History - Gender History
The History: Gender History Bachelor of Arts program at Pennsylvania University is a four-year, full-time undergraduate program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the historical development of gender, sexuality, and social roles across cultures and time periods. The curriculum integrates historical analysis, gender studies, sociology, archival research, and research methodology, enabling students to critically examine how gender has shaped social structures, political movements, and cultural norms. Students engage in primary source analysis, applied research, and seminars, cultivating analytical, interpretive, and critical thinking skills essential for professional or academic careers in history, gender studies, public policy, or social research.
Throughout the program, students participate in workshops, archival studies, and experiential learning guided by faculty experts in gender history, social research, and historical methodology. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary analysis, applied research, and historical reasoning, preparing graduates to interpret historical events, evaluate social patterns, and contribute to research, educational, or policy initiatives. Students leave the program with research competence, analytical skills, critical reasoning, and historical literacy, fully prepared for careers or advanced study in history, gender studies, social research, or education.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: History - Gender History
- 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: History
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Gender History
- Introduction to Gender History and Historical Methods
- Survey of World History and Social Structures
- Research Methods and Critical Thinking
- Foundations of Gender and Cultural Analysis
Year 2 – Intermediate Study in Gender and Society
- Feminist Theory and Historical Perspectives
- Social Movements and Gender Dynamics
- Applied Research Projects in Historical Contexts
- Electives: Women’s History, Queer History, or Social Policy
Year 3 – Advanced Analysis and Applied Research
- Gender, Politics, and Society in Historical Context
- Archival Research and Case Studies
- Applied Projects in Social and Cultural Analysis
- Electives: Global Gender Studies, Race and Gender, or Historical Methodology
Year 4 – Capstone and Professional Integration
- Senior Thesis or Independent Research Project
- Seminar in Contemporary Issues in Gender History
- Professional Portfolio Development
- Internship or Applied Project in Research Institutes, Cultural Organizations, or Policy Centers
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Gender History program are prepared for careers in social research, policy analysis, education, cultural institutions, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. Alumni may work as historians, gender analysts, researchers, educators, or pursue graduate studies in history, gender studies, social sciences, or public policy. The program equips graduates to analyze historical and social patterns, interpret gendered dynamics, and apply research skills to professional and academic challenges. With strong analytical, research, and interpretive skills, graduates are highly competitive in professional and academic environments focused on gender analysis, historical research, and applied social studies.
Why Choose This Program
This program is distinguished by its integration of historical analysis, gender studies, applied research, and interdisciplinary study within a four-year curriculum. Students benefit from mentorship, archival research, and experiential projects that connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications in history, policy, and cultural studies. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving, preparing graduates to evaluate complex social and historical issues, develop research-based insights, and contribute meaningfully to professional and academic initiatives. For students passionate about gender history, social research, and historical scholarship, 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
