Women's and Gender Studies
The Women’s and Gender Studies Minor at Kean University is a 15-credit interdisciplinary program designed to complement any major. This program explores key concepts and themes in women’s and gender studies through multidisciplinary, intersectional, and historical perspectives. Students examine gender in its broadest sense, as well as the cultures, experiences, and contributions of women worldwide, using feminist frameworks.
With a focus on advancing awareness, knowledge, and research, the minor provides an opportunity to critically engage with issues related to identity, power, and social justice. Through coursework and co-curricular events, students gain a deeper understanding of gender and its intersections, preparing them for diverse careers and further academic pursuits.
(15 credits total)
6 required credits
9 elective credits
Coordinator:
Samina Gul Ali, Ph.D.
CAS 330 | samina.ali@kean.edu| 908-737-0381
Affiliated faculty:
- Samina Gul Ali, PhD (Department of English)
- Consuelo Bonillas PhD (Department of Health and Human Performance)
- Ketty Fernandez (Criminal Justice and Public Affairs)
- Jamie Pelling, PhD (Department of History)
- Joshua Guitar, PhD (Department of Communication, Media, and Journalism)
- Becky Diaz, MA LMFT (Department of Psychology)
- Do we want to include our adjunct faculty?
- Marina Carreira (ID 1300, Union Campus)
- Cindy Goncalves (ID 1300, Union Campus)
- Danielle Bacibianco, PhD (ID 1300, Union Campus)
- Carol Smith-Cuevas (ID 1300, Kean Online)
- Jennifer Gomez (ID 1300, Kean Online)
- Patricia A. Scott (SOC 2100, Kean Online)
“The Women’s and Gender Studies Program at Kean strengthens our campus community by fostering understanding, respect, and collaboration across differences. Learning about gender and equity together empowers us to lead with courage, challenge injustice, and create a future where every voice is valued.” - Dr. Samina G. Ali, Assistant Professor Department of English, and Program Coordinator for Women's and Gender Studies.
“The classes I've taken as part of this minor have helped me learn how to better understand certain issues and populations (women of color, LGBTQ+ people of color, systemic racism, etc.) in ways that will help me make a positive impact as a mental health provider as well as a researcher in both my undergraduate and future graduate studies. I've also met professors who I had positive connections and relationships with both during and outside of class.” - Scarlett Cruz. Psychology major, WGS minor, McNair fellow – 2025 grad.
“Graduating with a Women’s and Gender studies minor has challenged me to think critically about the ways that identity, power and inequality shape people’s lives. It has informed by decision making to study further for a masters in..., and empowered me to support meaningful complex change in the community where I live.” - Jamie Albert. Psychology major, WGS minor, Kean alumni – 2019 grad.