Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies - Health and Disability Studies
The Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies: Health and Disability Studies Bachelor of Arts program at Pennsylvania University is a four-year, full-time undergraduate program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how gender, sexuality, and social structures intersect with health, disability, and well-being. The curriculum integrates gender studies, disability studies, public health, sociology, and policy analysis, enabling students to critically examine health disparities, societal barriers, and inclusive practices. Students engage in research, case studies, and applied projects, developing analytical and practical skills to evaluate health policies, advocate for equity, and address systemic challenges affecting marginalized populations.
Throughout the program, students participate in seminars, collaborative projects, and community engagement guided by faculty experts in gender studies, public health, and social policy. The program emphasizes critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and interdisciplinary scholarship, preparing graduates to analyze complex social and health issues and propose inclusive, evidence-based solutions. Students leave the program with research proficiency, analytical insight, policy knowledge, and critical thinking skills, fully prepared for careers or advanced study in public health, advocacy, social policy, or interdisciplinary social sciences.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies - Health and Disability Studies
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: University of Pennsylvania, United States
- Field of Study: Gender & Sexuality Studies
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Gender, Health, and Disability Studies
- Introduction to Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies
- Foundations of Disability Studies
- Sociology and Social Determinants of Health
- Research Methods and Critical Thinking
Year 2 – Intermediate Study and Health Contexts
- Health Disparities and Social Justice
- Policy Analysis and Advocacy
- Intersectionality and Inclusive Practices
- Electives: Disability Policy, Public Health, or Global Health
Year 3 – Advanced Analysis and Applied Research
- Disability, Health, and Society
- Community Engagement and Fieldwork
- Applied Research Methods in Health and Policy
- Electives: Ethics, Social Work, or Mental Health Studies
Year 4 – Capstone and Professional Integration
- Senior Thesis or Independent Research Project
- Seminar in Contemporary Health and Disability Issues
- Professional Portfolio Development
- Applied Fieldwork or Community-Based Project
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Health and Disability Studies program are prepared for careers in public health, social policy, nonprofit advocacy, disability services, research institutions, and community health organizations. Alumni may work as policy analysts, program coordinators, health advocates, researchers, or pursue graduate studies in public health, social work, gender studies, or disability studies. The program equips graduates to evaluate policies, implement inclusive initiatives, and address social and health disparities effectively. With strong analytical, research, and advocacy skills, graduates are highly competitive in professional and academic environments that prioritize equity, inclusion, and evidence-based interventions.
Why Choose This Program
This program is distinguished by its integration of gender analysis, health equity, disability studies, and applied research within a four-year curriculum. Students benefit from mentorship, community engagement opportunities, and hands-on projects that connect theoretical knowledge with real-world social and health challenges. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary problem-solving, and ethical reasoning, preparing graduates to influence policy, advocate for marginalized populations, and design inclusive programs. For students passionate about understanding the intersections of gender, health, and disability, and applying research to create social impact, this program offers a rigorous, immersive, and career-focused pathway to professional and academic success.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 215 898 5000
Email: admissions@upenn.edu
Address: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
