About Master’s Program,
The Department of Women’s Studies offers students a course of study which explores traditional disciplines from the perspec-tive of women, develops innovative multidisciplinary approaches, stimulates scholarly research in areas relevant to women, and provides an open forum for the exchange of ideas among stu-dents, faculty, and community. We embrace an approach that highlights intersections of oppressions and spans the scale from local to global. The department further seeks to bridge theory and action in working toward a society free from privilege based on age, class, gender and gender identity, nation, physical condition, race, or sexual orientation. SDSU has offered courses in women’s studies since 1969 and has one of the strongest academic pro-grams in the nation.
A degree in women’s studies may be used as preparation for a wide range of careers. Professional opportunities exist in political and social agencies working with women and developing public policy on women’s issues such as health care, employment, family violence, and education. Women’s studies students prepare for careers in such fields as community organizing, education, jour-nalism, law, personnel, psychology, public administration, and social services. The skills that women’s studies majors develop in critical thinking and analysis are highly valued in many additional occupations and professions today. A women’s studies major may also go on to advanced academic work preparing for a career as a women’s studies scholar.
Many women’s studies majors plan double majors to enhance their career opportunities.
Master’s Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
Except under special circumstances, prospective applicants must meet the following minimum admission requirements:
- Hold an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution or equivalent as determined by the Division of Graduate Affairs;
- Have attained at least a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 units of study;
- If applicable, TOEFL or IELTS test scores.
- Have a sufficient background in Women’s Studies.
Candidates for the degree must demonstrate knowledge of either a relevant foreign language or an approved substitute in computer language, statistical methods, or American Sign Language.
A master’s thesis is a piece of original scholarship written under the direction of a faculty advisor. A master’s thesis is similar to a doctoral dissertation, but it is generally shorter and more narrowly focused.
The MA in Women’s Studies is a liberal arts degree providing students with an opportunity to pursue advanced interdisciplinary work in Women’s Studies, enabling them to become active practitioners in this unique field of study. This 2-year program offers our MA students many opportunities including collaborative research and community involvement.
Master’s Funding Coverage,
Thanks to our many generous supporters, we are able to offer a number of scholarships each year to both undergraduate and graduate Women’s Studies students. Applications for most scholarships are due in the Spring semester.
Given by Professor Emerita Oliva Espín, this scholarship is available to students in the SDSU Women’s Studies M.A. Program who are entering their second year of study or beyond and who have a thesis advisor. Their research should focus upon lesbian women and/or women of color. The award is $1000.00.
SDSU Graduate Equity Fellowship Program
The Graduate Equity Fellowship program provides support for economically disadvantaged graduate students, especially from groups who are underrepresented within their respective disciplines. Only legal residents of the State of California who can demonstrate significant financial need of $1,000, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form (FAFSA) are eligible. Recipients must be classified or conditionally classified graduate students, maintain a 3.00 GPA, and must be enrolled for a minimum of nine units of graduate coursework each semester they hold the fellowship. Fellowships range from $500 to $4,000 for an academic year depending on the demonstrated need. Students may receive awards for a maximum of two academic years, but they must apply each year. Postbaccalaureate students are ineligible. Interested students should complete an application, obtained in the Graduate Division office, and a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, obtained in the Financial Aid office. Both applications must be submitted by September of each year. For more information, visit the funding page on Graduate Studies website.
There is also need-based financial aid available through SDSU aimed to reduce or eliminate economic barriers to graduate study. For more information, visit the Financial Aid and Scholarships website.
Application Requirement,
The Women’s Studies M.A. Program application requires the following items:
- Two letters of recommendation– Applicants must provide names and email addresses for recommenders. Recommenders will be invited to complete the recommendation electronically.
- A 500-word Statement of Purpose, concerning the applicant’s scholarly background, intentions, and goals. The statement should address the applicant’s experience in women’s studies and with women’s issues, rationale for pursuing the M.A. degree, and relation of the M.A. degree in women’s studies to prior academic work and career objectives. Explain how your understanding of feminism intersects with race, class, sexual orientation, ability, and other dimensions of difference.
- A scholarly writing sampleof no more than 25 pages in length.
- Applicants must state whether they are applying for full-timeor part-time (A small number of part-time students may be admitted each year. Applicants should read carefully the information provided under Part-time Program Guidelines).
- Unofficial transcriptsfrom all colleges and universities attended (this is in addition to the official transcripts—see Step 3 below).
- If applicable, TOEFL or IELTS test scores.
- Your resumé
If you have questions regarding this step, please contact our graduate advisor, Professor Jess Whatcott: jwhatcott@sdsu.edu.
Application Deadline,
Feb 15, 2025
Application Fee,
The Cal State Apply application fee is $70 for each campus program you apply to.