About the Department

Women’s, Gender, and Ethnic Studies are interdisciplinary minor degree programs that explore gender as a system of relations and power and the impact of race and ethnicity on the creation of identity, justice, and power. In the Women's and Gender Studies minor program students apply feminist, gender, and queer theory to understand intersectional issues of race, sexuality, and class, collectively creating a society free of discrimination, harassment, and violence. In the Ethnic Studies program students apply critical theories of race and intersectionality to understand systems of privilege and oppression in a complex society, gaining a multicultural competency to work with populations that are both diverse and inclusive.

To add the minor degree to your academic program, complete the program change form to “add a minor” in MyBlue, or contact the Women’s, Gender, and Ethnic Studies program director.

Beyond the Classroom

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Student Organization

  • Triota Triota (Iota-Iota-Iota) is a student organization dedicated to encouraging and supporting scholarship in Women’s, Gender, & Ethnic Studies and to empowering students of any sex, gender, race, orientation, status, and ability. It promotes awareness of gender, ethnic, and racial issues on campus and in the community while also fostering activism and advocacy.
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Scholarships

 Students minoring in Women’s & Gender Studies are qualified to apply for an annual scholarship. The award is based on a student’s academic performance and her/his/their contribution to Triota and/or to women’s and gender issues in the larger Kearney community. Contact program director for more information. 

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Conferences and Camps

  • No Limits Conference No Limits is an interdisciplinary student conference on issues related to women, gender, and sexuality and is sponsored by the Women's and Gender Studies Programs at UNO, UNK and UNL. It is held annually in early March and it rotates between the 3 campuses at Lincoln, Kearney, and Omaha.
  • EmPOWER Girls Science Camp A FREE science camp designed for girls entering grades 7 and 8 to explore Biology, Wildlife, Physics, Astronomy and Engineering through hands-on science activities in a fun day-camp environment at UNK.