Bachelor of Arts Women's Studies (BA)

Please note: Admissions is on hold for program review Fall 2026 onward.

Women's and Gender Studies is a multi- and interdisciplinary field of study that examines gender in historical and contemporary contexts with an emphasis on women's perspectives. We value the complex intersections of gender, race, class, sexuality, ability, nation, and other identities. We are committed to a social justice-based approach, and seek to bridge academic and community work. Contact the Women's and Gender Studies Department to speak with the Departmental Advisor, 757-683-3823.

Requirements

Lower-Division General Education

Written Communication: Grade of C or better required in both ENGL 110C and the second written communication course before declaring a major.

Language and Culture: Proficiency through 102 level-BS only; Proficiency through 202 level-BA only and not met by associate degree.

Impact of Technology requirement is satisfied in the major by WGS 390T.

WGS 201S cannot be used to satisfy the Human Behavior requirement.

Upper-Division General Education

• Option A. Approved Minor, 12-24 hours; also second degree or second major.
• Option B. Interdisciplinary Minor, 12 hours specified by the department, 3 of which may be in the major area of study.
• Option C. An approved certification program such as teaching licensure.
• Option D. Two Upper-Division Courses from outside the College of Arts and Letters or from the Arts and Humanities Component within the College of Arts and Letters that are not required by the major (6 hours).

Requirements for Graduation

Requirements for graduation include the following:

• Minimum of 120 credit hours.
• Minimum of 30 credit hours overall and 12 credit hours of upper-level courses in the major program from Old Dominion University.
• Minimum overall cumulative grade point average of C (2.00) in all courses taken.
• Minimum overall cumulative grade point average of C (2.00) in all courses taken toward the major.
• Minimum overall cumulative grade point average of C (2.00) in all courses taken toward a minor.
• Completion of ENGL 110C, ENGL 211C or ENGL 231C, and the writing intensive (W) course in the major with a grade of C or better. The W course must be taken at Old Dominion University.
• Completion of Senior Assessment.

Women's Studies Major

Electives

Elective courses may be taken for the remainder of the minimum 120 credits required for the degree.

Women's Studies as a Second Major

Students interested in Women's and Gender Studies but who already have a major may be able to fulfill their upper-division general education requirements by selecting Women's Studies as a second major. Such students must complete the same departmental requirements as those majoring solely in Women's Studies, but may count up to three Women's and Gender Studies approved courses taken for their other major toward their Women's Studies major as well. For instance, a student majoring in both Sociology and Women's Studies may count three courses (such as SOC 340, SOC 343, and SOC 427) taken toward their sociology requirements as three electives for their major in Women's Studies.

Double Majoring in Philosophy and Women's & Gender Studies

The Departments of Interdisciplinary Studies and Philosophy and Religious Studies have established an arrangement that makes it possible to complete a double major in as few as 57 hours, only 9 credits more than the 48 hours needed for a major in Women's & Gender Studies and minor in Philosophy. Any four of the following courses, totaling no more than 12 credit hours, may count toward both majors. Courses "double-counted" from one major will be considered electives in the other major.

Degree Program Guide

The Degree Program Guide is a suggested curriculum to complete this degree program in four years.  It is just one of several plans that will work and is presented only as broad guidance to students. Each student is strongly encouraged to develop a customized plan in consultation with their academic advisor.  Additional information can also be found in Degree Works. 

Dual Dominion BA/BS in Women's Studies and MA in Humanities

The Dual Dominion program in Women's and Gender Studies and Humanities makes it possible for exceptional Women's and Gender Studies majors to count up to 12 hours of graduate courses toward both an undergraduate and graduate degree.  Students must earn a minimum of 150 credit hours (120 discrete credit hours for the undergraduate degree and 30 discrete credit hours for the graduate degree).  For more information consult the Humanities section of this Catalog.

BA or BS to MBA (Master of Business Administration) Dual Dominion Program

The Dual Dominion BA/MBA or BS/MBA program is an early entry to the MBA program of study.  The early-entry program is designed for well qualified non-business undergraduate ODU students to start their MBA program prior to completing their undergraduate degree.  Well qualified non-business undergraduate students may take MBA-level courses as early as three semesters prior to graduation and count up to 12 graduate credits toward their undergraduate degree.  Students participating in the early-entry program must earn a minimum of 150 credit hours (120 discrete credit hours for the undergraduate degree and 30 discrete credit hours for the graduate degree).  Early-entry program students should carefully consider their undergraduate degree program requirements when planning their course of study.  Students in the early-entry program work in close consultation with the MBA Program Office and should refer to information in the Strome College of Business section in the graduate catalog to develop an individualized plan of study based on the required coursework.

BA or BS to MPA (Master of Public Administration) Dual Dominion Program

The Dual Dominion BA/MPA or BS/MPA program provides qualified Old Dominion University undergraduate students with the opportunity to earn a master's degree in public administration while taking credits in the MPA program as an undergraduate student.  The program is designed for highly motivated students with the desire to immediately continue their education after the bachelor's degree.  The program is especially relevant to individuals seeking to work (or currently working) in the public or non-profit sectors, but is suitable for students from any undergraduate major.  Graduate courses may be taken during the fall and spring semester of the student's senior undergraduate year.  Up to 12 graduate credits can count toward both the undergraduate and graduate degree and can meet upper-level General Education requirements. After receiving the undergraduate degree, a student will continue with the MPA program, taking MPA courses until completing the required 39 credit hours. Students in the Dual Dominion program must earn a minimum of 150 credit hours (120 discrete credit hours for the undergraduate degree and 30 discrete credit hours for the graduate degree).

Requirements for admission to the graduate program can be found in the School of Public Service section of the Graduate Catalog.  For additional information, please contact the School of Public Service in the Strome College of Business.