At Pace University's Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, earning a bachelor’s degree in Women's and Gender Studies gives you the tools to understand complex social issues, examine how identity and systems shape people's lives, and turn that knowledge into meaningful action. You'll build skills in critical thinking, communication, research, advocacy, and policy analysis while gaining hands-on experience in New York City and beyond. Whether you're interested in law, public policy, nonprofit work, communications, social impact, or adding a second major that strengthens your primary field of study, the program can help you connect your interests to a wide range of academic and career paths.

Have questions about where a Women's and Gender Studies degree can take you? Explore career paths, skills, experiential learning opportunities, graduate school preparation, and what it's like to study the field at Pace University.

Key Takeaways

• A Women's and Gender Studies degree builds transferable skills in critical thinking, research, communication, and policy analysis, preparing graduates for careers in law, policy, and nonprofit work.
• Pace holds special consultative status at the United Nations (UN), one of only 10 universities nationwide, giving students direct UN and NGO exposure from year one.
• Women's and Gender Studies pairs easily with majors like economics, criminal justice, and political science for a flexible double major.
• Pace alumni have built careers as policy advisors, nonprofit founders, DEI program managers, and consultants on LGBTQ+ issues.

Is a Women's and Gender Studies Degree Worth It?

A Women's and Gender Studies degree can prepare you for a wide range of careers by developing highly transferable skills in communication, critical thinking, research, problem-solving, leadership, and the analysis of complex social issues. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual income for graduates with degrees in cultural and gender studies is comparable to that of bachelor's degree holders overall.

Women's and Gender Studies can also be especially valuable as a second or double major, allowing students to apply their perspectives and skills to another field of study. A criminal justice student, for example, might examine gender-based violence and the experiences of survivors, while an economics student might study the gender pay gap or the ways economic policies affect different communities.

Since the field covers topics such as equity, disability, intersectionality, public policy, culture, and social change, a Women's and Gender Studies degree can complement careers in a wide variety of fields. These include law, public policy, education, communications, nonprofit, business, advocacy, and social services. At Pace, the interdisciplinary nature of the program gives students the flexibility to connect these skills and perspectives with their broader academic and career goals.

What Careers Can You Pursue with a Women's and Gender Studies Degree?

Many graduates pursue careers in the social impact sector, which aims to create systemic and sustainable change to meet societal and environmental needs. Career opportunities for those who graduate with a BA in Women’s and Gender Studies include:

• Community education program developer or manager
• Policy analyst in schools, hospitals, foundations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations
• Social and community service manager
• Gender equality advocate
• Social policy analyst
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion program coordinator
• Community outreach specialist
• Nonprofit program manager

What Jobs Have Pace University Alumni with a Women's and Gender Studies Degree Held?

• Consultants specializing in LGBTQ+ issues
• Leaders of transgender rights nonprofits
• Advisors to political candidates and elected officials
• Nonprofit and small-business founders and CEOs
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion program managers
• Professionals working in corporate social responsibility and law
• Data analysts
• Psychologists, therapists, and mental health social workers

What Skills Do Women's and Gender Studies Majors Develop?

As a Women’s and Gender Studies major, you’ll develop a wide-ranging set of transferable skills that can prepare you for careers and graduate-level programs, including:

• Storytelling. Learn how to frame and communicate people’s experiences to advocate for and lead social and political change.
• Equitable systems design. Learn to look beyond surface-level change and consider how transparency, feedback, governance, and policy can create more equitable institutions.
• Grant writing and fundraising. Build foundational program-development skills that are valuable in nonprofits, philanthropy, advocacy, and community organizations.
• Intersectional analysis. Learn to examine how factors such as gender, race, class, sexuality, and disability intersect when addressing inequity, discrimination, violence, and access.
• Critical thinking and communication. Strengthen your active listening, analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, which are valuable across industries and professions.

Can Women's and Gender Studies Prepare Me for Law School?

Women’s and Gender Studies can provide strong preparation for law school by developing skills in analytical reading, research, writing, legal and policy analysis, and examining complex issues from multiple perspectives.

Pace graduates have gone on to law school and report that their Women’s and Gender Studies coursework helped prepare them to analyze laws and policies, understand their impact on different communities, and apply concepts such as intersectionality to their work. These perspectives can be especially valuable for students interested in areas such as civil rights, public interest law, social justice, and corporate social responsibility.

