B.A. in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies

The interdisciplinary major in LGBT Studies advances knowledge in sexual and gender identity, and increases understanding of the diverse cultural, historical, ethnic/racial, and contemporary experiences of people across sexualities. The focus is on the changing nature of same-sex desire, sexual behavior, and same-sex relationships from antiquity to the present. Courses focus on emerging LGBT subcultures and identities from a global perspective. From there, courses address scientific and psychological explanations of LGBT identities, LGBT literature, the institutions of law and government, education and the workplace, family, healthcare, local and international LGBT movements, popular culture, and news media in the current day. Throughout the program of study, we will carefully consider the full range of genders, sexualities, races, ethnicities, classes, physical abilities, religions, and political persuasions that characterize current LGBT movements and communities. Career Opportunities: A major or minor in LGBT Studies prepares students for a large variety of careers. Students can work in LGBT non-profit agencies, law, local and national politics, health care settings, counseling centers, journalism, news media, theatre, film, fine arts, and education. Most jobs and careers today welcome and benefit from employees with expertise in diversity, including knowledge and experience on LBGTQ issues. A national organization based in Washington, D.C., Out For Work, sponsors an annual college student career conference of corporations and non-profit agencies actively seeking culturally-competent LGBT employees and allies for their work forces. It is noteworthy that recent Out For Work conferences had many corporate sponsors, including Lockheed Martin, IBM, Marriott, Boeing, Nordstrom, Prudential, Walgreens, American Airlines, Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch, among others, and also numerous college and non-profit sponsors.