The impact that the over 300 women's studies programs have had on the institutions that house them and on academic professional associations is studied in this monograph. It is based on a review of limited literature evaluating the impact of women's studies, as well as on materials from 119 women's studies programs, and some 57 professional societies, women's caucuses, and commissions. The major impact of women's studies is the establishment of a curricular unit, called a women's studies program, on a campus. The early emphasis on normative evaluation of these studies, the shift to formative evaluation, and the current context of evaluation are discussed. The formation and growth of professional women's groups and activities of groups surveyed are considered. Funding for the establishment of a longitudinal data base on women's studies is suggested. Recommendations on key issues in policy and research concern curriculum, faculty, institutionalization, and graduate study. A literature review, bibliography, and information on the University of Minnesota's Women's Studies Self Survey Report are included. (SW)