Earn a Bachelor of Arts in Justice, Diversity, and Gender Studies at St. Ambrose University, where you’ll explore social justice, diversity, and gender equity. Our interdisciplinary program delves into social inequalities, power dynamics, and marginalized identities, fostering ethical leadership, advocacy, and social change. Through coursework, research, and community engagement, students gain the knowledge, skills, and empathy to address injustice in local, national, and global contexts. The program is committed to celebrating human diversity, investigating the causes of injustice, and working to create a more just world. Join us in promoting inclusive communities and advocating for systemic change.
What is a Justice, Diversity, and Gender Studies degree?
Reduce tuition by up to $24k
Why earn a BA in Justice, Diversity, and Gender Studies?
Justice, Diversity, and Gender Studies (JDG) is an interdisciplinary program that both challenges systems of injustice and celebrates contributions from a diversity of perspectives. Graduates are creative problem solvers and leaders who can mobilize people for common action in organizations, agencies, and communities.
Community involvement
Courses like JDG 325 - Theory and Praxis require students to gain service hours in a social justice agency.
Relevant training sessions
The department offers training in gender based violence survivor advocacy.
Tailored program
Students have the opportunity to pursue a concentration in justice, gender, and sexuality studies or justice and diversity.
Strong campus culture
The department hosts multiple events, including involvement in the Ambrosians Working for Social Justice Conference.
Pairs well with other majors
Explore a double major to apply justice, diversity, and gender insights in any field.
What you’ll learn in your Justice, Diversity, and Gender Studies program
The JDG program teaches you to analyze intersecting oppressions to develop skills of advocacy and social action to become change makers, equipped to excel in diverse, cross-cultural settings with openness and respect. You’ll develop skills in communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. This encourages you to become vocal agents of change in their communities and on a global scale.
- Understand topics and approaches used in diversity and gender studies
- Navigate diverse, cross-cultural settings with openness and respect
- Develop skills in advocacy, human rights, and social action
- Examine historical, sociological, and political aspects of of different cultures and cultural groups
- Analyze and critique systems of oppression and inequality
Explore Justice, Diversity, and Gender Studies courses
- This degree will require you to complete a total of 120 credits.
- You will complete 42 gen ed credits, 31 credits in Justice, Diversity, and Gender Studies, 47 elective credits, and 1 capstone course.
Sample courses
| Class code | Class title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| JDG 201 | Cross-cultural Introduction to Women and Gender Studies | 3 credits |
| JDG 333 | Global Gender Based Violence and Survivor Advocacy | 3 credits |
| JDG 320 | Gender and Film | 3 credits |
| JDG 345 | Queer Studies | 3 credits |
| JDG 330 | Justice, Diversity, and Gender Studies Practicum | 3 credits |
How much does a BA in Justice, Diversity, and Gender Studies degree cost?
The cost of your degree will depend on several factors, like scholarships, housing, meal plans, and transfer credits. New students also pay a $100 matriculation fee. You will also need to budget for books, supplies, materials, transportation, personal costs, loan fees, and other expenses. Explore the cost of attendance.
Full-time student living on campus
| Expense | By semester | By year |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time tuition (12-18 credits)* | $19,674 | $39,348 |
| Housing** | $4,313 | $8,625 |
| Food*** | $3,135 | $6,270 |
| Technology fee | $150 | $300 |
| Total direct charges (billable) | $27,272 | $54,543 |
*Based on 2026-2027 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**This cost is estimated, actual housing cost will vary by student selections.
***Cost estimate based on 3 meals per day.
How much does campus housing cost?
When it comes to housing, St. Ambrose University offers diverse options to meet the needs of our students. From traditional dormitories to apartment-style living, there’s something for everyone. The cost of our housing will vary based on where you decide to live and the meal plan you choose.
St. Ambrose University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Accreditation and recognitions provide the assurance we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
How does SAU support Justice, Diversity, and Gender Studies students?
The faculty of the JDG program are involved in a range of activities on campus and in the community. Faculty advise PRISM (the club on campus for LGBTQIA+ students and allies) and are involved locally in advocating for justice for LGBTQIA people in our community. They are also involved in various initiatives related to racial justice on campus and in the community. This includes faculty members that are on the board of various community organizations, including Safer Foundation. The program director advises the women's studies honors society, Triota.
