The master's degree consists of 24 hours (or 8 courses), which includes a research tool requirement. Both core courses (WSGS 401 and 402) in the graduate program are required. The additional six courses are electives chosen from WSGS courses or courses crosslisted with the WSGS program. One of the elective courses must be multicultural or have a global emphasis, such as WSGS 450. The research tool requirement, a course in data analysis or in research methods (qualitative or quantitative), is fulfilled by WSGS 402. The choice of a practicum as one elective is highly recommended. A thesis option is also available to interested students.  Students work closely with the program director in planning their course sequence. All Master's students make a capstone presentation at the completion of their degree work.

The MA program does not offer scholarships to new applicants. There are one to two administrative graduate assistantships available on a competitive basis to continuing students. Graduate assistantships in other programs and organizations are also available on a competitive basis to continuing Loyola graduate students. 

The MA program application requires three letters of recommendation, transcripts from all universities attended, a personal statement of purpose and a writing sample of five to twenty-five pages that includes citations and references, as well as the completed application form with application fee. Letters of reference from professors are preferred. The writing sample may be on any topic.

Below is an example of a full 1-year program of obtaining your MA in WSGS.

Below is an example of a 1.5-year program of obtaining your MA in WSGS while working.

Graduate Scholars Program

The Graduate Scholars Program is designed for students who are interested in women's studies and feminist scholarship and who are currently enrolled in a graduate program at Loyola. The program consists of six noncredit seminars which meet monthly during the academic year. At each seminar, students and faculty share readings in feminist studies and discuss current scholarship by Loyola Women's Studies and Gender Studies faculty and graduate students. Students who are in their second year or beyond and who have a background in women's studies or feminist scholarship, who have been involved in social activism or community work with women, or whose research includes women as subjects and/or feminist scholarship are eligible to apply to the GSP. A committee of Women's Studies and Gender Studies faculty who have graduate status will review the applications and select the scholars. Themes have included topics such as feminism and social justice, women's bodies and minds, and domestic violence. Calls for applicants go out during the summer break, and applications are usually accepted in late August of each academic year.

MORE INFORMATION

For information about graduate programs in Women's Studies and Gender Studies, contact the Graduate Program Director Dr. Prudence Moylan at: pmoylan@luc.edu. To request materials or information online, please fill out this form.

APPLICATION

To apply to a Women's Studies and Gender Studies graduate program, visit Graduate and Professional Education at Loyola or click here to apply online. Applicants for the dual M.S.W./M.A. degree should apply for admission to the programs using one application, indicating their intent to pursue the dual degree.

Deadlines:

The application for the Master's degree in Women's Studies and Gender Studies is due by:

Fall entry: June 1
Spring entry: November 1