About Social Justice Studies, Gender Studies
Broadly, Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies is an interdisciplinary field of inquiry
analyzing social justice in the structures of power, especially as they are grounded
in gender, race, sexuality, ethnicity, nationality, ability, and other inequalities,
and as they configure historical and contemporary struggles for social change.
Folks who enroll in our classes each semester gain the opportunity to understand how
social, historical, and psychological forces, organized by the central concept of
gender, shape them as individuals; to attain a fuller understanding of human behavior,
culture, and society made possible by investigating women's lives; to acquaint themselves
with the experience of women of different economic classes, sexual orientations, and
cultural and racial backgrounds; and to transfer the critical and analytical skills
they acquire in the study of gender and society to other classes, beyond the campus
to other activities, and eventually to their professional careers.
Employers today are increasingly aware of gender and diversity issues, and recognize
that Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies majors are trained to deal with them.
Many graduates work in social change and nonprofit helping organizations, where they
apply what they have learned to real-life problems. The Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality
Studies major also provides excellent preparation for transfer into a variety of programs
in such areas as Women’s Studies, history, sociology, anthropology, psychology, and
English, as well as professional training in law, medicine, and social work.
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Program Paths

Social Justice Studies, Gender Studies
Associate in Arts for Transfer
This program involves the understanding of the history, sociology, and politics of
women, gender, and sexuality in society. The program examines gender and sexuality-based
oppression throughout history, and also the ways in which women have taken power over
their lives. Students will better understand the impact of women, gender, and sexuality
on various cultures at various times, and evaluate changing social patterns and the
effects of institutions and cultural assumptions. The program can lead to a variety
of careers, including a community organizer, political lobbyist and political strategist.
This degree may also prepare the student for further study at the baccalaureate level.
Note: The Women Studies degree has been converted into Social Justice Studies Associate
Degree for Transfer. Current students can still obtain the traditional Women Studies
degree as long as they have maintained continuous enrollment at SMC.

Transfer Preparation
Many colleges and universities offer baccalaureate degrees in this field. Students
planning to transfer to a four-year college or university need to know which courses
completed at Santa Monica College will be accepted at the specific college/university.
Please consult a Counselor. SMC has transfer articulation agreements with the many UC and CSU campuses, as well as many private and out-of-state institutions.
Potential Career Options
Career Exploration
Resources and Transfer
Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university should meet with a counselor to discuss which courses need to be taken at SMC before applying to your designer
colleges/universities.

Student Resources
We know college isn't always easy. We are here to help as you navigate through your
SMC journey. This resource connects to information about Financial Aid, Tutoring Services,
the Center for Wellness and Wellbeing and much more!

Transfers
Social Justice Studies, Gender Studies is a career education program that does not
directly lead to transfer. Students planning to transfer should talk immediately with
an Academic Counselor to discuss what SMC courses will help you transfer.

Career Opportunities
Consider scheduling an appointment with a career advisor with knowledge of the Social Justice Studies profession to discuss internship and jobs as well as steps you can take to become job ready.
Let us help you get to your successful education goals
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