Gender and Women's Studies, PhD

The PhD in Gender and Women's Studies provides advanced training in feminist gender analysis for students from a variety of academic backgrounds and career plans. The degree engages the multidisciplinary perspectives associated with gender studies and women's studies: queer studies, transgender studies, sexuality studies, race and ethnicity studies, disability studies, area and global studies, cultural studies, and postcolonial and transnational studies.

This interdisciplinary program is supported by the active engagement of 20 faculty members (and another dozen faculty affiliates). The program of study connects to "traditional" disciplinary study, and encourages students to:

• engage with wide-ranging and multi-disciplinary feminist theory and research;
• explore research on gender around the globe and how gender intersects with local and national identities, as well as how gender intersects with other social categories such as race/ethnicity, nationality, sexuality, class, caste, and religion;
• develop expertise in a disciplinary or interdisciplinary concentration outside Gender and Womens Studies; and
• engage with a variety of disciplinary and interdisciplinary methods including, for example, fieldwork, ethnography, critical analysis, and archival, statistical, experimental, and meta-analytic methods.

Admissions

Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online.

Admission Requirements

• Fall Deadline: December 1
• Spring Deadline: The program does not admit in the spring.
• Summer Deadline: The program does not admit in the summer.
• GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Not required.
• English Proficiency Test: Refer to the Graduate School's policy.
• Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT): n/a
• Letters of Recommendation Required: 3

Application Materials

1. One (1) copy of unofficial transcripts or academic records from each institution attended. International academic records must be in the original language and accompanied by an official English translation.
2. International degree-seeking applicants must prove English proficiency.
3. Three (3) letters of recommendation. At least two of the letters should come from academic sources.
4. Statement of reasons why you wish to pursue the PhD Degree in Gender and Womens Studies (23 pages).
5. Curriculum vitae.
6. Writing sample (10-20 pages, no more than 25 pages).

Funding

Graduate School Resources

The Bursars Office provides information about tuition and fees associated with being a graduate student. Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid.

Program Resources

The Department of Gender and Womens Studies guarantees five years of funding for PhD students. This five-year funding timeline applies or is in effect whether funding comes from GWS or another unit on campus. Each student accepted into the PhD program in Gender & Womens Studies will be given guaranteed funding (salary and tuition remission) at the 50% level, conditional on the student remaining in good standing.

Requirements

Mode of Instruction

• Face to Face: Yes
• Evening/Weekend: No
• Online: No
• Hybrid: No
• Accelerated: No

Curricular Requirements

• Minimum Credit Requirement: 51 credits
• Minimum Residence Credit Requirement: 42 credits
• Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement: 26 credits must be graduate-level coursework.
• Overall Graduate GPA Requirement: 3.00 GPA required.
• Assessments and Examinations: Doctoral students must successfully pass a written preliminary examination by the end of Fall semester of their fourth year in the program.
• Language Requirements: n/a
• Graduate School Breadth Requirement: All doctoral students are required to complete a doctoral minor or graduate/professional certificate.

Required Courses

• Core GEN&WS Courses:
  • GEN&WS 800: Research Methods in Gender & Women's Studies (3 credits)
  • GEN&WS 810: Gender and Women's Studies: The Emergence and Transformation of a Field (3 credits)
  • GEN&WS 830: Contemporary Theorizing in Gender and Women's Studies (3 credits)
  • GEN&WS 840: Pedagogy in Gender and Women's Studies (3 credits)
  • GEN&WS 860: Proseminar in Gender and Women's Studies (1 credit)
• Advanced Electives: Students must complete 3 elective courses.
• Research and Dissertation: Students must complete at least 6 credits of GEN&WS 990: Research & Thesis.
• Additional Coursework: Students will complete this requirement in additional Gender and Women Studies (GEN&WS) or other approved coursework.
• Breadth Requirement/Concentration: Students are required to meet the Graduate School requirement for breadth, either through a doctoral minor or graduate/professional certificate.

Policies

Prior Coursework

• Graduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions: Students may transfer up to 9 credits earned at another institution.
• Undergraduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions or UW-Madison: No undergraduate credits earned at other institutions or UW-Madison are allowed to transfer.

Probation

Refer to the Graduate School's probation policy.

Advisor / Committee

The student will be paired with a faculty advisor when they enter the program, based on the area of interest they indicate in their application for admission.

Credits Per Term Allowed

15 credit maximum.

Time Limits

Refer to the Graduate School's time limits policy.

Grievances and Appeals

These resources may be helpful in addressing your concerns:

• Bias or Hate Reporting
• Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures
• Hostile and Intimidating Behavior Policies and Procedures
• Office of the Provost for Faculty and Staff Affairs
• Employee Assistance
• Employee Disability Resource Office
• Graduate School
• Office of Compliance
• Office Student Assistance and Support
• Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards
• Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff
• Title IX

Professional Development

Graduate School Resources

Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a broad understanding of major theories, methods, and scholarship in gender and womens studies.
2. Develop significant research questions that will advance the contributions of GWS scholarship to society; create individualized research programs that match their specific interests and goals, and that harness the tools from their concentration.
3. Acquire the analytical tools to apply gender and womens studies in a range of academic and non-academic careers.
4. Demonstrate ethical and professional conduct in research and teaching and with colleagues.