Justice, diversity, and gender studies faculty
Other support resources
Student Success Center
At St. Ambrose, we want you to thrive. Access free tutoring, study groups, and supplemental instruction through our Student Success Center.
Accessibility Resource Center
Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.
Career Services
Our Academic and Career Planning Center is ready to help you polish your resume and land the job or internship that will launch your career.
Are there scholarships available for BA in Justice, Diversity, and Gender Studies?
At St. Ambrose University, we believe that education should be accessible to all. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for our students. We are committed to providing our students with the resources they need to succeed academically and financially.
Ambrose Advantage Scholarship
Through the Ambrose Advantage Scholarship program, a tuition-free St. Ambrose University education is available to any Pell Grant-eligible Iowans. Learn more about the Ambrose Advantage.
Merit-based and institutional scholarships
St. Ambrose offers excellent scholarships and grants based on your strong academic performance, your talent in fine arts or athletics, or your community involvement. Explore SAU scholarships.
Transfer credits
At SAU, you may be able to transfer previous college credit toward your bachelor’s degree, saving you significant time and money. Learn how to transfer credits.
Focus on your career. Not debt.
"I always wanted to go to college but finances were an issue. With the Ambrose Advantage, I don't have to worry. My tuition is paid and I'm getting a good education."
-Alexis Stovall, Davenport, Iowa
What’s on campus for Justice, Diversity, and Gender Studies students?
JDG students have the chance to participate in Triota, a women and gender studies honors society that hosts various activities. There are also opportunities to become involved in PRISM, the club on campus for LGBTQIA+ students and allies. The Ambrosians Working for Social Justice Conference is another great way to become involved with the program at St. Ambrose.
What are the general admission requirements for a BA in Justice, Diversity, and Gender Studies?
Here are the admissions requirements for our Justice, Diversity, and Gender Studies program.
- You must have graduated from an accredited high school or earned a GED
- You must have a minimum cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.5
- You must provide an official high school transcript
International student requirements
If you live outside of the U.S. there are different admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Official transcripts from secondary education
- A minimum 2.5 CGPA out of a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
- Proof of English language proficiency (minimum scores: TOEFL - 79, IELTS - 6.0)
- Copy of your passport and other documentation
What can I do with a Justice, Diversity, and Gender Studies degree?
Your education and degree can help you reach your professional goals. St. Ambrose University can never promise a career or particular outcome upon graduating. We encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here is a list of potential job titles, traits, and settings a graduate in our Justice, Diversity, and Gender Studies program could achieve.
Potential job titles
- Clinical social worker
- Health clinic coordinator
- Human rights advocate
- Victims’ advocate
- Educator
- Program director
Potential employment settings
- Social service agencies
- Non-profit agencies
- Healthcare facilities
- Schools/Universities
- Clinics
- Research institutions
Traits of a JDG graduate
- Strong communicator
- Compassionate advocate
- Flexible and adaptable
- Creative problem solver
- Collaborative organizer
- Empathetic
Industry facts
- From 2022-2023, job growth in the social and community service field is set to open 16,000 jobs at a 9% rate, which is faster than average.
- On average, social and community service assistants make $38,520 per year and opportunities are available to grow in the field with manager and director positions that offer more competitive pay.
For more information on Justice, Diversity, and Gender Studies employment and wages, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook.
News and events at SAU
>
April Discovery Day
Get a glimpse into life as a Fighting Bee during Spring Discovery Day
Read more
More than a campus: How St. Ambrose shaped a love story
It was a rainy Wednesday afternoon, Jaxson Eisenbarth ‘27 walked Ellie Seberger ‘26 to the SAU grotto with a ring box tucked in his pocket.
Read more
From game day to wedding day: A full-circle St. Ambrose love story
When Paige (Fiscella) ‘23 and Yemi Ward ‘23, ‘26 MOL, first met at SAU, neither could have guessed the moment would lead to marriage.
Read more
Become who you are meant to be
With more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU.
