Flexibility of GSRS Academic Pathways

The GSRS Major, Gender & Sexuality Minor and Critical Race Studies Minor are some of the more flexible academic pathways you can complete at PLU.  As interdisciplinary curricula, our programs include a required sequence of core courses in GSRS and a selection of elective courses from across a range of disciplines.

The diverse collection of courses available to fulfill most program requirements means that students can easily pair our major or minors with other degree paths across campus, as well as fulfill General Education requirements along the way.

Advising and Registration Resources

Advising Tips on Building your GSRS Academic Plan

Tips on Building your GSRS Academic Plan

Core courses should be strategically timed over the course of the four years at PLU. 

  • GSRS 201 should be taken fall or spring semesters of the first year.
  • GSRS 301 should be taken fall of either junior or senior year.
  • GSRS 499, the culminating course in the major, should be taken spring of either junior or senior year.
  • Core electives in the major, such as HGST 201 or NAIS 250, are often offered only in the fall semester.

Be strategic with your choice of electives.

  • Many of our CRS and GS electives will also fulfill IT, GE, and ES General Education requirements.

If you are double majoring, be mindful of what conflicts might occur in required course offerings.

  • As the GSRS capstone is offered only in the spring, consider if you wish to take the capstone concurrently with your other major’s capstone or choose to complete it during a different year.

If you are hoping to studying away, plan ahead.

  • There are a number of excellent study-away options that emphasize GSRS related content, including J-Term and semester-long programs in Trinidad and Tobago.
  • In most cases, study away coursework can count as GSRS electives.
  • Consider that when you plan to go away will affect the timing of your core courses.

Navigating Banner

Navigating Banner

How to Search for Critical Race Studies and Gender & Sexuality Studies Electives on PLU’s Banner Schedule of Classes

  1. Select Term
  2. Select All (Command A) Departments/Programs under “Subject”
  3. Select “Gender and Sexuality” or “Critical Race Studies” under “Gen Ed Element”