MA Program

MA in Gender and Sexuality

Our MA program in Gender and Sexuality offers students an interdisciplinary education using a variety of theoretical and methodological approaches across the humanities and the social sciences to examine gender and sexuality through intersectional, decolonial, transnational, and social transformation frameworks. Our faculty’s dedication to teaching and mentorship ensures that students receive a transformative education, preparing them for academic work at the doctoral level and for careers in a wide range of related fields.

The University of Colorado Boulder Department of Women and Gender Studies' Master of Arts in Gender and Sexuality Studies is a 30-credit-hour post-baccalaureate degree program that centers intersectional, decolonial, transnational, and social transformation frameworks in the study of gender and sexuality. The MA program provides students an interdisciplinary education using a variety of theoretical and methodological approaches across the humanities and the social sciences to examine gender and sexuality. Students choose to complete the program with a master’s thesis or a practicum plan of study.

WGST at CU Boulder is home to one of the university’s most culturally diverse faculty. Our faculty is a remarkable assembly of scholars and educators renowned for their groundbreaking contributions to feminist theories, social justice, and intersectional research and creative work. Our dedication to teaching and mentorship ensures that students receive a transformative education, preparing them for academic work at the doctoral level and/or for careers in a wide range of related fields.

For more information on program requirements and plans of study, please review the  or email WGSTGrad@Colorado.EDU.
 


Application Deadlines for Beginning Studies in Fall 2025

  • January 3, 2025 (international applicants)
  • January 15, 2025, (U.S. citizens)

Program Tracks

MA students will select the thesis or practicum option based on what best suits their professional goals.

The thesis option will prepare students for PhD-level academic work in women, gender, and sexuality studies as well as a range of fields including anthropology, communication, ethnic studies, geography, global health, international relations, media studies, political science, and sociology. The thesis option is a project of original research that culminates in a master’s level thesis paper that is defended by the student to their faculty committee composed of three faculty members.
The practicum option is geared toward non-academic professional careers in nonprofits, health, non-government organizations (NGOs), politics, advocacy, women and children services, and corporations. This practicum provides students with the opportunity to integrate scholarly feminist analysis of gender and sexuality issues with a work setting that addresses those issues. This track option is ideal for students already involved in an active internship or job or who are committed to securing a position during their MA. The practicum option requires students to complete 150 to 180 hours of paid or unpaid work at an agency, organization, or project relevant to gender and sexuality studies, which culminates with a “Practicum Report” detailing and analyzing the work achieved and a comprehensive oral examination administered by committee on the theoretical underpinnings of the practicum.

Funding

  • Funding opportunities are available to MA program students in the form of teaching assistant (TA) positions. TAships provide a semester salary, tuition remission, coverage of mandatory student fees, and a contribution towards the Student Gold Health Insurance Plan premium. Typically, two TAships are funded through the Department of Women and Gender Studies each semester. The department strives to offer TAships to MA students whenever possible, however, the availability of these positions is not guaranteed.
  • Several awards of up to $5,000 may be offered each year to admitted or matriculated students.
  • Available department funding opportunities will be communicated if you are admitted to the program. Although we cannot guarantee funding, we will work with you and hope to be able to help fund your MA program.
  • Residency and tuition classification are determined at the time of admission to CU Boulder. Please note that domestic non-resident graduate students (including permanent residents) may apply for Colorado in-state tuition classification prior to the start of their second year as a graduate student. Approved petitions will qualify students for in-state tuition rates. Eligibility to petition is limited to certain circumstances for international students.
  • Opportunities for teaching assistant, research assistant (RA), or graduate assistant (GA) appointments may also be available through other academic departments, and students are also welcome to apply for other on-campus employment opportunities.
  • Please see the CU Boulder Graduate School Funding page for more information on funding and financial aid.

Admissions

CU Boulder Graduate School Admission Requirements:
  • Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university or have done work equivalent to that required for such a degree.
  • Show promise of ability to pursue advanced study and research, as judged by the student’s scholastic record.
  • Have adequate preparation to enter graduate study in the chosen field. Have at least a 2.75 (2.00=C) undergraduate grade point average.
  • English Proficiency Requirements for International Students
MA in Gender and Sexuality Studies Application Requirements:
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation:
    • The three letters of recommendation must focus on the applicant’s aptitude for graduate study in women, gender, and sexuality. Letters can come from professors or from professional contacts.
  • Writing Sample: 
    • A writing sample of 15-20 pages that demonstrates the applicant’s ability to conduct research. The writing sample can be a senior thesis, an essay written for a class, a research paper, a capstone project, or a published journal article.
  • Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement: 
    • A personal statement of 500-1000 words that outlines the applicant’s areas of interest and any relevant past experiences. The personal statement should explain why the applicant wants to pursue graduate education in gender and sexuality studies, and how they anticipate using what they learn in their personal and professional future.

How to Apply

The CU Boulder Graduate Application for Fall 2025 Admissions is open. 

  • January 3, 2025 (International Applicants)
  • January 15, 2025 (U.S. citizens)

For more information please visit the CU Boulder Graduate School Admissions webpage

Questions?

For specific questions, please email our Graduate Program Assistant: WGSTGrad@Colorado.EDU