The University of Toledo

Women's and Gender Studies Department

Welcome to Our Department

The Department of Women’s and Gender Studies (WGST) has been producing successful graduates for the past eleven years.  Our students leave the University of Toledo with an interdisciplinary degree that prepares them for graduate school, professional degree programs  and for engaging careers in both the public and private sectors.  Our recent alums can be found working in Washington, DC for the President’s National Security Council or working locally for women’s advocacy organizations.  They can also be found in graduate programs for Higher Education, Theology, and Women’s Studies as well as in law school, and health programs.

We offer a major and a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies.  Our faculty research interest areas include:  Sexuality Studies, Global Women’s Studies, Feminist Film and Media Analysis, Girlhood and Adolescence, Constructions of Male Identities, and Women’s literature.  All of our majors participate in a field experience where students are able to intern with local, national and/or international organizations.  Our faculty are deeply committed to students and have received awards for teaching and advising including the University Outstanding Teacher Award, Master Teacher Award and the University Outstanding Student Organization Advisor Award.  Ourcurriculum is designed to provide each student with a rigorous background in gender studies and analysis.  Our faculty actively engage students in learning both in and outside of the classroom.  Students are provided with numerous opportunities to connect their academic work with community engagement projects and service.

The WGST degree prepares students for a wide variety of jobs and career paths.  Our department is dedicated to providing students with a high quality degree and making sure that all of our students have as many opportunities as possible for real-world mentorship and exploration.  We believe these types of experiences are key as you prepare yourself for a rich and exciting future.

If you have any questions please feel free to call me at 419-530-2233.  I encourage you to explore the website and/or drop-in for a visit.  Our offices are located on the 4th floor of University Hall, Room 4260. You can also reach me via email at Charlene.gilbert@utoledo.edu.

Charlene Gilbert, Professor & Department Chair