Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
The MA in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (as part of the JD/MA dual degree program) provides students with advanced training in issues of gender, sexuality, race/ethnicity, class, and disability. Whether you come from a gender and sexuality studies background already or are looking to supplement your work in another field with a gender and sexuality studies perspective, our program helps you explore the issues that matter to you. In addition to solidifying your ability to educate others in gender and sexuality issues and integrate intersectional approaches with varied social issues and workplace challenges, you may develop specializations in a subfield appropriate for your individual plans and goals.
The graduate certificate in women, gender, and sexuality studies requires the completion of five courses, at least two of which must be drawn from 400-level or above home-based WGSS courses. The additional three required courses must be drawn from a 400-level or above home-based or cross-listed WGSS course or from other, Program-approved, gender-based courses (see the Director for approval). Since a certificate requires three courses beyond those required for a student's home degree, participation in the certificate may require an extra semester of graduate classes. Those not interested in a certificate, but want to concentrate on gender within their disciplines to enhance their credentials and enrich their training may do so by pursuing a graduate minor according to the policies of their individual departments. Other students might participate in WGSS courses without commitment to a concentration
In addition to individual courses, another means of interdisciplinary study for current Arts & Sciences PhD students is the addition of a graduate certificate. PhD students may pursue only one certificate. Tuition remission will be granted for required units for a program of study to which a student has been admitted, including an approved Arts & Sciences graduate certificate program. Earning a certificate should not increase a student's expected time to degree or the amount of support from the School of Arts & Sciences.
Graduate students interested in a Graduate Certificate should first apply for admission to the Washington University PhD program in which they wish to obtain an advanced degree. Once admitted to a PhD program, students should notify their primary advisor, the Director of Graduate Studies for their PhD program, and the Certificate Program director of plans to obtain the Certificate. Students must fill out an application for admission to a certificate program on the Office of Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences, Forms page and receive the approval of their PhD program, the certificate program's director, and the Office of Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences.
Contact: wgss@wustl.edu
