PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Graduate Program in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Dual-title MA/MS and PhD optionsDegree Options
- Interdisciplinary approach with 14 partner departmentsPartnerships
- Focus on intersectional, transnational, and feminist analysisCore Focus
- Commitment to social justiceProgram Value
- Nationally and internationally recognized programRecognition
Penn State offers graduate degrees with a specialization in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS). This program is recognized nationally and internationally for its interdisciplinary approach to analyzing gender, power, and social inequality through transnational and feminist perspectives. The program fosters a vibrant intellectual community dedicated to social justice, bringing together faculty and students from across the university to tackle pressing social, political, and cultural issues. Students can pursue a dual-title Master of Arts (M.A.) or Master of Science (M.S.) degree, or a dual-title Ph.D. These dual-title programs allow students to integrate feminist, gender, and sexuality studies into their primary field of study, offering advanced training and distinctive scholarly opportunities. The program is housed within the College of the Liberal Arts, leveraging a diverse and interdisciplinary faculty committed to research and teaching excellence.
Careers
Graduates of the WGSS program have achieved success in securing academic positions as well as professional, policy, and research-oriented careers. The interdisciplinary training equips students with critical analytical skills, creative problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to articulate socio-political alternatives.
- Academic positions
- Professional roles
- Policy-oriented careers
- Research-oriented careers
Entry requirements
Dual-title MA/MSStudents must be admitted to a primary participating graduate program at Penn State and then admitted to the WGSS dual-title program.
Dual-title PhDStudents must be admitted to a primary participating PhD program at Penn State and then admitted to the WGSS dual-title program.
Admission to the WGSS dual-title program is contingent upon admission to a primary participating graduate program.
Fees
Tuition (international)Refer to the primary program of study for tuition details.
Tuition (home)Refer to the primary program of study for tuition details.
LivingEstimated living costs can be found on the Penn State Graduate School website.
Tuition and fees are determined by the primary degree-granting department and the specific college. International students should also consult the Graduate School's information on financial resources.
How to apply
1. Apply to a Primary Graduate ProgramIdentify a participating graduate program (e.g., English, History, Political Science) that aligns with your academic interests and apply directly to that program through Penn State's Graduate School admissions portal.
2. Express Interest in WGSSDuring your application to the primary program, indicate your interest in pursuing the WGSS dual-title. This may involve a specific section in the application or a separate statement of purpose that highlights your commitment to WGSS.
3. Meet Departmental RequirementsFulfill all admission requirements for your chosen primary graduate program, which may include standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a statement of purpose.
4. WGSS Admission ReviewOnce admitted to your primary program, your interest in the WGSS dual-title will be reviewed by the WGSS graduate program. This may involve additional application materials or an interview.