Graduates of the MA program will have the skills to continue graduate work toward a PhD in a humanities or social science discipline. Training in feminist studies and research methods will also enable graduates of the MA program to enhance their work in other careers, such as law, health care, criminology, social work, public welfare, and education.
Graduate work in Women's Studies and African American Studies is also available to students whose degree programs permit them to select courses in other programs and divisions. A Master of Arts concentration in Women's Studies may be taken through the Department of American Studies of the College of Arts and Sciences and through other cooperating departments and programs. Admission and programs of study are subject to the guidelines presented by the appropriate department or program.
Admissions
- A CV/resume
- 3 letters of recommendation.
See the Admission Criteria section of this catalog for more information.
Curricular Requirements
Students complete a minimum of at least 30 hours in courses numbered 500 or above. Two plans are offered for the master's degree:
All MA students will successfully complete a 12-hour core program consisting of:
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| WS 503 | Teaching Gender & Race | 3 |
| WS 530 | Feminist Theory-Contemp | 3 |
| WS 535 | Black Feminism | 3 |
| WS 550 | Intro to Women's Studies | 3 |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
Students have the option of writing a thesis (Plan I) or passing a comprehensive exam described below (Plan II). A grade of “B” or better must be earned in all courses.
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Core Course Requirement | ||
| WS 503 | Teaching Gender & Race | 3 |
| WS 525 | Feminist Theory Maj Text | 3 |
| WS 535 | Black Feminism | 3 |
| WS 550 | Intro to Women's Studies | 3 |
| Additional Requirements | ||
| WS 599 | Thesis Research | 6 |
| WS Electives 500-585 | 12 | |
| Electives (departmentally approved) | 6 hours can be substituted for thesis hours in Plan 2 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Transfer Credit
Graduate School information about Transfer Credit.
Comprehensive Exam
The Comprehensive Examination is taken in the last semester of courses that the students takes in the MA program. The student is given a list of questions the night before the start of the examination, and has three days to answer three of them. One is due each day. The exam is graded by the faculty, and passing two of three questions is required to pass the examination. If the student fails the exam, they can take the exam when it is offered again. A successful pass on the Comprehensive Examination is required to receive the MA degree in Women’s Studies, if the student has not selected the Thesis Option.
Plan I Requirements
Candidates for the master's degree under Plan I must earn a minimum of 24 semester hours of credit in coursework plus earn a minimum of 6 additional hours of WS 599 Thesis Research hours, for a total of 30 hours. A thesis evidencing research capacity, independent thought, and the ability to interpret materials is required of all master's degree candidates who pursue Plan I.
Plan II Requirements
Candidates for the master's degree under Plan II must earn a minimum of 30 semester hours of coursework credit and pass the comprehensive examination. The grades assigned to exam answers are high pass, pass, or fail.
Plan II requires a minimum of 24 semester hours in the major subject. With the approval of the major department, the remainder of the coursework may be completed in either the major or a related field.
Candidates working under Plan II may be required to participate successfully in seminar or problem courses that will give them an acquaintance with the methods of research and an appreciation of the place and function of original research.
Time Limits for Degree Completion Requirements
All requirements for the master's degree must be completed during the six years (18 fall, spring, and summer semesters) immediately preceding the date on which the degree is to be awarded. Full-time attendance required.
Graduate School information on Time Limits.
Academic Misconduct Information
Graduate School information on Academic Misconduct.
Withdrawals and Leave of Absence Information
Graduate School information on Withdrawals and Leave of Absence.
Academic Grievances Information
Graduate School information on Academic Grievances.
Grades and Academic Standing
Graduate School information on Grades and Academic Standing.
Graduate School Deadlines Information
Information on Graduate School Deadlines.
Application for Graduation Information
Information on the Application for Graduation.
- Assistantship funding covers tuition and a monthly stipend. It does not cover the summer months. The stipend is usually enough for the student to pay rent and live modestly, but often students find they need additional financial resources. The assistantship requires a student to work for the department as a research assistant or teacher (after the student has 18 credits of course work) for twenty hours a week. This is in addition to classes that students take in the program. The MA in Women's Studies is a demanding and intense program of study, and student should anticipate having to spend considerable time doing coursework and research.
- The number of assistantships the Department of Gender and Race has available for new students depends on the graduation of those currently holding an assistantship. Students in the program notify the Graduate School sometime in the early spring if they are going to graduate in May, and once they do the Department is also notified. This means that funding decisions for all incoming students usually can not occur until the first week in March at the earliest, but usually all funding is determined for the coming fall semester by April 1st. Students accepted to the program will be notified separately from their acceptance letter about funding.