social Justice learning communities on campus, work with PLU’s Center for Diversity, Justice, and Sustainability, or join one of many Diversity, Justice & Sustainability (DJS) focused clubs for students based on identities and interests.