What Majors Pair Well with Women's and Gender Studies?

Women's and Gender Studies pairs well with a wide range of majors, thanks to its flexible, interdisciplinary skill set. Common options include:

• Communication and Media Studies
• Criminal Justice
• Economics
• English
• Peace and Justice Studies
• Philosophy/Religious Studies
• Political Science
• Sociology/Anthropology

Does Women's and Gender Studies Examine Race, Class, Sexuality, and Identity?

Women’s and Gender Studies examines how race, class, sexuality, gender, and other aspects of identity intersect and shape people’s experiences. Students explore these connections to better understand social issues, systems, and inequalities and to consider approaches that can create meaningful change. Examples of some courses you can take that center on these conversations include:

• Global Activism and Transnational Feminist Theories
• Understanding Community and Diversity: Queer Cultures
• Economics of Gender, Race and Class
• Inclusive Sex Education and Reproductive Health in the Nonprofit Sector
• Topic: Black Sexualities and Creative Resistance

Explore more courses you can take as part of a Women’s and Gender Studies degree

What Experiential Learning Opportunities are Available in Women's and Gender Studies?

Through Pace’s Women’s and Gender Studies program, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a variety of experiential learning opportunities, including:

• Special consultative status at the United Nations. As one of 10 universities in the country with this status, students can gain insight into what working in the UN and consultative NGOs is like starting on day one of their college journey.
• Collaborative research with faculty and other students.
• Community partnerships with local, national, and international organizations including opportunities to develop modules and teach courses to community members.
• Access to a Makerspace and collaboration with the Pace Zine Library to create unique zines and creative portfolios.
• Funding for independent research and seed grants through the Jenny Loi scholarship, particularly for students interested in STEM.

Why Study Women's and Gender Studies in New York City?

When you study Women’s and Gender Studies in New York City, you can explore gender, sexuality, identity, social justice, and public policy in one of the world’s most diverse cities.

At Pace University, you can connect what you learn in the classroom with hands-on experiences, civic engagement, advocacy, and global organizations throughout the city.

You’ll also join a university with a strong history of LGBTQA+ advocacy and community. Pace’s LGBTQA+ Center was established with support from the Women’s and Gender Studies department, continuing a legacy that includes program co-founder Karla Jay, a pioneering LGBTQA+ activist who participated in the Stonewall uprising and helped found national LGBTQA+ organizations.

Through Pace’s emphasis on experiential learning and civic engagement, you’ll have opportunities to examine lived experiences, analyze complex social issues, and develop approaches to creating meaningful change.

One of Pace’s most distinctive opportunities is its special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), which can give you insight into the work of the United Nations and nongovernmental organizations. With the UN and countless advocacy, nonprofit, cultural, legal, and public-service organizations nearby, New York City becomes an extension of the classroom.

Ready to Explore Women's and Gender Studies at Pace?

Discover how a Women’s and Gender Studies degree from Pace University’s Dyson College of Arts and Sciences can help you turn your interests into meaningful academic, professional, and real-world experiences. Explore the program, review the curriculum, and take the next step toward studying in New York City.

On July 19, 2026, one of the most watched events in the world, the 2026 FIFA World Cup Closing Ceremony at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, featured fourteen Pace University Commercial Dance alumni.

These alumni performed in front of 84,000 fans packed into the stadium while over a billion viewers watched on television around the world.

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For alumnus Aiden Pressel ’21, it was everything he had hoped for and more. “Performing at the World Cup Closing Ceremony was a dream come true.” He shared. “The highlight of the experience was getting to share the stage with so many Pace Commercial Dance alumni. The energy was truly electric. I’m grateful for the incredible community Pace has given me.”

The importance of the Pace Community was echoed by alumna Svetha Nallapaneni ’23, who described the feeling of walking onto the field as something she could not put into words. “The adrenaline rush before performing and connecting with the other dancers out on the field is an indescribable feeling.” she said. “The people, the place, and the roar of the crowd are engraved in my brain forever.”

Alumna Hadley Koger ’23 found herself trying to soak in every second of the experience. “Walking onto that field and seeing more than 80,000 people in the stands, knowing it was reaching 1.5 billion people around the world, felt surreal.” she reflected. “A World Cup final in New York City will probably only happen once in my lifetime. I just wanted to take everything in and be present.”

