Master of Arts in Women’s & Gender Studies
Build a firm scholarly foundation to create social change
The Women’s and Gender Studies (WGS) curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students who strive to build a firm scholarly foundation by which to create social change. The curriculum integrates feminist theory, gender-focused research, and real-world experience. The WGS programs offers a self-designed thesis track or an applied non-thesis track that focuses on gender and violence prevention or gender and wellness.
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Tell us more and we'll send information on how you can succeed with the graduate degree in Women's & Gender Studies from the University of Northern Iowa College of Social &Behavioral Sciences.
Dr. Jesse Swan Graduate Program Coordinator |
Career Opportunities
With the WGS graduate degree, you will advance your career or be ready to continue your career in higher education. These opportunities might be:
- Community Impact Manager, Data and Evaluation
- Field organizer
- Public Health Researcher
- Research Analyst
- Research Associate
- Sexual Assault Advocate
- Training & Curriculum Development Manager
Courses & Curriculum
Our program is a full-time, two-year program that might consist of the following classes:
- Gender Issues Communication
- Graduate Seminar: Comparative Feminist Theories
- Literature, Gender and Intersectionality
- Qualitative Methods
Focus areas:
- Gender & Wellness
- Gender & Violence Prevention
- Individualized
Next Steps
Apply Now
Our application process is smooth and easy. You can apply now and pay your fee later or even get it waived, if you qualify. Current or former UNI students will also have their app fee waived.
Requirements for Admission
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Most current resume or curriculum vitae
- Statement of Purpose (2-3 pages, typed, double-spaced)
- Sample of Scholarly Writing authored by the applicant only
- Two letters of recommendation
- 2.75 is the minimum GPA to be accepted without provision; applicants with a GPA lower than 2.75 may still be admitted provisionally, at the discretion of the program and the Graduate College
- Application fee (this can be waived or deferred, see if you qualify).
Students may be admitted during the fall or spring semester.
Requirements for International Applicants
Along with the basic application requirements, international applicants also need:
- Proof of English proficiency
- A copy of the personal data page of your passport
- A completed UNI Financial Statement and Certification form
- Non-refundable application fee.
Tailored to your needs.
The MA in Women's & Gender Studies offers two tracks, for applied or thesis-based study.
- If making a difference in the world is your goal, the applied track will provide knowledge, skills and experience. You will be prepared to work in the public, private and nonprofit sectors, with a focus on gender and violence prevention, gender and wellness, or a self-designed course of study.
- If pursuing a Ph.D. is your goal, the thesis track is designed for you to create your own unique course of study specific to your interests.
Enhanced learning.
The Assessment Plan for students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Women's and Gender Studies is based on the primary purpose of generating information which will be useful in enhancing student learning and program review and development. Students will seek to address three program goals:
- Comprehend, analyze and evaluate intersectional identity, global awareness and social inequality.
- Understand and apply women’s and gender studies methods and theories.
- Prepared to contribute to women's and gender studies through creative and constructive research.
Tailored to your needs.
The MA in Women's & Gender Studies offers two tracks, for applied or thesis-based study.
- If making a difference in the world is your goal, the applied track will provide knowledge, skills and experience. You will be prepared to work in the public, private and nonprofit sectors, with a focus on gender and violence prevention, gender and wellness, or a self-designed course of study.
- If pursuing a Ph.D. is your goal, the thesis track is designed for you to create your own unique course of study specific to your interests.
Enhanced learning.
The Assessment Plan for students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Women's and Gender Studies is based on the primary purpose of generating information which will be useful in enhancing student learning and program review and development. Students will seek to address three program goals:
- Comprehend, analyze and evaluate intersectional identity, global awareness and social inequality.
- Understand and apply women’s and gender studies methods and theories.
- Prepared to contribute to women's and gender studies through creative and constructive research.
Fund Your Degree
Get the opportunity to learn and fund your degree through hands-on experiences, earning monetary awards or a combination of both. Visit one of the following pages to learn about graduate assistantships, scholarships or additional details on Women's & Gender Studies at University of Northern Iowa College of Social & Behavioral Sciences.