The major requires at least 39 units, of which 30 must be at the upper division level. Twelve units must be completed in the Women and Gender Studies core courses. Of the 27 elective units, 21 units of electives must be Women and Gender Studies courses and six units of electives may be taken in other departments upon advisement. Women and Gender Studies majors who have successfully completed WGS 300 GW in spring 2010 or thereafter will have satisfied the University Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR).

The Bachelor of Arts in Women and Gender Studies is an interdisciplinary liberal arts degree that focuses on women and gender issues in literature, history, sociology, anthropology, cultural and ethnic studies. The major provides the incentive, knowledge, and skills that prepare students for a variety of graduate programs; and for careers in traditional and alternative social and educational institutions including non-governmental organizations that require expertise in women and gender issues. Some students have used the degree as a foundation for further work in areas such as teaching, counseling, journalism, law, social work, health, administration, advocacy, labor organizing, and community activism.