How gender and sexuality impact public health
A minor in Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies offers you a way to cross disciplinary boundaries and take an active part in the world around you. The goals of the program include recognizing gendered individuals of all backgrounds as whole and productive human beings, providing a more accurate and equitable account of human experience, and employing gender as a central category of analysis.
Our minor exposes you to the scholarly traditions of history, English, political science, psychology, environmental studies, philosophy, anthropology, and sociology. This interdisciplinary perspective invites you to consider how gender plays out in your major field of study by exploring how gender and sexuality impact mental health; medical diagnoses and treatments; social, behavioral, and environmental initiatives for a healthier planet; and more. Whether you’re a student in the College of Arts and Sciences or Westbrook College of Health Professions, you can enrich your perspective by pursuing the minor.
Program
Allie Symonds ’18
Experiential Education
During my time at SWAGÊÓƵ, I did an internship at Sweetser in the Crisis Unit working with children ages 5–17. When my internship was over, I was offered a job as a youth and family counselor in the crisis unit where I worked for about a year until moving on to digital research. I am grateful that SWAGÊÓƵ provides internship opportunities for students while they’re in school because it provides on-the-ground experiences that you aren’t able to get in the classroom. For me, it showed me that I did not want to pursue the counseling/therapy track and instead focus on research.
I took a few research classes but the most influential experience I had was working in the Self and Close Relationship Lab. I started in the lab as a freshman and it opened my eyes to another side of psychology I didn’t know was available. While working in the lab I gained extensive experience in all aspects of the research process and currently use much of what I learned in my full-time job. I wouldn’t be on the track I am — on the career path I’m on — if I hadn’t gotten involved in undergraduate research. The number of hours I spent in the lab along with the ability to work one-on-one with Dr. Peterson afforded me so many experiences and learning opportunities that aren’t available through only classes.
I wouldn’t be on the track I am — on the career path I’m on — if I hadn’t gotten involved in undergraduate research.
One-of-a-kind Location
As a student in our Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies program, you study on SWAGÊÓƵ's scenic Biddeford Campus, where the waters of the Saco River flow into the Atlantic Ocean. Over the years, this confluence of natural resources has inspired students and faculty from around the world. Recently named the youngest city in Maine, Biddeford, and its twin city, Saco, boast an up-and-coming, hip downtown offering delicious eateries, exciting social and cultural events, and more. With the transformation of the old Biddeford/Saco mills into restaurants, breweries, housing, fitness facilities, salons, and retailers, there is something for everyone to explore in downtown. Looking to try a new type of food, grab a coffee, or shop for locally-made clothes? Biddeford/Saco has it all.
Take a Virtual Tour of Our Biddeford Campus