Women's & Ethics Studies Department (WEST)
We envision a future in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.Why WEST?
The Women's and Ethnic Studies Department (WEST) at UCCS aims to provide a deeper understanding of history, culture, and society from a range of perspectives. Our groundbreaking department is one of few in the U.S. that merge and expand upon gender and sexuality studies and race and ethnic studies through an interdisciplinary and intersectional approach. As a WEST major, you will enjoy a low student-to-faculty ratio with classes taught by award-winning professors who empower, support, and genuinely want to see you succeed.
WEST is also an ideal double major. WEST has five official double major programs (with Sociology, History, Psychology, Geography & Environmental Studies, and Anthropology), as well as a WEST BI degree and an accelerated WEST BA/MBA degree. These programs allow students to creatively integrate multiple disciplines.
There is no doubt that a degree in WEST is valuable for any career. Equipped with critical thinking and real-world problem-solving skills, our students are prepared to enter the workforce as leaders in a variety of professional fields, including law, government, healthcare, education, the non-profit sector, and so much more!
A Message from Alumni
Aiden Olson '20WEST and Sociology Double Major
Three months after graduating in 2020 with a dual degree in WEST and Sociology, Aiden Olson began a master's degree program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, an internship with Rocky Mountain Crisis Partners, and a part-time job as a substitute teacher at an elementary school. In all these settings, Aiden finds that his UCCS courses and degrees have been very helpful. "I'm glad I chose a double major in Sociology and WEST because they gave me the knowledge I need to understand where clients and students are coming from. I have a better understanding of people and the world we live in." Aiden plans to continue in an elementary setting as a school counselor, adding, "I know my work at UCCS will continue to create a positive impact in my future."