Best Online Bachelor’s of Gender Studies Degree Programs for 2025

Badge for BEST ONLINE BACHELOR'S IN GENDER STUDIES
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Find top-ranked online bachelor’s in gender studies degree programs to equip students with a diverse set of skills and knowledge in fields like politics, literature, sociology, psychology, and history.

Featured Programs

Key Takeaways

  • Gender studies mainly involves research on the role and the impact of gender in culture and society.
  • Gender studies experts usually land careers in the social sciences, political sciences, and the media.
  • Social justice, equality, and representation are some of the issues addressed by gender studies as a discipline.

Top Online Bachelor's in Gender Studies Degree Programs in 2025

  1. University of Louisville
  2. Florida International University
  3. University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
    +1
  4. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
    –1
  5. Western Kentucky University
  6. California State University, East Bay
    +1
  7. University of Missouri–St. Louis
    –1
  8. California State University, Stanislaus

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best online bachelor’s of gender studies degrees programs remained fairly stable. The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa was able to move up to the third ranking position as a result of the university expanded its Gender and Sexuality Studies Program, adding new interdisciplinary courses focused on the intersections of gender, race, and environmental justice, as well as Pacific Islander and Indigenous perspectives on gender issues.

UH Mānoa has also enhanced its research opportunities in gender studies, offering partnerships with local organizations that focus on LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, and social justice initiatives. Additionally, the university has launched new community engagement programs that allow gender studies students to work on real-world projects addressing gender and social equity in the Pacific region. These developments provide gender studies students with enriched academic and practical experiences.

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Best Online Bachelor’s in Gender Studies Degree Programs

  1. #1

    University of Louisville

    Louisville , KY
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #2 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1170/23

    Career Outlook for Gender Studies degree at University of Louisville

    Cost of Degree: $12,828
    Expenses: $20,878
    Starting Salary: $29,182
    Salary after 4 years: $40,566
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA/BS in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies

    The University of Louisville’s online bachelor’s in women’s, gender and sexuality studies allows students to achieve their academic goals at a flexible pace while pursuing other passions. An online bachelor’s lets students broaden their academic and professional networks by allowing them to meet students from all over the world. The University of Louisville prides itself on offering a program that was ranked 5/5 for LGBTQ inclusivity, and strives to build engaging and informative programs to prepare students for the needs of the future.

    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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  2. #2

    Florida International University

    Miami , FL
    #6 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Florida 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    72K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/23

    Career Outlook for Gender Studies degree at Florida International University

    Cost of Degree: $6,565
    Expenses: $19,406
    Starting Salary: $31,224
    Salary after 4 years: $43,404
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Women’s and Gender Studies

    Florida International University’s Center for Women’s and Gender Studies is an innovative program that seeks to enhance students’ knowledge about women, feminism and the significance of gender in diverse cultures and contexts. The online BA in gender studies at FIU will prepare students for careers as lobbyists, activists, and policy makers. Learning 100% online can also aid students in developing transferable skills in time management, information organization, and project management while they study.

    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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  3. #3

    University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

    Honolulu , HI
    #1 Best Research Universities in Hawaii 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools in Hawaii 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Hawaii 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    22K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1180/21

    Career Outlook for Gender Studies degree at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

    Cost of Degree: $12,186
    Expenses: $20,145
    Starting Salary: $31,104
    Salary after 4 years: $43,237
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

    University of Hawai’i at Mānoa’s Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies is a comprehensive women’s and gender studies program. The program offers a unique focus on Hawaii, Asia, and the Pacific, as well as certificates in Queer Studies and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Students taking advantage of the fully online bachelor’s option can learn about gender through the lens of these fascinating cultures, all without having to relocate.

    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
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  4. #4

    University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

    North Dartmouth , MA
    #4 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2024 #4 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2025 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/26

    Career Outlook for Gender Studies degree at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

    Cost of Degree: $15,208
    Expenses: $21,112
    Starting Salary: $30,923
    Salary after 4 years: $42,986
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Women’s and Gender Studies

    A women’s and gender studies degree from UMass Dartmouth places students in courses as diverse as business and visual arts to create well-rounded graduates ready to begin careers across the job market. Those already pursuing their career goals are in luck, the online format is designed so that you can attend at convenient times and ensure that there is no need to change your work schedule or put your career on hold.

    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
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  6. #5

    Western Kentucky University

    Bowling Green , KY
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2025 #3 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #3 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1075/21

    Career Outlook for Gender Studies degree at Western Kentucky University

    Cost of Degree: $11,436
    Expenses: $15,452
    Starting Salary: $23,178
    Salary after 4 years: $32,219
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Sociology

    Western Kentucky University’s Gender and Women’s Studies Program hails gender and women’s studies as one of the most important fields of inquiry to emerge in higher education in the past forty years. WKU has developed a program designed to showcase the ways that the field can positively impact the future. Offering their program online allows students from all backgrounds and locations to take advantage of the program and how to learn how to advocate for their goals of ethical conduct, social justice, and responsible global citizenship.

