The Women's Studies Minor Online

The WMS minor may be completed through enrollment in online courses offered by Professional and Continuing Education (http://umdonline.umassd.edu). The online courses encompass the same WMS academic material as standard lecture courses; furthermore, they offer WMS student advanced skills with computer-based learning and the use and assessment of internet information.

Why pursue the WMS minor online?

For students, there are a number of practical answers to this question: classes fit around one's work and family schedules; you can work at your own pace; and you dont have to come to campus! Some of our students, after all, are from out of state, even out of the country.

Furthermore, online learning provides students with skills that will serve them well throughout their lifetimes. Online learning teaches students to read and decipher texts on their own, search the internet for more information and bring in other ideas, as well as put their ideas into words through discussions with the Professor and classmates via discussion board postings and chat rooms.

Testimonials

Overall, taking an online course such as the Intro to WMS allowed me to become an active participant in my college education. It allowed me free range in respectfully voicing my opinions as well as reading the opinions of my peers and teacher. Having the opportunity to work at my own pace allowed me to decipher intellectual conversations and put things in perspective from a personal standpoint as well as an educational one.
--Doreen, UMass Dartmouth Student

The biggest benefit of on-line learning was having consistent access to the professor. When I read the assigned essays, I was frustrated and felt that some of the authors were painting with very wide brushes, and I didn't agree with some of what they were saying. I was able to chat with my Professor online and voice my concerns. She, in turn, encouraged me to read the essays with an open mind and try to see things from a different vantage point. This interaction occurred within a few days time. Had I been in a traditional classroom, I probably would not have been able to discuss this with the professor so quickly.
--Sue, UMass Dartmouth Student

What if I have more questions?

Contact Dr. Jen Riley, the Women's Studies Program Director, for more information.