women's studies as a major in college?

Question

i'm torn between majoring in sociology or women's studies.

thoughts are appreciated :]

Answer 1

depends on what kind of job you want

Women's studies locks you into academic jobs (after you get your PhD) or maybe the few government and non-profits organizations that deal with discrimination of women.

Sociology is a much broader appeal, it gets you into a wide range of government and non-profit jobs, as well as marketing or HR positions in the commercial companies.

I seriously suggest you do Sociology, to keep your options open. If you really feel like crusading for women's rights, add WS as minor.

Also be warned that some male chauvinists might be less likely to hire you if they see WS degree.

Answer 2

Actually, these fields are quite complementary. Often, a person majoring in sociology can EASILY obtain at least a certificate in Women's Studies (depending on the college). In sociology, you DO deal with gender issues and inequality, but you'll also talk about race, class, and other such factors.

I think if you can only choose one, sociology would be the better option, simply because it does encompass women's studies, and perhaps you could major in sociology with a women/gender studies focus.

Answer 3

I hope I am helpful when students come to me for advice. What I suggest to students is that they find two or three different things they would like to do with their lives and find the educational path that will best prepare them for that future. With a good deal of experience here I suggest sociology and a back up major (journalism, business, etc.). Most people do not have just one career in this day and age.

I believe I have had a wonderful varied worklife. I was a head nurse longer than anything, but I could never go back- it is very hard nurturing 3 pound babies so that they survive. And some did not. Those were hard. I love teaching but last week I was contacted by two different entities about those dream CEO jobs- things I may have been in training for all of my adult life. But as a professor I enjoy the 30 hour work weeks, the summers and holiday's off, my colleagues, and my students.

Answer 4

Over twenty years ago, I got a degree in Sociology. Probably because I had more credits in that field than any other. I simply went to University because my parents expected it, and because it seemed to be the next natural step in my life. But I've never used that degree, and couldn't even tell you much about any of the courses.

Today, with University/College being so expensive, I firmly believe that you should study something that will be used toward a career. Perhaps you should focus on how you would use those courses in your future, rather than simply choosing one that provides more interest than the other.

Answer 5

One thing you should not do is major in something simply because you think it will get you a great job after you graduate. Chances are, you will end up in a job that you find to be boring and unsatisfying. Don't go for a science degree if you have no aptitude or interest in the subject. Many people working in those fields have advanced degrees anyway and you're not going to get a job unless you also have one. Do you really want to spend several more years studying a subject that you're not good at? I wouldn't.

Answer 6

Sociology has more openings and more opportunity. I think (a personal opinion) the best job you can get out of women's studies is to be a teacher of women's studies.

Answer 7

I am a human resources major with a goal of family counseling so womens studies is very interesting to me, maybe widen your scope to gender studies? Think of your career goals and see shich degree will benefit you the most. For my goal I could go with sociology, or psychology but chose human resources because that degree will offer me more variety in career choices than just counseling, research or teaching. Good luck.

Answer 8

That depends, with either, will a BA be the extent of your education, or do you plan on obtaining a graduate degree?
Both are difficult to apply to career possibilities without further education.

I'm a sociology undergrad major with a borderline WS minor, but that's because I plan to pursue grad school in library science, which is open to any undergrad degree.

Answer 9

Why be torn? Neither of those majors have enough rigor to power a rubber band car. Get real, young lady and get a real education that will challenge you and be of some real use to the world. We could always use more women in science, assuming you have the intellectual capacity and the drive to get there.

The professor gave you some good advice.

Answer 10

Do not pick a major the first two years, use that time to really find out what interest you.