Degree Overview:

The PhD in Gender and Women's Studies is an interdisciplinary program that immerses students in feminist gender analysis and research. It integrates perspectives from queer studies, transgender studies, sexuality studies, race and ethnicity studies, disability studies, area and global studies, cultural studies, and postcolonial and transnational studies to provide a nuanced understanding of gender's intersections with social categories such as race, nationality, class, caste, and religion. The program's objectives are to:

• Equip students with a comprehensive understanding of feminist theory and research methods.
• Foster exploration of gender in global contexts and its intersections with local and national identities.
• Enable students to develop expertise in a disciplinary or interdisciplinary concentration outside Gender and Women's Studies.
• Cultivate engagement with a variety of disciplinary and interdisciplinary methodologies, including fieldwork, ethnography, critical analysis, and archival, statistical, experimental, and meta-analytic methods.

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Outline:

The PhD curriculum in Gender and Women's Studies draws from course offerings within the department and beyond, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific interests. Some courses investigate gender at the global level, while others focus on local, regional, or national perspectives, ensuring an overarching transnational and cross-cultural framework. Required courses for all doctoral students include:

• GEN&WS 800:
Research Methods in Gender & Women's Studies
• GEN&WS 810:
Gender and Women's Studies: The Emergence and Transformation of a Field
• GEN&WS 830:
Contemporary Theorizing in Gender and Women's Studies
• GEN&WS 840:
Pedagogy in Gender and Women's Studies
• GEN&WS 860:
Proseminar in Gender and Women's Studies In addition to these core courses, students must complete 9 credits of advanced electives from a list that includes options such as:
• GEN&WS/C&E SOC/SOC 904:
Sociological Perspectives on Gender
• GEN&WS/ANTHRO 920:
Anthropology of Gender
• GEN&WS/PSYCH 932:
Psychology of Women and Gender
• GEN&WS/POLI SCI 933:
Feminist Political Theory
• GEN&WS/HISTORY 938:
History of Sexuality Doctoral students also complete a minimum of 6 credits of Research & Thesis (GEN&WS 990) and 8 credits of additional coursework in GEN&WS or other approved areas. To meet the Graduate School's breadth requirement, students must complete either a doctoral minor or Graduate/Professional certificate.

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Assessment:

Doctoral students in Gender and Women's Studies must successfully complete a written preliminary examination by the end of their fourth year in the program to advance to dissertator status.

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Careers:

The PhD in Gender and Women's Studies prepares graduates for diverse career paths in academia, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and the private sector. Graduates are well-equipped to conduct independent research, teach courses, and engage in advocacy and policy-making related to gender and women's issues.

University of Wisconsin–Madison

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Overview:

University of Wisconsin–Madison is a public research university located in Madison, Wisconsin. It is known for its strong academic programs, extensive research enterprise, and vibrant campus life. The university is guided by the Wisconsin Idea, a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of using knowledge to improve the lives of people beyond the campus.

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Services Offered:

The university offers a wide range of services to students, including:

Academic Support:

Academic advising, tutoring, writing centers, and career services.

Student Life:

Student organizations, recreational facilities, cultural events, and health services.

Technology:

Access to computer labs, online resources, and software.

Housing:

On-campus residence halls and off-campus housing options.

Financial Aid:

Scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Students at UW–Madison can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university boasts a diverse student body, a wide range of student organizations, and a lively social scene. The city of Madison offers a variety of cultural attractions, restaurants, and entertainment options.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Programs:

UW–Madison is home to a wide range of academic programs, including highly ranked programs in engineering, business, medicine, and the humanities.

Research Opportunities:

The university is a leading research institution, offering students opportunities to participate in groundbreaking research projects.

Wisconsin Idea:

The university's commitment to public service provides students with opportunities to make a positive impact on the world.

Vibrant Campus Life:

UW–Madison offers a lively and engaging campus experience with a diverse student body, a wide range of student organizations, and a variety of cultural events.

Location:

Madison is a beautiful and vibrant city with a strong sense of community.

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Academic Programs:

UW–Madison offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Engineering:

The College of Engineering is highly ranked and offers programs in areas such as computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.

Business:

The Wisconsin School of Business is known for its strong programs in finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

Medicine:

The School of Medicine and Public Health is a leading institution in medical research and education.

Humanities:

The university offers a wide range of programs in the humanities, including English, history, philosophy, and art history.

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Other:

Athletics:

UW–Madison is a member of the Big Ten Conference and has a strong athletic tradition.

Alumni Network:

The university has a large and active alumni network, providing students with valuable connections after graduation.

Sustainability:

UW–Madison is committed to sustainability and has a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.