From Broadway to the big screen to globally celebrated events like the FIFA World Cup Closing Ceremony, Pace Commercial Dance alumni are taking center stage, collaborating with industry-leading choreographers and captivating audiences around the world. Their success reflects Pace Commercial Dance’s position as one of the nation’s top dance programs, where performing artists like Aiden, Svetha, and Hadley receive the expert training and unparalleled industry access they need to launch their careers and fulfill their dreams.

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Pace University Continues a 36-Year Tradition in the Fight Against Breast Cancer

Join your fellow Setters along with our team captain, Dr. Ellen Mandel Professor Emeritus, in the fight to end breast cancer at the 36th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on Saturday, October 24, at Foley Square, with participants walking across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Pace has maintained a proud tradition of being the largest college/university team. We hope to continue that important distinction. Join us by registering for the Pace team today!

We’re stronger together. United by hope, we can support those who need help today, while fearlessly searching for tomorrow’s cures. Will you join us in this fight?

If you have questions regarding registration, please email Stacie Spitzkoff from Komen Race for the Cure. Additional questions can be directed to Pace’s Public Affairs department.

Please watch the YouTube video below of Dr. Mandel reading a poem she wrote 30 years ago to create awareness about Breast Cancer and to beg for federal funding in Washington, “Walking for the Cure.” This poem was aired during the 30th anniversary of Komen NYC.

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Long before she arrived at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Bianca Hayles ’27 knew she wanted to use the law to create meaningful change in her community.

For Bianca Hayles, becoming a lawyer has never been just about building a career—it has always been about creating opportunities for others. As a first-generation college student, she earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science from John Jay College of Criminal Justice before gaining professional experience as a paralegal and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) professional. Now, as a full-time JD candidate at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law, she is building on that foundation with a clear goal: to become a powerful advocate and problem solver for those who need it most. “I want to be an amplifier, advocate, and problem solver within my community—using the law as a tool to create meaningful change,” she shares.

“Growing up in South Jamaica, Queens, alongside my mother and my autistic brother, has shaped my perspective and deepened my commitment to making a positive impact,” Bianca explains. These experiences instilled in her a strong sense of responsibility and passion for justice early on.

As a New York native who hopes to give back to the state where she grew up, and as someone who aspires to be a litigator, Bianca believes there is no better law school for her than Haub Law. “It has a nationally ranked advocacy program and professors who are making significant strides in the fight for access to justice,” she notes. “These reasons, along with the generous financial aid package I received, made Haub Law a perfect choice for me.”

Since starting at the Law School, Bianca has fully embraced both the academic and experiential opportunities available to her. She has gained hands-on experience through internships, externships, and at a private law firm. Reflecting on her journey, she emphasizes the value of exploring different paths within the legal field. “I can confidently say that I have had a rich experiential learning experience, which has allowed me to sharpen my existing skills, develop new ones, and gain clarity about the type of attorney I would like to be.”

I can confidently say that I have had a rich experiential learning experience, which has allowed me to sharpen my existing skills, develop new ones, and gain clarity about the type of attorney I would like to be.

—Bianca Hayles '27

Equally important to Bianca’s experience is the strong sense of community she has found at Haub Law. From faculty and staff to her peers, she describes an environment defined by support, connection, and genuine investment in student success. “There isn’t a day that goes by when I walk the halls of the Law School without feeling the love and support that surrounds me. I feel an overwhelming sense of connection. My peers bring me so much joy, laughter, and camaraderie, while my professors invest their time in getting to know me beyond the classroom. I wouldn’t trade my community here for anything.”

Prior to starting at Haub Law, Bianca participated in the Judicial Institute’s New York Legal Education Opportunity Program, which helps bridge the gap for students who may not have access to mentorship within the legal profession while also introducing foundational concepts for first-year coursework. It was through this program that Bianca found an invaluable mentor in Visiting Assistant Professor Salihah Denman. “Her unwavering support and guidance have been essential as I navigate the challenges of being a first-generation Black law student. I frequently turn to her for advice as I tackle the complexities of this journey,” she shares.

A dedicated student leader, Bianca has served as President of both the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) and the Public Interest Law Student Organization (PILSO), where she has worked to build community and create opportunities for her peers.

