Women's Studies Degrees

Degrees in women's studies are designed to provide students with knowledge on issues of violence, equality, and economics in the lives of women. These programs may also cover disciplines in education, psychology or legal studies. A degree in this area of study may help students qualify for jobs in several fields such as education, marketing, management, journalism and publishing. They may also find work in counseling, social work or law. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of social workers, postsecondary teachers, mental health counselors and marriage and family health therapists is expected to grow between 2010 and 2020.

Women's Studies Degrees

Students interested in the field of women's studies can work towards the undergraduate or graduate programs. A master's or doctoral degree can be useful for those aspiring to pursue academic careers. Students in these programs get a chance to acquire research and analytical skills.

Candidates can enroll in bachelor's programs that may take up to 4 years and master's degree generally takes 1-2 years to complete. The master's degree in women's studies may be combined with the master of Social Work. Students can also work towards Doctorate in Philosophy. This program may take 5-7 years to complete. The duration of a program depends on the route that students decide to take.

Women's Studies Programs Curriculum

The coursework in women's studies programs may include topics such as women's health, intimacy, stress management or domestic violence issues. Classes are also available in Women in American society and images of women in film. Students may also get training in feminist research methods. Candidates in the women's studies degrees may also get a chance to study education and gender, gender and violence, psychology of women, women and politics and world perspectives on women among other subjects. In addition to the core coursework, students may also have to complete a capstone project.

Online Women's Studies Degrees

The distance learning programs are also available in women's studies. Those who are already working and want to switch careers or improve their employment opportunities without giving up their existing job can work towards online programs. The flexibility of the online degree programs allows learners to keep the balance between their personal and professional lives. But online education may not be suitable for all – it calls for discipline. Candidates who are well disciplined should opt for these programs.

Career Opportunities

Students with women's studies degrees may become counselors, professors, teachers or social workers. The location, type of job and experience are some of the factors that may help determine the income of candidates. As of 2012, the median annual wage for a mental health counselor was $40,080 and $54,560 for social workers.

Admissions Requirements

A high school diploma or equivalent may help students enroll in a degree in women's studies. Candidates may also have to submit ACT or SAT. Some programs may require students to have college credit hours for enrollment. Other factors for admissions may vary with schools.