Why study women, gender, and sexuality studies?
WGSS was built out of the dual goals of examining inequalities resulting from gender, race, sexual orientation, and class using an interdisciplinary lens and translating this research into meaningful, tangible knowledge that contributes to the betterment of communities. Our interdisciplinary faculty members are engaged in research that examines many of the cutting-edge issues vexing contemporary times, both domestically and internationally, such as discrimination, violence, human trafficking, health and inequality, and migration, to name a few. The common thread throughout these different areas of research is the focus on investigating the factors that create and contribute to vulnerability and power across time and geography.
WGSS students learn about the ways in which people's roles in society have been constructed and the ways in which these roles have changed and continue to change. WGSS courses will make you informed about, and sensitive to, issues of gender in relation to education, lifestyle, social roles and status, sexuality, legal status, and equity. You will face these issues at work, in society, and in your world; WGSS courses will help you to deal with them in an informed, responsible, and just manner.
What will women, gender, & sexuality studies give me?
- Awareness of the issues facing people of all genders – and the world – today
- Knowledge of many different academic fields
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Strong writing and researching abilities
- A solid base on which to enter the workforce, pursue further education, and have an impact in the world
- Graduates of WGSS go on to do many different things, and the possibilities are endless
Admission to Graduate Studies
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree: A copy of official transcripts showing proof of a bachelor's degree (and any post-bachelor’s coursework or degrees) from a regionally accredited institution, or a foreign university with equivalent bachelor's degree requirements is required.
- English proficiency: Proof of English proficiency for non-native or non-native-like English speakers is required. There are two bands of English proficiency, including Admission and Full proficiency. For applicants to online programs, Full proficiency is required.
Graduate Admission
The Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies MA program accepts applications for fall admission only. All applications and admissions materials must be received by the deadline listed on the department's website to be considered for admission for the following fall semester.
Application Materials
Applicants should upload the supporting application documents listed below to the online application. There is no need to send copies of application materials directly to the Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies department.
- Copy of official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
- Resume or CV
- Statement of purpose (no longer than two pages, single spaced)
- Three letters of recommendation
Non-native speakers of English must meet English proficiency requirements.
Contact
Visit the Department of Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies website for detailed information about MA admission requirements.
Required Course Work
At least 50% of course work for the master's degree must be taken at the 700-level or above.
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| WGSS 800 | History of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies | 3 |
| WGSS 801 | Feminist Theory | 3 |
| WGSS 802 | Feminist Methodologies | 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| 15 |
| Total Hours | 30 |
M.A. Final Exam
In the last semester of course enrollment, students will complete a written comprehensive exam based on M.A. program content. This exam covers material in WGSS history, theory, and methods. For students intending to continue with the PhD, this exam also serves as a Ph.D. qualifying exam. The examination committee will consist of instructors of WGSS 800, WGSS 801 (or alternate WGSS theory course), and WGSS 802. The exam consist of two questions submitted by each of the three instructors (students must choose one question from each course).
Further details about meeting the degree requirements can be found in the WGSS Graduate Student Handbook.
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| WGSS 501 | Doing Feminist Research | 3 |
| WGSS 502 | Human Sexuality | 3 |
| WGSS 510 | History of American Women--Colonial Times to 1870 | 3 |
| WGSS 511 | History of American Women--1870 to Present | 3 |
| WGSS 514 | Politics of Human Trafficking | 3 |
| WGSS 515 | Gender and Sexuality in Greek Culture | 3 |
| WGSS 516 | Gender and Sexuality in Roman Culture | 3 |
| WGSS 517 | Policing the Womb | 3 |
| WGSS 521 | Women and Violence | 3 |
| WGSS 531 | LGBTQ Politics and Policy | 3 |
| WGSS 533 | Rococo to Realism: Painting in Europe c. 1750-1848 | 3 |
| WGSS 534 | Impressionism and Post-Impressionism: 1848-1900 | 3 |
| WGSS 540 | Skin, Sex, and Disease | 3 |
| WGSS 549 | History of Feminist Theory | 3 |
| WGSS 552 | The Rhetoric of Women's Rights | 3 |
| WGSS 553 | Making a Pandemic: The History and Politics of HIV/AIDS | 3 |
| WGSS 562 | Gender and Politics | 3 |
| WGSS 563 | Gender, Sexuality and the Law | 3 |
| WGSS 565 | Gender, Culture, and Migration | 3 |
| WGSS 567 | Native Feminisms | 3 |
| WGSS 583 | Love, Sex, and Globalization | 3 |
| WGSS 598 | Sexuality and Gender in African History | 3 |
| WGSS 600 | Feminist Contemporary Political Theory | 3 |
| WGSS 601 | Seminar in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies | 3 |
| WGSS 650 | Service Learning in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies | 3 |
| WGSS 652 | Jazz and American Culture | 3 |
| WGSS 653 | Gender, Peace, and Conflict | 3 |
| WGSS 662 | Gender and Politics in Africa | 3 |
| WGSS 696 | Studies in: _____ | 3 |
| WGSS 701 | Seminar in: _____ | 3 |
| WGSS 710 | History of American Sexuality | 3 |
| WGSS 711 | Feminist Jurisprudence | 3 |
| WGSS 713 | The Politics of Marriage | 3 |
| WGSS 714 | Politics of Human Trafficking | 3 |
| WGSS 717 | Policing the Womb | 3 |
| WGSS 797 | Directed Readings | 1-3 |
| WGSS 803 | Feminist Pedagogy | 1.5 |
| WGSS 804 | Professionalization Seminar in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies | 1.5 |
| WGSS 811 | Black Feminist Theory | 3 |
| WGSS 812 | Affect and Queer Theory | 3 |
| WGSS 821 | Woman and Violence | 3 |
| WGSS 835 | Colloquium in the History of Gender | 3 |
At the completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Display Knowledge of the Field.
- Display Subject Area Expertise.
- Display Written and Oral Communication.
- Display Social Responsibility.
- Display Research Design.