Looking ahead, Bianca aspires to become a litigator while also establishing a nonprofit dedicated to supporting vulnerable youth in her community. Grounded in her own experiences and driven by a commitment to service, she is determined not only to succeed, but to uplift others along the way.

“I have been fortunate to receive mentorship and kindness from individuals who recognized my potential, and I believe it’s my duty to give back and invest in the next generation.”

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A seasoned nonprofit leader, Anne Sekula ’28 is leveraging the FLEX JD program to pursue a long-held goal—using the law to advance policy, support communities, and create lasting change.

For Anne Sekula, the decision to pursue a law degree was shaped by a lifetime of service, resilience, and a deep commitment to justice. Growing up on a dairy farm in rural Virginia as the youngest of seven girls, Anne was raised in a family that valued education and hard work. While most of her siblings became teachers and her mother put her own career on hold to raise seven children, education remained a priority. “I was always interested in justice, but didn’t think I could afford to attend law school,” Anne reflects.

After college, Anne built a career rooted in service—first as a social worker supporting single mothers and children experiencing homelessness, and later in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. She went on to earn a Master’s in Education from Harvard and spent years working on issues ranging from education reform to workforce development and domestic violence. But over time, she found herself wanting to do more.

“I became frustrated advocating for policy and public funding and seeing well-supported, evidence-based efforts fall off legislative and philanthropic agendas,” she explains. “I realized I didn’t have the specific skill set needed to move that work forward.”

A move to New York presented the opportunity for a mid-career transition, and law school became the next step in her journey—one that would allow her to combine policy work with direct client advocacy and gain the legal tools needed to create lasting change. Haub Law’s FLEX JD program made that transition possible. At the time she applied, Anne was balancing a consulting practice, a busy family life, and significant geographic constraints. “I needed a program that gave me flexibility so I could continue working, parenting, and still spend time with my spouse—and sleep,” she says. “The Law School’s FLEX JD program allowed me to choose a mix of day and evening classes that fit my schedule, while still leaving room for family time and volunteer and research opportunities.”

Since enrolling, Anne has found the program both rigorous and manageable. “I’ve been able to take just one fewer class each semester than my full-time peers, while still dedicating about 45 to 60 hours a week to school,” she notes. “In my second and third years, I’ve also been able to limit my time on campus to just a few days a week by combining day and evening classes. Pace has made that process very seamless.”

Beyond the flexibility, Anne has fully embraced the academic and experiential opportunities available at Haub Law. She has participated in the Pace Women’s Justice Center Family Court Legal Program, gaining hands-on courtroom experience while supporting low-income clients navigating complex family law matters. She has also pursued internships aligned with her interests in public interest and reproductive justice law, including work with a law firm and as a policy analyst for a national association of governors.

Anne also joined Pace Law Review during her 2L year and will serve as Editor-in-Chief in her final year, an achievement she sees as especially meaningful for part-time students. “We are committed to making Law Review flexible enough to accommodate part-time students so they also have the opportunity to pursue scholarly work within a busy schedule,” she says.

In the classroom, Anne has found inspiration in faculty who bring real-world experience into their teaching. She notes that Professor Jessica Miles has been a particularly impactful mentor. “She had a long-term practice in family and domestic violence law and is writing the casebook on domestic violence now. Learning directly from her has been amazing.” Equally important has been the sense of community she has found among her peers, particularly through organizations like the Public Interest Law Students Organization and Older Wiser Law Students. For Anne, these connections reinforce a shared commitment to practical, community-centered lawyering.

Looking ahead, Anne hopes to build a career in reproductive justice, combining policy development with litigation to support individuals, physicians, and organizations working to ensure access to care. “I hope to become involved in litigation supporting efforts to provide safe and accessible reproductive healthcare,” she says. At the same time, she remains deeply committed to public interest work more broadly, including supporting survivors of domestic violence through organizations like the Pace Women’s Justice Center.

Reflecting on her journey, Anne offers simple but powerful advice: “You don’t need to wait 25 years to return to law school—but it’s never too late. And don’t shortcut the work. Read the cases, brief them, and build your understanding step by step.”

For Anne, the FLEX JD program has made it possible to pursue a long-held goal while continuing to balance the many roles that define her life. In doing so, she is not only building a new career, but expanding the ways she can make a lasting impact.