Program Overview

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Women's and Gender Studies, M.A.

The Master of Arts in Womens and Gender Studies at Saint Louis University provides an interdisciplinary education about contemporary social justice issues, preparing students for leadership and advocacy roles in community or academic settings.

Overview

While gender is the primary focus, each course and the discipline as a whole examine gender in light of race, ethnicity, class, sexual identity, ability, age, and religion. The discipline teaches students to think critically and to engage in the world as responsible citizens.

Curriculum Overview

The masters degree in womens and gender studies requires 30 credits. Students will take five core courses covering:

• Feminist theories
• Feminist epistemologies
• Feminist research design or program evaluation
• Current feminist issues
• A graduate-level internship

Students can then select five elective courses from dozens of choices in women's and gender studies; political science; African-American studies; philosophy; English; history; languages, literatures and cultures; visual and performing arts; social work; and law, among others.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

Students are required to complete at least one graduate-level internship under the supervision of a faculty member. There may also be opportunities for students to collaborate with faculty members on their research, depending on students and faculty members research interests.

Careers

The SLU M.A. in womens and gender studies prepares students for:

• Careers in community organizing, nonprofit organizations, government service, health care, business, the arts, and policy research
• Doctoral work in womens and gender studies and related fields
• Professional schools, including public health, law, social work, and public policy

Admission Requirements

A GPA of 3.30 or above is preferred. The M.A. program is interdisciplinary and welcomes applicants from all academic fields.

Application Requirements

• Application form and fee
• Transcript(s)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Résumé
• Statement of purpose
• Writing sample (preferably related to womens and gender studies)

Requirements for International Students

All Saint Louis University admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students. International students applying to SLU must also meet the following additional requirements:

• Demonstrate English language proficiency
• Academic records must include an English translation. Unofficial copies may be accepted in some cases for initial admission review; however, official copies must be received prior to enrollment. Course-by-course transcript evaluations are accepted.
• Students must submit financial documents to be issued an I-20 for their F-1 visa application. Proof of financial support must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the student's time at Saint Louis University
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of the student's study at the University

Tuition

Tuition per credit: $1,400 Additional charges may apply.

Scholarships, Assistantships, and Financial Aid

For priority consideration for a graduate assistantship, apply by the program admission deadlines. Fellowships and assistantships provide a stipend and may include health insurance and a tuition scholarship for the duration of the award.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

1. Assess relevant literature or scholarly contributions in women's and gender studies
2. Apply the major practices, theories, or research methodologies in women's and gender studies
3. Use feminist perspectives to examine problems in transnational, national, and local contexts
4. Articulate arguments or explanations to both a disciplinary or professional audience and to a general audience, in both oral and written forms
5. Demonstrate scholarly and/or professional integrity in women's and gender studies
6. Discuss the diversity of women's experiences and their roots in the intersection of social locations like gender, race, and class

Course List

• Required Courses:
  • WGST 5010: Feminist Theories
  • WGST 5020: Feminist Epistemologies
  • WGST 5030: Feminist Research Design
  • WGST 5040: Current Feminist Issues
  • WGST 5910: Graduate Internship
• Elective Courses: Select five graduate courses with either a WGST number, cross-listing, or attribute

Non-Course Requirements

A capstone project and presentation based on either an internship or research developed through coursework are also required.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Roadmap

The roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for programs and assumes full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.

• Year One:
  • Fall: Participation in First Year Grad Student Orientation and Department Events, Elective 1, WGST 5010 (Feminist Theories), WGST 5030 (Feminist Research Design) or WGST 5040 (Current Feminist Issues) or WGST 5050 (Program Evaluation) or WGST 5910 (Graduate Internship)
  • Spring: Participation in Department Events, WGST 5020 (Feminist Epistemologies), WGST 5030 (Feminist Research Design) or WGST 5050 (Program Evaluation)
• Year Two:
  • Fall: Participation in Department Events, Elective 1, Elective 1, Elective 1
  • Spring: Completion of Capstone Project and Oral Defense, WGST 5040 (Current Feminist Issues), Elective 1