Women & Gender Studies

The WGS program prepares students for careers in Advocacy, Business, Education, Health Care, Law, Public Policy, Social Work, and much more.  There are two associate degrees to consider, and each will meet your academic goals for transfer or direct career entry.  

If you are looking for a degree where you can make a difference in your community through advocacy and social justice, a degree in Women & Gender Studies at EVC is waiting for you! 

Social Justice Studies-Gender Studies (AA-T)
General Studies with Emphasis in Women & Gender Studies (AA)

Our program centers on an interdisciplinary, intersectional, transnational, and social justice approach to the study of women, gender, and sexuality. Be sure to review the degree for required courses or contact an academic counselor.

• AJ 123 Women and Criminal Justice
• ART 097 Women Artists in Art History
• BUS 060 Fundamentals of Business Statistics
• EDIT 026 Women in STEM
• ENGL 032 Gender in Literature
• ETH 010 Introduction to Ethnic Studies
• HIST 014 Women in American History
• MATH 063 Elementary Statistics
• POLSC 001 Politics and Government In America
• PSYCH 018 Introduction to Research Methods
• PSYCH 025 Psychology of Women: Global Perspective
• PSYCH 026 Violence Against Women: Cross-Cultural Perspective
• PSYCH 096 Marriage, Family, and Intimate Relationships
• PSYCH 100 Human Sexuality
• SERV 002 Service-Learning: Personal and Career Development
• SOC 011 Social Problems
• WOMS 010 Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies

Graduates of this versatile degree will gain a solid academic foundation on which to prepare for rewarding careers in:

• International Relations
• Advocacy
• Business
• Community Development
• Education
• Health Care
• Human rights organizations
• Journalism
• Non-governmental organizations
• Public Policy
• Publishing
• Law
• Social Work

1. Schedule a Counseling appointment with an EVC Counselor for a two-year educational Plan.
2. Submit a Change of Demographic Information form to EVC Admissions & Records
3. Contact the Women & Gender Studies Coordinator for information about upcoming events and opportunities.
    

Late 1980s – Early 1990s: Planting the Seeds 
Faculty and students begin advocating for a Women’s Studies program, driven by a growing awareness of gender equity issues on campus. Initial conversations and organizing efforts lay the foundation for what’s to come. 

1990s: Laying the Academic Groundwork 
Gender-focused courses are introduced across multiple disciplines. Faculty start drafting proposals and building networks with other colleges to create a formal Women’s Studies program. 

2000: Program Launches 
The Women’s Studies Program is officially established. A small group of core courses is offered, supported by passionate faculty and strong student interest. 

2004: WOMS -010 Becomes a Core Course 
Introduction to Women’s Studies (WOMS-010), created by Charlie Kahn-Lomax, is added to the general education curriculum. It quickly becomes a popular gateway course for students across majors. The course name was later changed to Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies. 

2005: Certificate & Leadership Established 
The Women & Gender Studies Certificate program is created, offering students a focused academic track. Marjorie Clark begins her leadership as Program Coordinator, serving from 2005 to Spring 2022. 

2006–2010: Growth and Community 
New interdisciplinary courses enrich the program. Signature events such as Women’s History Month and film screenings become annual traditions. 

2008: Advisory Board Established 
The Women and Gender Studies Advisory Board, led by Marjorie Clark, is formed to support curriculum development, student outreach, and partnerships with community organizations. 

2010: Degree and Support Services Expand 
AA Degree in General Studies with Emphasis in Women’s Studies is created. The Womyn’s Center opens, offering a safe and empowering space for students, community building, and social justice education. 

2012: A New Name, A Broader Mission 
The program is renamed Women & Gender Studies, signaling a more inclusive and intersectional vision. New topics include LGBTQ+ studies, masculinity, and racial justice. 

2019: Womyn’s Center Renamed 
The center is renamed the Womyn’s Gender Equity Center, emphasizing its role as a hub for gender justice advocacy and student support. 

2020s: Equity, Innovation, and Impact 
During the pandemic, the program transitions to virtual learning and doubles down on racial and gender equity initiatives. Partnerships deepen with nonprofits, advocacy groups, and cultural centers. Signature speaker series, panels, and workshops amplify marginalized voices and promote civic engagement. Students engage in research capstones and internships, building leadership and real-world skills. 

2021: New Transfer Degree Launched 
The AA-T in Social Justice: Gender Studies is introduced, aligning with statewide transfer pathways and offering students a direct route to CSU programs. 

2024: New Leadership 
Sylvia Min steps into the role of Program Coordinator, continuing the mission of inclusive education, advocacy, and academic excellence.  With the loss of the physical location of the Womyn’s Gender Equity Center, the Center's work and programming is rebranded and continued through the Women and Gender Equity Program.  

American Association of University Women San José Branch

Spring 2025:
•    Women's History Month: Wandering Threads—An Art Exhibition by Connie Begg in the EVC Art Gallery (Connie Begg and Rachel Lazo)
•    Women’s History Month: Women in Nontraditional Careers: Technology and Engineering (Melissa Hornstein)
•    Women’s History Month: Book Discussion and Tea (Language Arts Division and Library)
•    Women’s History Month: Women’s History of Gender Inequality and Why Gender Equity is Important Today (David Hendricks)
•    Women’s History Month: Equal Pay Day Student Poster Exhibition in the EVC Library
•    Women’s History Month Poetry Jam (Leaf by Leaf Literary Magazine)
•    Women and Financial Literacy featuring Denise Taylor and Melody Barta
•    AAUW Zoom Scholarship Workshop
•    Women and Gender Equity Debriefing Session (and End of Year Celebration)
 

Fall 2024:
•    Why Should Students Vote? featuring Dr. Alissa Gardenhire and the Student Voter Registration Drive @ the EVC Theatre
•    Decoding Propositions: Insights from Your Instructors (Sravani Banerjee, David Hendricks, Charlie Kahn-Lomax, John Kaufmann, Liza Kramer, and Eric Narveson)
•    Designs on Democracy—A Student Exhibition on Voting @ the EVC Art Gallery
•    Women in Nontraditional Careers: Construction featuring Irma Jauregui @ Gullo II
•    Women in Nontraditional Careers: Zoom Mentorship Hour with Irma Jauregui
•    Post-Election Forum @ the Mishra Community Room