Career paths with a degree in Gender, Race, and Identity

A degree in Gender, Race, and Identity (GRI) equips students with highly transferable skills in cultural competency, systems thinking, critical and interdisciplinary analysis, research, communication and advocacy. By learning to think intersectionally across social identities and structures of power, GRI majors gain the flexibility and insight needed to succeed in many professional settings. These in-demand skills open doors to careers in advocacy, education, government, medicine, social services, the arts, business and more.

GRI alumni

GRI graduates build careers that translate interdisciplinary training into real-world impact. Alumni work in community-based organizations, public policy and government, journalism and media, higher education and the arts by applying critical analysis, research and communications skills in professional settings. Graduates hold roles in Indigenous and community outreach, reproductive justice and violence prevention, investigative reporting, policy advocacy, state and national governance, and university teaching and research, with several continuing to doctoral degrees and faculty positions.

These outcomes reflect GRI's emphasis on flexible pathways, applied learning and close mentorship that prepare students to pursue professional, community-engaged and academic careers with purpose and rigor.

The intellectual interests I developed as an undergraduate student in race and gender contribute to the research that I do now. GRI courses taught me to think with an interdisciplinary lens.

David Peña-Guzman

Professor at San Fransisco State University

Why choose a degree in GRI?

Choosing to major in GRI means gaining versatile, in-demand skills employers value across industries, including cultural competency, systems thinking, critical analysis, research, communication and advocacy. GRI students gain the ability to join a supportive network of alumni thriving in fields such as education, government, healthcare, business and the arts. For those seeking a career rooted in equity, justice and meaningful impact, GRI offers both flexibility and purpose.

What can you do with a GRI degree?

A GRI degree opens doors across industries, offering versatile preparation for careers grounded in equity, justice, and positive social impact. Learn more about potential career paths and job titles for GRI majors.

Law and policy

GRI majors develop a strong understanding of equity, human rights law and systemic discrimination that can lead to the following career paths:

Civil Rights Attorney
Immigration Policy Advisor
Policy Analyst

Public service and government

GRI majors study the ability to work with diverse communities and implement equitable policies that can lead to careers, such as:

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Specialist
Community Outreach Coordinator
Equal Opportunity Specialist

Education and academia

GRI majors develop an expertise in inclusive education, student advocacy and curriculum development and can seek job titles such as:

College Diversity Officer
Student Affairs Professional
Equity-Focused Educator

Nonprofit and advocacy

GRI majors have the capacity to lead community programs and advocate for marginalized populations, leading to careers such as:

Program Manager
Domestic Violence Advocate
Youth Program Director

Media, arts and communications

GRI majors learn about storytelling, media literacy and framing issues through an equitable lens and can find career opportunities like:

Social Justice Journalist
Documentary Producer
Communications Specialist

Business and corporate

GRI majors learn about promoting inclusive workplace culture and equitable hiring practices that can lead to the following career paths:

Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
DEI Training Consultant
Human Resources Specialist

Healthcare and social services

GRI majors develop an understanding of health disparities and delivering culturally competent care, and can find career opportunities such as:

Public Health Educator
Community Health Advocate
Mental Health Counselor

GRI students grapple with tough concepts that can bring about a variety of emotions based on different identities. When you experience strong emotions, it is easy to start seeing the world in black and white. Resist this and keep an open mind. Approach people with the default compassion, even if they think differently.

Abby Feenstra

Freelance author

Support the Department of Gender, Race, and Identity

Your support of the Department of Gender, Race, and Identity helps sustain interdisciplinary teaching, research and student opportunities that advance critical understanding, equity and social change.

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