The University of Kansas will offer a new major in human sexuality for undergraduate students, school officials announced.
Starting fall 2015, the new program will be offered through the department of women, gender & sexuality studies starting fall 2015, Kansas First News reported. Students in the program will examine how sexual identity and practices contribute to significant contemporary social issues such as human trafficking, family violence and health inequality.
Over the summer, the Kansas Board of Regents approved the request for an undergraduate program for bachelor's degrees of art or general studies in human sexuality.
"We're excited to offer a new undergraduate degree in human sexuality, which is an area of academic study not available as a major elsewhere in the state or in the immediate region, yet is an important and growing field of study," Alesha Doan, chair of women, gender & sexuality studies, said in a statement.
Despite its promise, students are not sure what they would do with this type of bachelor's degree.
"I just couldn't see myself majoring in it, it doesn't have any immediate benefits," student Kyra Roesle told Kansas First News.
However, Doan said students who graduate with a degree in human sexuality would be able to find careers either in policy, work in advocacy, work around state legislative issues. They could also find work in law enforcement, Planned Parenthood and even sexual violence prevention organizations.
KU joins the few other U.S. universities offering degrees in human sexuality and is the only school in Kansas to offer a degree in human sexuality.
"The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences is committed to offering education in significant emerging fields," said Danny Anderson, dean of the College. "The new program in human sexuality demonstrates our dedication to providing diverse and relevant education in such areas."
The school's department of women, gender & sexuality Studies already offers a minor in human sexuality.
