Applied Women’s Studies, MA

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The Master of Arts in Applied Women’s Studies combines feminist theory, methodology, and epistemology with the substantive knowledge and practical skills required to meet the needs of an increasingly complex global society. The program prepares students for careers in community organizations, government agencies, nonprofit/social sector, and the private sector.

Cutting across disciplines such as the humanities, social sciences, education, and management, the rigorous program examines the connections between feminist theory and social change in the real world. Courses in politics and economics, the organizational and behavioral sciences, humanities, education, community and global health, and management create a rich opportunity for interdisciplinary study that is both academic and professional.

Students admitted to the program in Applied Women’s Studies should refer to the Applied Women’s Studies Handbook for the year in which they begin the program for complete details.

Degree Requirements

Coursework. A total of 36 units are required for the degree. These units include 16 units of required courses, 12 units in a concentration, and 8 additional electives.

Master Internship. Local, domestic, and international opportunities in the student’s area of interest are available for completion of a required internship. For internships outside the southern California area, competitive funds are available to assist as needed.

University Policies. University policies detailed in the Registration and Degree Information apply.

Required Courses (16 units)

Feminist Theory/Methodology (4 units)
Applied Feminist Applications (4 units)
Other Research Methods (4 units)
Master Internship (4 units)

Concentration (12 units)

The concentration allows a student to specialize in an area of study such as politics, humanities, or education, or to develop expertise in an area of interest, such as educational policies, environmental issues, women’s leadership, and others.

Electives (8 units)

Elective units allow the student to add further analytical tools, such as data analysis, statistics, or legal research methods, to broaden their knowledge of a social issue or to gain expertise in other feminist methodologies.