College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
Department of Women's Studies
109 Morris Hall
507-389-2077
The Master of Science in Women's Studies is an internationally known program which attracts students from throughout the U.S. and abroad. Historically it has been based predominantly in the social sciences, with input from humanities and sciences. The graduate program combines interdisciplinary coursework , internships, and individual and cooperative research projects. This feminist program integrates theory and activism. Departmental faculty areas of interest include feminist theory, violence against women, gender and law, women's and girls' history, history of sexuality, LGBT/queer studies, social justice activism, sex work, public health, HIV policy, and feminist pedagogy.
A graduate degree in Women's Studies is beneficial to any work experience in which women are affected — in other words, all. Women's Studies graduates are currently employed as battered women's shelter personnel, directors of human service programs including displaced homemaker services and community action and advocacy services, family therapists, Women's Studies instructors, newspaper editors, freelance and radio journalists, community organizers, cultural workers, K-12 teachers and college administrators. Other students have used their Women's Studies degrees as a rich preparatory base for doctoral work and law school.
In addition to meeting the general admission requirements of the College of Graduate Studies and Research, a background in Women's Studies coursework and/or experience in community-based women's programs or organizations is required.
All applicants are encouraged to seek university sources of financial assistance through application to the Office of Financial Aid. See Sources of Financial Assistance at the front of the Bulletin. Graduate assistantships are available in the Department of Women's Studies, the Women's Center, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Center, the College of Social and Behavioral Sciencs, Student Helath Services, and other campus offices. Second-year students in the program who meet requirements may qualify for teaching opportunities in Women's Studies.
(Thesis Plan - 30 credits)
(Alternate Plan Paper - 34 credits)
Students are required to take a 500 or 600 level seminar outside the department. Please consult with your advisor.
Electronic portfolios are required of all students. Students submit portfolios at the end of their second semester of coursework and before writing their thesis or alternate plan paper. For further details, see Departmental Graduate Handbook.
The Women's Studies graduate certificate is available to those currently pursuing a graduate degree or who already have a graduate degree. The program is also intended for post-baccalaureate working professionals. Students seeking a graduate certificate must possess a bachelor's degree. Previous course work in Women's Studies is preferred but not required.
The Graduate Certificate in Women's Studies offers students learning opportunities in the following areas:
The certificate program requires that students maintain a B average and complete 9 credits of 600-level courses in Women’s Studies plus one 3-credit elective course at the 500 or 600 level.
WOST 540 (3) Feminist Pedagogy
We explore the key philosophical and methodological issues in feminist pedagogy with an emphasis on application of the material learned. In addition to readings, discussions, and lectures, students develop a teaching philosophy, design a course, write a syllabus, prepare a lesson plan, teach a session, design evaluations, and develop a curriculum vitae.
WOST 555 (3) Politics of Sexuality
This course explores the interconnections between sex, gender, and sexuality with special attention to how institutions and communities shape experience and identity.
WOST 560 (1-4) Selected Topics
Topics vary as announced in the class schedule.
WOST 590 (1-4 ) Workshop
Topics vary as announced in the class schedule.
WOST 600 (3) Collective Action and Analysis
This course examines historical, cultural, theoretical, and strategic aspects of struggle for social justice, with special attention to women’s activism.
WOST 605 (3) Foundations of Women's Studies
Overview and analysis of the theoretical, methodological, and activist foundations of Women's Studies as a discipline.
WOST 610 (3) Graduate Seminar
Advanced topics in women's and gender studies.
WOST 620 (3) Feminist Research
We explore theoretical and epistemological issues in feminist research, as well as developing the practical skills needed to conduct our own research.
WOST 630 (3) Global Feminisms: Theory & Practice
This course will address critical issues facing women in "developing" countries in the context of an increasingly globalized order. The purpose of the course is to familiarize students with global issues/global feminist theory.
WOST 640 (3) Feminist Theories
This course explores major theories of feminism.
WOST 677 (1-6) Individual Study
Concentrated study and research in areas of student's special interests/ expertise under supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite: must be enrolled in the MS program in WOST and have permission of the instructor
WOST 694 (1-2) Alternate Plan Paper
Preparation of an alternate plan paper under supervision of the student's graduate advisor. Prerequisite: must be enrolled in the MS program in WORST.
WOST 697 (1-6) Internship (College Teaching)
Students assist a faculty member in teaching Women's Studies 110 or 220. Prerequisite: must be enrolled in the MS program in WOST
WOST 698 (1-6) Internship Community
Placement in a community or university-based internship provides the student with experience and practical skills in a particular field of work or service and/or provides an opportunity to pursue a specific research interest. Prerequisite: must be enrolled in the MS program in WOST
WOST 699 (3-6) Thesis
Preparation of a thesis under supervision of the student's graduate advisory committee. Prerequisite: must be enrolled in the MS program in WOST
