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

An applicant seeking to pursue graduate study in the College may be admitted as either a degree-seeking or non-degree seeking student. Policies and procedures of Graduate Studies govern the process of Graduate admission. These may be found in the Graduate Studies section of the online catalog.

Please consult the Departments & Programs section of the online catalog for information regarding program-specific admissions criteria and requirements. Special admissions requirements pertain to Interdisciplinary Studies degrees, which may be found in the Graduate Studies section of the online catalog.

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.

The Master of Arts in Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies requires 30 credit hours of coursework and a written comprehensive exam. At least 50% of coursework for the master's degree must be taken at the 700 level or above.

Core Courses (9)

WGSS 800 History of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies (offered every fall)
WGSS 801 Feminist Theory (offered every fall) (or an alternate WGSS theory course with permission of the Director of Graduate Study)
WGSS 802 Feminist Methodologies (offered every spring)

Elective Theory (3)

1 course selected by the student and advisor which provides theoretic support for the student’s research

Elective Methods (3)

1 course selected by the student and advisor which provides methodological support for the student’s research

Elective Courses (15)

Five graduate level courses selected by the student and advisor with at least 50% of content related to gender and/or sexuality

A list of WGSS elective courses can be found in the department’s graduate student handbook.

MA Exam

In the last semester of course enrollment, students will complete a written comprehensive exam based on MA program content. A committee of three faculty members evaluates the exam upon completion.

Handbook

Further details about meeting the degree requirements can be found in the WGSS Graduate Student Handbook.