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Queer Studies

Undergraduate Minor

Graduate Minor

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Enhance your degree with a queer studies minor

The queer studies minor is a unique, interdisciplinary program that introduces students to the history, theory and practice of sexuality studies with an emphasis on gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and queer lives.

Our courses encourage thinking and discussion of theoretical, historical and contemporary issues related to sexuality. By the time students complete this minor, they have the skills needed to analyze systemic exclusion and inclusion, conduct analysis through a queer studies lens and apply queer theory in practice.

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Program Details

Tuition and Fees

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Department

School of Culture, Gender, and Social Justice

Program Requirements

Undergraduate Curriculum
Graduate Curriculum

About the Queer Studies Minor

The queer studies minor is an excellent program for anyone wishing to deepen their liberal arts education and understand various issues and topics related to sexuality. Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible for this minor. This program draws upon the strengths of various departments to provide students with a unique, interdisciplinary education. This is why each student works with a queer studies advisor to customize their curriculum and choose elective courses they’re most interested in.

Undergraduate Minor Requirements

The queer studies undergraduate minor requires the completion of 18 credit hours, including GWST 2000 - Introduction to LGBTQ/NS Studies and nine or more credits at the 3000-level or above. Each semester, students, in consultation with a queer studies advisor, will choose elective courses. A capstone project or internship is required but can be determined in consultation with an advisor.

Graduate Minor Requirements

The queer studies graduate minor requires the completion of 12 credit hours, including AMST 5430/GWST 5430 - Queer Theory. Within the 12 credit hours, students must take a minimum of 6 hours at the 5000+ level and complete a capstone project or independent study. For committee-based degree programs with queer studies content, it is expected that the student will include one committee member from queer studies faculty.

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What can you do with a queer studies minor?

The queer studies minor gives students the ability to conduct analysis using a queer studies lens and use queer theory in practice, regardless of their chosen career path. Our students apply what they learn in many different roles, organizations and industries. Many of our students receive additional education in graduate programs,  teach in higher education and/or conduct research. Recent graduates have gone on to complete graduate studies at Johns Hopkins University, University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Wyoming.

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Alumni Spotlights

Dr. Ben Noren completed a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Wyoming. Now, he uses his education as a successful medical researcher who integrates queer theory into his company’s marketing strategies. His company is a biotech firm, named Cell Drop Biosciences, located right here in Laramie, WY.

Sierra Jech is a UW alumna who is pursuing a Ph.D. in quantitative biology at the University of Colorado Boulder. She integrates queer theory into her scientific studies. Last year, she choreographed and performed a dance melding queer theory and microbial soil ecology. Her performance was grant-funded and performed in Moab, UT and Boulder, CO.

UW alumni, Liam Guille, is currently finishing his graduate degree in genetic counseling at Johns Hopkins University. He just accepted his first post-grad role, and he credits his undergraduate microbiology major and queer studies minor to his success in his field.

 

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Queer Studies Minor Highlights

There are many things our students love about the queer studies minor program, particularly our amazing faculty and research opportunities. 

Capstone Research Project

All minor students have the opportunity to enhance their research skills through a capstone project, independent study or internship program. This allows students to put their knowledge to the test. Once their projects are completed, all students present their research at UW’s undergraduate research day.

Notable Faculty

Our queer studies program is led by incredible faculty members from various departments across UW. Their expertise range from sociology of gender and xenophobia to intersectional feminist theory and inclusive pedagogy.

Studying Queer Theory challenged me to understand the powerful forces that shape our understanding of ‘normal.’ More importantly, Queer Theory has equipped me with the ability to question these forces so I can advocate for a world that embraces diversity in all its forms. Queer Theory investigates every facet of our lives, from the clothes we wear and the food we eat to the classes we take and how we research the world around us. ‘Thinking Queer’ has given me the ability to live a more authentic life for myself and has better prepared me to be a better student, researcher and practitioner.

- Liam G.

Related Programs

Interested in a queer studies minor? These programs may also be interesting to you:

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College of Arts & Sciences

Gender and Women's Studies

1000 E. University Avenue

Laramie, WY 82071

Phone: (307) 766-2733

Email: scgsj@uwyo.edu