Sexuality Studies | Career Centre

Are you fascinated by how sexuality is interpreted, exhibited and examined by different cultures and societies? Do you want to explore questions related to how sexuality influences societies and how societal evolution, in turn, affects and influences the idea of sexuality. The Sexuality Studies major at York is only one of two such undergraduate programs in Canada. The program will expose you to concepts as “intersectionality”, allowing you to investigate the intersection of sexuality and age, class, ethnicity, gender, race, religion and other social concepts that define who we are. Finally, you will be able to study how sexuality is expressed and defined by different cultures and different communities.

Career Options in Sexuality Studies

Below is a sample list of some future choices to explore following studies in Sexuality Studies. This list is not exhaustive but it provides a solid idea of what fellow graduates have gone on to do and what potential careers a Sexuality Studies degree can offer. Some options are more directly associated with specific areas of Sexuality Studies than others.

Activist
Author
Adult Education Teacher
Client Support Specialist
Child Development Specialist
Community Educator
Corporate Advisor
Early Childhood Educator
Entrepreneur
Editor
Education Policy Consultant
Doctor
Fundraising Coordinator
Guidance Counsellor
International Aid Worker
Journalist
Law Enforcement Worker
Lawyer
LGBT Community Spokesperson
LGBT Right Advocate
Life Coach
Lobbyist

Marketing Director
Media Correspondent
Mental Health Worker
LGBT Right Advocate
Life Coach
Lobbyist
Marketing Director
Media Correspondent
Mental Health Worker
Psychologist
Professor/Teacher
Public Policy Analyst
Publisher
Sexologist
Social Worker
Sex Educator
Television Producer
Therapist
Talk Show Host
Women’s Rights Activist

Note: It is important to remember that some of these career choices may require additional education or preparation in the form of graduate studies, experiential education or professional formative courses and exams. For a more in-depth description of some of the careers mentioned above please consult the Career Cruising website, available to York University students using their Passport York account through https://passportyork.yorku.ca/ppylogin/ppylogin. You can also visit the National Occupational Classification website, available at www.hrsdc.gc.ca/noc.

Skills Developed through a Sexuality Studies Degree

A background in Sexuality Studies ensures that you develop the skills and mindset to tackle many different professional challenges. Here are just a few of the skills a Sexuality Studies degree can help you develop:

Core Sexuality Studies Skills

Understanding of the political and social issues at the very heart of Sexuality Studies and debates revolving around human sexuality in Canada and other countries representing different cultures, religions and histories.
Comprehension of the concept of sexuality from an interdisciplinary and transnational perspective.
Exposure to the artistic, cultural, economic, geographic, historical, literary, political, psychological and social aspects of sexuality.
Familiarity with core issues in contemporary Sexuality Studies and important debates in gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and transsexual communities.

Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills

The ability to present your thoughts clearly and intelligently in written statements and written opinion pieces
Deduction of information from various sources and the ability to concentrate on relevant resources
The capacity to critically analyze problems, think creatively and make sound decisions while considering different sides of an argument
The ability to explain complex ideas clearly to others and to apply complex theoretical concepts to everyday practice and professional dilemmas
The skills to collect various types of information, assess them, analyze and incorporate potential linkages from different fields, put them into writing and efficiently convey your message and the goal of your work

Management and Teamwork

The ability to interpret and analyze information presented by peers and efficiently and constructively support or challenge their proposals, theories, ideas and reports in order to achieve a project’s intended and successful end result
The capacity to lead and interact with a variety of people with different approaches and personal and professional backgrounds
Skills enabling you to work effectively in group situations, partaking in decision-making, leading and contributing in various capacities to the ultimate success of the team and task
The ability to debate, persuade, mediate and present your thoughts and opinions to others, as well as the capacity to recognize and incorporate other potential solutions or applications to given problems

Professional Associations and Organizations

Knowing the industry and how to excel in it after receiving a degree are key elements of future success. University study sets up the building blocks you will need to develop and enhance your understanding and knowledge in your career. Being part of a professional organization or network and gaining further insight through training are excellent ways of increasing your knowledge of the field. The following is a selection of organizations related to the field of Sexuality Studies that you may want to visit as you research career options for Sexuality Studies graduates.