Women’s and Gender Studies, MA

Admission requirements

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of women’s and gender studies as a program of study, admission to our graduate program is open to many who did not major in this field as undergraduates. In compiling your application materials, please reflect on your course work, academic projects, and relevant life experiences that have prepared you to pursue a graduate degree in women’s and gender studies.

To be considered for admission to the master’s program in women’s and gender studies, you must submit an online application and college transcripts to the UNT Toulouse Graduate School. In addition, please submit supporting materials to the women’s and gender studies program. Only complete applications will be considered for admission decisions.

Please submit the following items directly to the women’s and gender studies program:

An application letter that includes a statement in which you address your purpose in pursuing graduate study in the women’s and gender studies program at UNT. Include your professional plans, career goals, background in topics/theories related to women’s and gender studies, and areas of research interest relevant to our program
A current vita or resume in which you address the following areas (as applicable): a) educational background; b) previous work and leadership experience; c) publications, performances, exhibitions, or other scholarly activities; d) previous research experience, including publications; e) involvement in community activities
Two signed letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your academic and/or professional abilities. At least one letter must be from a professor who can speak to your academic capacities and potential to succeed in graduate study; one letter may be submitted by a current or past employer. Academic references are preferred. The writer should submit their letter directly to the department.
A scholarly writing sample from an upper-level undergraduate course or an honor’s thesis. The writing sample should demonstrate your proficiency at conducting and reporting research.

Degree requirements

Students must complete at least 30 hours of graduate course work as part of an approved master’s degree plan. All students are required to complete WGST 5100 , WGST 5200 and WGST 5400 . In addition to these 9 hours of required course work, students will select additional courses approved for WGST credit.

Additional requirements

Students must also fulfill one of three “exit options,” chosen in consultation with the major professor.

Thesis track option

If you wish to complete a thesis, you will work in close consultation with your major professor and selected committee members on a substantial research project during your final two long semesters of enrollment.

The 30-hour program with thesis option is distributed as follows:

Course work: 21 hours
Research methods: 3 hours
Thesis: 6 hours WGST 5950 and an oral thesis defense

Non-thesis track options

Internship/fieldwork option

Serving in an internship offers valuable hands-on experiences that enable you to glean an insider’s perspective of a non-profit organization. You must complete at least 12 hours of graduate WGST course work before enrolling in an internship and must work in close consultation with your major professor.

The 30-hour program with internship/fieldwork non-thesis option is distributed as follows:

Course work: 27 hours
Internship: 3 hours of WGST 5850
written and oral comprehensive examinations (taken during your last long semester of enrollment)

Special project option

This option will allow you to focus on a semester-long research or creative project opportunity, suitable for publication or professional review. You must complete at least 12 hours of graduate WGST course work before enrolling in this special problems course and must work in close consultation with your major professor.

The 30-hour program with special project non-thesis option is distributed as follows:

Course work: 27 hours
Special problems: 3 hours of WGST 5900
written and oral comprehensive examinations (taken during your last long semester of enrollment)