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Research and teaching assistantships are available for full-time MA students

What does it cost?

Check out our cost calculator or visit student financial services for information on estimated costs.

How long will it take?

36 credit hours over 4-5 semesters (two-year program)

Where will I take classes?
Atlanta Campus

Application Deadlines View Admissions Requirements

  • Fall: April 15 (Priority: February 1)
  • Spring: Does not admit
  • Summer: Does not admit

Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies, M.A.

Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies

Dr. Maura Bernales
[email protected]

The Georgia State University M.A. program in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies has three interrelated areas of concentration:

  • Globalization
  • Sexuality studies
  • Social change

Our curriculum stands out for its emphasis on the intersections of gender and sexuality with race, nationalisms, ethnicity and transnationalism. We have a strong emphasis on queer theory and LGBTQ studies and the theory and practice of activism.

One distinction of our program is that students may complete one of three different kinds of theses:

  • Research Thesis: an originally researched topic that contributes to a new area of gender and sexuality studies scholarship
  • Creative Thesis: creative project in the arts, such as a play, an art exhibit or mixed-media work
  • Action Research Thesis: an internship with a local social justice-oriented organization or other form of community and/or activist engagement

VIEW CATALOG INFORMATION

Program Highlights

Our students have a wide range of research interests, reflecting the diversity of the field of women’s, gender, and sexuality studies. Some recent M.A. thesis projects by WGSS students include:

Shayla Robinson, “Refusals and Re-Creations: Imagining Utopia through Black Lesbian Affect in Modern Dance,” (2018), directed by Tiffany King

Katherine Nelson, “The Enduring Kind: Conceptions Of Freedom For An Unstable Present” (2018), directed by Megan Sinnott

Andreanna Nattiel, “Bringing Sex To Theory: Sensational Affinity, Pleasure, and Sexual Pedagogy” (2018), directed by Susan Talburt

Jennie Lambert, “Women’s Narratives of Their Experiences with the Diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)” (2018), directed by Susan Talburt

Candice Merritt, “Our Sacrifice Shall Not Be Required: Examining Maternal Ambivalence and Refusal in Black Motherhood” (2018), directed by Tiffany King

VIEW MORE THESIS TOPICS

Program Details

Our graduate students come from a range of disciplinary backgrounds, including humanities (such as English and history), social sciences (such as psychology, sociology and anthropology) and professional fields (such as social work and education).

  • Background in the field of women's, gender and sexuality studies.
  • GRE not required.

Prospective students who wish to apply for the graduate program should read about graduate admissions for the College of Arts and Sciences. Keep in mind that all application materials are due by March 1. Contact our Graduate Director with any additional questions.

Master of Arts Degree Requirements

  • Thirty hours of graduate coursework, 15 hours of which are required (WGSS 8001, WGSS 8002, WGSS 8003, WGSS 8004, and WGSS 8005) and 15 hours of coursework that may be chosen from the Institute for Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality courses or from approved courses in other departments.
  • A minimum of six hours of Thesis Research (WGSS 8999).
  • A thesis approved by a thesis committee.

For complete degree requirements, visit the catalog.

Please note that in the case of any conflict of information, the Graduate Catalog supersedes the WGSS website.

Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies M.A. graduates will be academically prepared to be scholars and practitioners in fields and/or career placements relevant to their core concerns.

Description

Careers

Our graduates successfully apply to top-tier Ph.D. and professional programs, and typically find employment at non-profit and cultural, social justice and governmental organizations.

Contacts

WGSS Graduate Director
Dr. Maura Bernales
[email protected]

Street Address:

Institute for Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Georgia State University
25 Park Place
Suite 2201
Atlanta, GA 30303

Mailing Address:

Institute for Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Georgia State University
P.O. Box 3969
Atlanta, GA 30302-3969

College of Arts & Sciences Lockup25 Park Pl NE #2500
Atlanta, GA 30303

The information shared provides an overview of Georgia State’s offerings. For details on admissions requirements, tuition, courses and more, refer to the university catalogs.