Gender, Sexuality, & Race Studies
Undergraduate Major College of Liberal Studies
Bachelor of Arts
About:
At PLU, Gender, Sexuality, and Race Studies (GSRS) is all about exploring how identity, power, and resistance shape the world we live in — and how you can be part of creating change. You’ll learn the language, tools, and confidence to better understand yourself, your community, and contemporary societal challenges.
Every GSRS major takes on a hands-on internship or community practicum, so you won’t just study social justice, you’ll practice it. You’ll graduate with the skills to solve problems in diverse communities, communicate across differences, and lead with equity and empathy
What makes this major powerful is the mix of skills you’ll take with you: clear communication, sharp critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and community engagement experience. These are the abilities employers and grad schools want — and they’re what help GSRS grads make an impact in fields like advocacy, education, law, healthcare, and beyond.
Skills you'll gain from this program:
- Leadership Across Difference — Develop the ability to lead with empathy, work effectively in diverse communities, and bring an equity mindset to any career or setting.
- Real-World Experience — Put learning into action through an internship or practicum where you’ll work with organizations dedicated to equity, diversity, and social justice.
- Communication & Advocacy — Develop concrete skills in persuasive writing, public speaking, and coalition-building to educate, mobilize, and advocate for change.
- Understanding Power & Identity — Analyze systems of privilege and oppression through data, theory, and case studies, and apply this knowledge to drive social and organizational change.
- Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving — Practice research, policy analysis, and solution design to tackle complex issues like inequality, discrimination, and violence with evidence-based approaches.
Graduates from the last 5 years: Their jobs
- Speech & Debate Teacher, American Heritage School
- Community Engagement Specialist, Molina Healthcare Inc.
- 21st Century Program Coordinator, Boys & Girls Club of South Puget Sound
- Paralegal, Nexus Legal Counsel
- Middle School Admissions Director, Annie Wright School
- WEA Teacher Resident/Apprentice, Federal Way Public Schools
- Community Engagement/Legislative Session Fellow, Alliance for Gun Responsibility
Graduates from the last last 5 years: Their graduate programs
- Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, University of San Francisco
- Master of Arts in Education, Pacific Lutheran University
- Doctor of Medicine, University of Washington
- Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, Pacific Lutheran University
- Master of Arts in Pacific Island Studies, University of Hawaii
- PhD in History, University of Southern California
- Master of Social Work, Pacific Lutheran University
It’s FREE to apply to PLU
When you're ready, we're here. Apply now and fulfill your potential!
Get Started100% of GSRS students complete hands-on learning through an internship or community practicum.
Study Abroad
GSRS students have the opportunity to study away and earn credit toward their degree in places like Trinidad & Tobago, England, India, Australia, Nepal, and others.
Get Involved
GSRS students get involved all over campus — through Iota Iota Iota (Gender & Sexuality Studies Honor Society), themed learning communities, PLU’s Center for Diversity, Justice, and Sustainability, and tons of student clubs centered on identity, equity, and social change.
100% of 2024 GSRS graduates reported employment or acceptance into graduate school within 6 months of graduating.
