Learning Outcomes

SJU student and Gender Studies and Music double major, Nick Brey (SJU ’25), talks about the benefits of studying Gender Studies.

“I chose to major in Gender Studies because I wanted a unique challenge in college and majoring in Gender Studies has allowed me to take classes in several different subjects like music, gender studies, math, psychology, but it’s also opened the doors to more professional opportunities like internships in the realm of advocacy…music, and health services. It’s also given me the social skills to have civil conversations and also just be a more well-rounded student.

-Nick Brey
Gender Studies Major, Music Major
SJU ‘ 2025

Mission Statement

Our Gender Studies program envisions a world where gender equity and social justice are not just ideals, but lived realities. We equip students with the tools to 1) analyze and challenge hierarchies of power and oppression, and 2) foster inclusive, equitable communities that value diverse perspectives and lived experiences.  Rooted in the connection between theory and practice, our program encourages students to actively engage with these issues through social action projects, applied research, creative expression, internships, and community engaged learning.

A group of students sits in two long rows facing each other at tables in a bright classroom, working on laptops and talking. They sit in red chairs, and sunlight streams through large windows.

Through this hands-on experience, students not only contribute to the common good, but also develop the knowledge, adaptability, and ethical leadership skills to excel in diverse workplaces. A Gender Studies minor fosters the critical thinking, cultural agility, and collaborative skills essential for success in today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape. Graduates of our program emerge as engaged scholars, thoughtful advocates, and transformative leaders committed to building a more just and inclusive world.

Two students in casual clothes and hats are talking in a classroom; one gestures with his hand. Another student sits nearby, looking thoughtful, with a pink water bottle on the table in front of him.

Students who minor in Gender Studies will: 

Outcome 1

Understand how gender and other intersecting identities shape and are shaped by our world.

Outcome 2

Develop the skills to recognize and address identity-related barriers created by systems of power.


Emily Berg Paup

Chair, Gender Studies Department and Associate Professor, Strategic Communication Studies
Quad 362B
320-363-2017

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