Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies, MA
Program Description
Degree Awarded: MA Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies
The MA program in gender, women and sexuality studies is designed for students who wish to gain research skills and knowledge about gender analysis and to apply those tools to real-world problems and solutions.
This flexible, 30 credit hour master's degree program provides advanced training in feminist research, theory and methodologies. All students must complete an applied project in which students conduct research that addresses practical, often site-specific problems linked to gender. Final projects may take a variety of forms, including program assessments, grant proposals, tests of new interventions or curricula, and so on. These projects may help lead students to careers in human services, public policy, education, nonprofits and other fields.
Full-time students can complete the degree program within two years, while part-time students take longer but can combine work with study.
Degree Requirements
30 credit hours including the required applied project course (WST 593)
Required Core (6 credit hours)
WST 501 Foundations of Feminist Thought (3)
WST 502 Interdisciplinary Gender Research Methodologies (3)
Electives (18 credit hours)
Culminating Experience (6 credit hours)
WST 593 Applied Project (6)
Additional Curriculum Information
Students must successfully provide an oral defense of the applied project.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution. Students may be admitted with a BA or BS in any field as long as they have completed two courses in women and gender studies or have equivalent experience. Appropriate majors may include women, gender and sexuality studies; history; English; sociology; religious studies; social work; psychology; communication; or ethnic studies. Students who have previously majored in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics field and have interests in gender and education or gender and science may also apply for this program.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts from all colleges and universities where the applicant earned a bachelor's or master's degree
- personal statement
- resume or curriculum vitae
- writing sample
- two or three letters of recommendation
- relevant coursework
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
The personal statement should be approximately 1,000 words and describe any prior research experience and training, professional goals and research interests, and the fit between interests and the program's emphases. The statement should be uploaded.
The writing sample should be 7-10 pages. This can include a research brief or report, a white paper, a policy paper or a paper for a recent academic course. The writing sample should reflect the applicant's writing ability and critical thinking skills.
The letters of recommendation should be from individuals who can describe the applicant's strengths and weaknesses as they relate to graduate study, and speak to the applicant's critical thinking, writing, speaking and presentation skills, intellectual ability, leadership potential, interpersonal skills and ability to work with others, or other relevant accomplishments that best highlight their ability to complete a graduate degree in gender, women and sexuality studies.
The list of relevant coursework should include at least two courses, undergraduate or graduate, the applicant has taken that focus on gender or women. In addition, the applicant should list any research methods or social justice courses.
Further details about application requirements and application deadlines are available on the School of Social Transformation's webpage.
Flexible Degree Options
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:
BA - Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies
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Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.
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Learning Outcomes
- Will gain an understanding of and learn to develop and conduct research through a feminist perspective
- Will gain an understanding of and be able to apply the key concepts, theoretical frameworks, interdisciplinary approaches and critical debates that have shaped the field of gender studies
- Will demonstrate the ability to perform intersectional feminist analysis
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the program have gone on to careers at universities, research and policy institutes, government organizations and nonprofit organizations.
Global Opportunities
Global Experience
With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu
Attend Online
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
- SSTgraduate@asu.edu
- 480/965-7682