    Concentrations

    • Family-Gender And Sexuality
    • Community
    • Environment And Development
    • Inequality And Social Change
    • Research Methods
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
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  9. #8

    California State University, Stanislaus

    Turlock , CA
    #10 Best Online MBA Programs in California 2025 #19 Best Online Colleges in California 2024 #23 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    12K

    Career Outlook for Gender Studies degree at California State University, Stanislaus

    Cost of Degree: $7,826
    Expenses: $17,480
    Starting Salary: $29,122
    Salary after 4 years: $40,482
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Gender Studies

    Concentrations

    • Culture
    • Ideology and Representation
    • History
    • Society and Inequality
    • Ethnicity
    • Nationality and Sexuality
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
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Career Outlook for Students with Gender Studies Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, And Group Studies, Other

Degree Level: Bachelor's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $10,497
  • Avg. Expenses*: $19,818
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $32,250
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $44,831
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 13 years
  • Job Growth: 4.08%
  • Number of Jobs: 14,700
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary4.08%$86,030

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary$86,030
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.
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Gender Studies As a Degree Program and Career Path

If you are passionate about the role of gender in media, psychology, culture, politics, and more, consider diving deeper and learning more about the interesting world of gender studies.

This field revolves around analyzing how people think of gender in terms of society, history, and culture. A bachelor’s in gender studies features an interdisciplinary curriculum focused on many applications in gender research, social justice, and advocacy, as well as some interesting applications in non-related fields.

Careers in Online Bachelor’s in Gender Studies

Degree holders of a gender studies degree are very well-versed in various fields, from literature to sociology, and they have impeccable critical thinking, reasoning, and writing skills.

That is why gender studies graduates are qualified for so many different jobs in politics, social sciences, and media. Plus, a major in online gender studies brings a valuable and unique perspective to any field they want to join, and the capacity to make that field a fairer and less biased one.

Below are some of the most lucrative careers for graduates with an online bachelor’s in gender studies.

  • Journalist: If you’re a fan of investigating stories or reporting on current events, having an online degree in gender studies will give you the research, reasoning, and critical thinking skills you need to become an amazing journalist. You can even focus on issues and stories that you care about, including LGBTQ+ issues or gender equality.
  • Teacher: Graduates of online gender studies also make amazing teachers since the program gives you a solid foundation in the field.

    • Regardless of what level you plan to teach, teachers have the knowledge and understanding of social and identity issues, and can easily communicate even the most complex of ideas—highly critical skills gender studies majors often have.

  • Writer: Like most liberal arts degrees, completing a gender studies program will give you excellent written communication skills and an intensive collection of academic writing. If you love writing essays during your gender studies major, a career in writing is a good choice.
  • Casting Director: Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in gender studies who are interested in theatre, film, or TV, or simply on the production side of the industry can become casting directors. Today, the entertainment industry is in constant need of a new generation of people dedicated to diversity in representation and casting.
  • Human Resources Manager: HR managers are trained to handle a company’s employees—from the interview down to the hiring process, then to the employees’ well-being while working in the company.

    • A background in gender studies is relevant to the HR field, knowing sexism and other types of identity discrimination are rampant issues in the workplace. As an HR manager, being aware of these issues right from the start of the hiring process can help lessen stereotypes, biases, pay gaps, and harassment.

  • Non-profit program director: Gender studies graduates who plan to make a career out of advocacy can join the non-profit world. As a non-profit program director, you can either join or launch an organization that advocates for the improvement of a specific political or social issue or acts on behalf of a particular group of marginalized people.

    • There are myriad non-profit organizations that you can get involved with. Being a non-profit program director, you will supervise the organization and its functioning.

  • Human Rights Advocates: Online degree holders of a bachelor’s in gender studies can directly apply their studies in inequality, identity, and oppression to use in progressive and practical ways. Human rights advocates fight for and on behalf of the marginalized sector for fair opportunities and treatment.
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Students’ Submitted Questions on the Best Online Bachelor’s of Gender Studies Degree Programs

Veronica asks, “How do online platforms ensure inclusivity and sensitivity towards diverse gender identities and cultural backgrounds?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: Colleges and universities will ensure emotional safety and inclusivity through a number of ways, such as diverse representation in the course materials, inclusive language throughout discussions and interactions, and proper training and resources for instructors in interacting with students. This will all vary based on the college, so it might be wise to have a conversation with a representative of the schools you are interested in to ensure you feel safe in that environment.

Demi asks, “How interactive are the online courses?”

Dr. Jed Macosko’s answer: This will depend on the particular institution and program. Some programs have synchronous courses and a curriculum that ensures students have ample opportunity to interact with one another and professors. However, asynchronous schedules typically allow for fewer interactions, unless the course instructor makes discussion and group work a priority.

Ty asks, “Can I specialize in certain areas within gender studies?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: While the specific specializations offered will vary from school to school, you typically can specialize in certain areas of the field. Common areas of specialization include feminist theory, queer studies, intersectionality, transgender studies, reproductive justice, and social justice and activism.

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Ranking Process for the Best Bachelor’s in Gender Studies Programs

In putting together the best gender studies online bachelor’s programs, we measured academic excellence by way of specific factors. Academic rigor, even in online education, is a primary yardstick!

The comprehensive curricula in our recommended gender studies online bachelor programs feature core and liberal arts courses. These courses shape each online student into becoming the next generation of experts in the discipline, with a passion for equality, fair treatment, and human rights advocacy, among other related causes.

Having experienced subject experts as faculty is an indicator of academic excellence, too! Gender studies authors and professionals in fields that utilize the principles of the discipline are the most qualified individuals to facilitate the online learning program and advance the field.

Accreditation is crucial to an online program, and gender studies is no exception! The reputable schools offering this program are all fully accredited, emphasizing adherence to the rules of instruction and standards established by academic organizations.

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