Gender and Women's Studies
Graduate Programs
Description
The graduate program in Gender and Women's Studies prepares students for careers in non-profits, activism, and advocacy, or for further graduate study. Gender and Women's Studies is an interdisciplinary field examining the social construction of gender and sexuality and the intersections of all forms of oppression. The graduate program examines feminist theory and activism and helps students develop skills to bridge the two. The graduate program in Gender & Women's Studies offers both Master of Arts and Master of Science degrees.
Departmental faculty areas of interest include feminist theory, violence against women, gender and law, women's and girls' history, history of sexuality, LGBT/queer studies, feminism & mothering, African Diaspora, Caribbean women writers, and feminist pedagogy.
Majors |
Program | Locations | Total Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gender and Women's Studies MA | MA - Master of Arts |
|
30 |
| Gender and Women's Studies MS | MS - Master of Science |
|
34 |
Certificates |
Program | Locations | Total Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gender and Women's Studies GC |
|
12 |
Policies & Faculty
Policies
Admission
In addition to meeting the general admission requirements of the College of Graduate Studies and Research, a background in Women's and/or Gender Studies coursework, or experience in community-based women's programs or organizations, is required.
Financial Assistance
All applicants are encouraged to seek university sources of financial assistance through application to the Office of Financial Aid. See Sources of Financial Assistance at the front of the Bulletin. Graduate assistantships are available in the Department of Women's Studies, the Women's Center, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Center, the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Student Heath Services, and other campus offices. Second-year students in the program who meet requirements may qualify for teaching opportunities in Gender & Women's Studies.
International Applicants
International applicants must submit a TOEFL score of 79 or an IELTS score of 6.5 on the academic examination.
Contact Information
109 Morris Hall
Main Office (507) 389-2077Faculty
Chair
- Laura Harrison, Ph.D.
Faculty
500 Level
Credits: 3
Students will learn about the legal, cultural, and political factors that contribute to sexual assault and gendered violence. This course will combine hands-on training in activism from course instructors and community members in the field of sexual assault advocacy, as well as a background in theories of gender and sexual assault. Sexual assault advocates provide confidential services to victims of sexual violence, including hospital and legal advocacy, crisis counseling, and emotional support. Students who satisfactorily complete 40 hours of training will be certified as sexual assault advocates at the end of the semester.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Applies sociological theories of identity to the experiences of women being released from prison. Taught at a women's prison in Minnesota, and integrates MSU students with students drawn from the educational program located within the women's prison.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
We explore the key philosophical and methodological issues in feminist pedagogy with an emphasis on application of the material learned. In addition to readings, discussions, and lectures, students develop a teaching philosophy, design a course, write a syllabus, prepare a lesson plan, teach a session, design evaluations, and develop a curriculum vitae.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
An exploration and overview of lesbian/bisexual/transgender identities. Possible topics include historical and cross-cultural perspectives; lesbian/bisexual/transgender identities in relation to class, race, age, ethnicity, and disability; lesbian feminism, images and stereotypes; legal status and lesbian/bisexual/transgender cultures.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1-4
Offered according to student demand and instructor availability/expertise, topics courses provide curriculum enrichment on an ongoing basis.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1-4
Topics to be announced. May be retaken for credit.Prerequisites: none
600 Level
Credits: 3
Emphasis is on analytical skills and group dynamics as well as subject content including collective action strategies.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This seminar serves as a critique/work group for class members' thesis and publication goals. We examine the formation of critical consciousness.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
We explore theoretical and epistemological issues in feminist research, as well as developing the practical nuts and bolts skills needed to conduct our own research. Research skill workshops include Internet and WEB resources in research and constructing a research design. Class members organize and participate in a research conference.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This course will address critical issues facing women in developing countries in the context of an increasingly globalized order. The purpose of the course is to familiarize students with global issues/global feminist theory.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This course examines the development of theories and strategies used by various groups of women to create social change. Special focus on the major theories and issues of first, second, and third wave faminism.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1-6
Concentrated study and research in areas of student's special interests/ expertise under supervision of a faculty member.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1-2
Preparation of an alternate plan paper under supervision of the student's graduate advisor.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1-6
Students assist or co-teach an undergraduate Women's Studies course under the supervision of a faculty member.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1-6
Placement in a community or university-based internship provides the student with experience and practical skills in a particular field of work or service and/or provides an opportunity to pursue a specific research interest.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3-6
Preparation of a thesis under supervision of the student's graduate advisory committee.Prerequisites: none
