Women and Gender Studies (BA)

Examine how gender shapes human identity, relationships and societies, both locally and globally, in Wilfrid Laurier University's Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Women and Gender Studies, analyzing issues of social justice and equity through feminist scholarship.

Explore gender equity, enhance your critical thinking skills and discover ways to drive meaningful change in the world. 
 
Apply to the Arts accredited co-op program to gain hands-on work experience and graduate with in-demand skills and knowledge to pursue careers in law, education, healthcare, social work, government, research,community advocacy and beyond.  

Program Details

Discover what makes this Laurier program unique and how you'll gain real-world experience.

Why Should I Choose This Program?

Your future professors work hard to make sure your academic experience is current, complete, and designed to open doors in your career. Here are a few things you can count on:

  • Turn Your Passion into a Career
    Combine Women and Gender Studies with programs like Communication Studies, Sociology or Global Studies to gain a well-rounded understanding of social justice and equity. This interdisciplinary approach builds versatile skills that prepare you for careers in both the public and private sectors.
  • Explore Women and Gender Studies
    Dive into an interdisciplinary program that challenges you to think critically about power, identity and social change. This program explores topices like feminist theory, intersectionality, sexuality, representation and social justice, connecting what you learn in class to real-world movements and issues.
  • Pathway to MBA
    Begin your Women and Gender Studies degree with a conditional offer to Laurier’s full-time MBA program, providing you with a clear path from undergraduate studies to graduate-level business education. This competitive option allows you to complete your MBA in just one year, including three academic terms. 
  • Accelerate Your Degree
    Fast-track your future by completing your degree in just three years. By working with your Academic Advisor and taking courses during the summer semesters, you can graduate early and get a head start on your career or graduate studies. 

How Will I Gain Real-World Experience?

Here are just a few of our students’ favourite ways to apply their learning in the real world throughout their degree (check out the Experience Guide for even more):

  • Apply to Co-op
    Honours Arts students in Women and Gender Studies can apply to our accredited co-op program to complete three four-month work terms. Gain hands-on experience and develop skills in your chosen career path while studying.
  • Connect and Advocate
    Engage with campus diversity and equity associations, including the Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, the Rainbow Centre and the Centre for Women and Trans People. These organizations promote education, advocacy and support.
  • Lead and Learn Through Research and Teaching
    In your final year, dive into independent research and gain practical experience as a Research or Instructional Assistant in the Women and Gender Studies program.
  • Ensure a Supportive Start
    Ease your transition into university with our first-year courses, AF105S: Skills and AF105W: Writing. Develop key skills in time management, critical thinking, research and writing, which build a foundation for academic succsss. Receive guidance from our dedicated Arts Advising team, who offer one-on-one support with course selection and academic planning, ensuring you feel confident, connected and set up to thrive from your very first term.

Courses and Program Enhancements

Explore a sample weekly schedule to see what your day-to-day might look like in this program.

What Courses Will I Take? 

Get a glimpse of what you will study throughout your degree. See what your first-year classes will look like through sample courses and start exploring what your upper academic years can offer.

How Can I Enhance My Degree?

Explore a variety of courses, specializations and pathway options that let you shape your degree around your unique interests and goals. Find out how you can customize your experience and prepare for what’s next.

Admissions

  • Format: full time or part time
  • Duration: four years
  • Start: September (fall term) or January (winter term)

Career Options

It's not just about the journey; it's about the destination. Let us help you get where you're going.

What Jobs Can I Get After Graduation?

Our Women and Gender Studies (BA) graduates go on to a wide range of rewarding careers. Here are just a few examples:

  • children's rights advocate
  • community development
  • counsellor/therapist
  • crisis worker/intake/referral
  • human resources
  • lawyer/paralegal
  • non-profit organization director
  • policy analyst
  • social worker
  • victims advocate
  • women's centre organizer

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

Explore more careers.

Will I Be Supported After Graduation?

As a Laurier alum, you'll have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

How Does Arts Co-op at Laurier Work?

The Faculty of Arts' accredited co-op program at Wilfrid Laurier University offers two co-op pathways and both give you 12 months of paid career experience before you graduate. 

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Apply in first year: Join the co-op program after you start, then complete three four-month work terms during your studies.
  • Apply direct from high school: Get a head start with direct admission to co-op in select Arts programs, straight from high school.
Both pathways lead to the same strong outcome: 12 months of real-world work experience in your field.  

Interested? Learn more about co-op in the Faculty of Arts.

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99%employment rate for co‑op students – 2025 / 2026

Tuition and Costs

What are the Tuition Fees and Costs for Arts at Laurier?

Below is a breakdown of tuition fees and expenses for Laurier Arts students for one year (or two terms) studying full time. Fees are based on 2026/27 rates and are subject to increase. All fees are shown in Canadian dollars.

Tuition Fees for Arts Students
Fee Type Domestic Students International Students
Tuition $6,180 $36,624
Student Fees $2,133
$4,018 with co-op
$3,082
$4,967 with co-op
Textbook Fees $500 $500

See a full breakdown of your first-year expenses.

Scholarships and Bursaries

When you apply to Laurier you’ll be automatically assessed for entrance scholarships (based on your final admission average) and for in-course scholarships in your upper years (based on your Laurier GPA from the previous academic year). We also offer more than 700 competitive scholarships and awards, which require separate applications and may be awarded throughout the academic year.

Additional Financial Support

  • Get information and advice on eligibility for government assistance (like OSAP) from our Financial Aid office.
  • Apply for bursaries to receive additional support based on financial need and academic performance.
  • Learn money management skills through courses, workshops and financial coaching.
  • Visit the Career Centre for support finding part-time job opportunities.

 

Laurier Arts graduates employed or in post‑graduate studies in 2025

 

Laurier students engaged in hands‑on learning in 2025/26

 

Laurier is among the top 7 percent in the Center for World University Rankings 2026

Waterloo Campus

The Waterloo campus is tucked into about one city block, so you’re steps away from your classes, food and your new favourite study spot. With more than 60 programs in arts, science, business and music, you can customize your degree, gain hands-on learning opportunities and join in the community beyond the classroom.

There are many ways to tour our Waterloo campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.

students in a classroom

How Will I Learn in This Program?

This is primarily an in-person program, meaning you'll attend classes on campus and learn face-to-face with professors and classmates. When you register for courses, you'll be able to select from available sections and create your timetable. 
 
In-person delivery gives you direct access to faculty, hands-on learning opportunities and a traditional university student experience.

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Get in Touch

Have questions? Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548‑889‑8888 or see all contact information.


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Think this program might be the perfect fit for you and your future?