Best Master's Degrees in Gender Studies

Students can obtain an undergraduate degree for gender studies at the associate and bachelor's level. An associate degree aims to offer students an introductory study of feminist and gender theory while integrating coursework from traditional disciplines such as history, sociology, and psychology. Most associate degree programs take approximately two years to complete and consist of 60 credits of general education requirements (writing, reading, science, and mathematics) and specialist topics. With either an Associate of Arts (AA) or an Associate of Science (AS) in hand, students may decide to pursue entry-level employment or continue with a four-year bachelor's degree program.

A bachelor's degree program in gender studies typically includes 120 credits of general education coursework, core feminist and gender-focused sections, and electives. Students enrolled in bachelor's degree programs for gender studies may also have the option to choose a concentration; e.g., sexuality, gender and public policy, or gender across cultures. Most bachelor's degree programs result in a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Women's and Gender Studies.

Students interested in pursuing a master's degree in women's and gender studies must hold a bachelor's degree, preferably in a related subject area. The majority of graduate schools require that prospective students fill out the online application found on the college or university's website. Additionally, students must request that official transcripts from their previous undergraduate schools be sent directly to the graduate admissions offices at the schools they're applying to. Students can expect to pay a nominal fee to submit their applications and official transcripts.

While admissions requirements tend to vary by school, the following criteria are typical for many gender studies graduate programs:

• Personal statements
• Letters of recommendation (usually 2-3)
• Current resume
• Writing samples
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores

Some gender studies master's degree programs may also require that students meet a minimum grade point average of around 3.0 for consideration, in addition to having completed several prerequisite courses.

For additional information regarding admissions criteria, coinciding deadlines, and the acceptance process for gender studies graduate programs, students can contact the academic advisors or graduate admissions offices.

When choosing a master's program for gender studies, students should consider several factors. Because gender studies programs are typically interdisciplinary, it is recommended that prospective students review the coursework and concentrations to ensure that the offered curriculums align with their career aspirations.

Additionally, master's programs may offer distance learning options or a hybrid curriculum of in-person and online courses. These options may be ideal for students who need greater scheduling flexibility or wish to enroll in a program located outside of their geographical region.

Some programs also encourage students to partake in internships, which may provide networking opportunities in an array of fields. It may also be beneficial to inquire with program advisors what types of career resources and assistance the school provides its graduate students.

Finally, students should decide on a program or school that has received accreditation from a nationally recognized accrediting organization. We will discuss this further in the next section.

Master's in Gender Studies Program Accreditation

Although programmatic accreditation is not currently available for gender studies, students should attend a school that is recognized by a regional accrediting agency. Schools that have received regional accreditation demonstrate a high standard of excellence when it comes to curriculum, instruction, and academic and professional resources. Examples of regional accreditation may include the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which accredits 19 north-central states, as well as the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), which offers accreditation to seven northwestern states and British Columbia, Canada.

Students must attend an accredited college or university, particularly if they are seeking federal or state financial aid, scholarships, grants, and, in many cases, gainful employment. Detailed information about a school's accreditation can be found on the college's website. Additionally, students can search for their school on the U.S. Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP).

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of graduate programs in gender and sexuality, students pursuing a master's degree tend to have several curriculum opportunities available to them. In many gender studies programs, coursework typically integrates feminist theory with topics related to business, social sciences, law, literature, psychology, health, and religion, amongst others.

Students enrolled in graduate-level gender studies degree programs may also have the ability to concentrate on a gender-related specialization, partake in internships, or apply their learning to a research paper or practicum/professional project. The following sections will aim to discuss these master-level gender studies curriculum options in greater detail.

Gender Studies Foundational Courses

Gender studies foundational courses are usually relative within each program. Students can expect to take about 6-9 credits of introductory courses that focus on research methodologies, theory, and perspectives within the women's and gender studies discipline.

Typically, variations of the following foundational course titles may be considered required learning in graduate-level gender studies programs:

• Gender Research Methodologies
• Feminist Thought
• Feminist Theory and Practice

Additionally, master's gender studies programs typically insist that students choose between a thesis and non-thesis track, requiring the completion of courses in preparation of developing a research paper or capstone portfolio, project, or professional paper. A thesis track is usually ideal for students who intend to continue their studies in a doctoral program for gender studies or a related degree. A non-thesis track, on the other hand, may culminate in a terminal degree.

Gender Studies Specialist & Elective Courses

There are usually wide-ranging specialist and elective course offerings in gender studies master's degree programs. Students who concentrate on a specific aspect of women's, gender, and sexuality studies may take a series of thematic coursework related to their specialization.

Depending on the program or school, the following specialist and elective course titles may be offered in a master's gender studies program:

• Women's Health
• Gender and Globalization
• LGBTQ in U.S. History
• Feminist Philosophy
• Women in the Workplace

Licensure & Certification in Gender Studies

Licensure and certification are usually required for gender studies graduates who work as secondary school teachers. Individuals will need to review their state's Department of Education website or visit Teach.org to determine what the eligibility requirements are to receive their licensure. In most states, prospective teachers must pass a background check, complete a student teaching training program, and pass a skills test in their subject area.

Health educators may also be required to obtain certification, such as the Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) credential which is available to health educators who meet the educational and professional criteria stated by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). Candidates must submit two verification forms by managers or supervisors within the health education industry, as well as a current resume showing the completion of a master's degree. Additionally, prospective MCHES holders must take the appropriate coursework and pass a comprehensive exam. Recertification is required every five years and includes the completion of continuing education credits.

Students pursuing a master's degree in gender studies may have the opportunity to concentrate on a particular specialty. Oftentimes, students choose a concentration in order to gain in-depth knowledge about a specific research topic that may benefit them in their intended careers. Other students may opt for a more comprehensive investigation into women's and gender studies by taking a variety of course offerings instead.

However, for those who do wish to pursue a concentration, common gender studies specializations at the graduate level usually include:

• Women and Literature
• Women and Public Policy
• Women in an International Context
• Women, Health, and Sexuality
• Gender and Law

Graduates with master's degrees in gender studies may decide to continue their education in a doctoral program. A doctoral gender studies degree is the highest academic scholarship students can pursue to become experts in their field, undertaking a rigorous curriculum that consists of 45-60 credits in approximately 3-5 years. A doctorate in gender studies is usually a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).

There are typically several high-paying jobs for people with a Ph.D. in gender studies, including positions in research, education, or leadership roles. Alternately, some students may leverage their gender studies master's degree in a Juris Doctor (JD) program focused on gender or LGBTQ law; or even psychology with the intent of becoming gender therapists.

Graduate certificates are also available to students with master's degrees in gender studies. Students may pursue a certificate program to gain new skills, improve their understanding of a gender-related topic, or seek career advancement. Generally, graduate-level certificate curriculums are usually 12-18 credits and take about a year to complete.

Graduate certificates for women's, gender, and sexuality studies cover a range of topics. Common program titles may include Women and Law, LGBTQ Studies, and Women and Public Policy.

Professional organizations for women's and gender studies usually offer working professionals across all industries research and networking opportunities, career development and resources, and access to various academic journals and member benefits.

For example, the mission of Ellevate is to build a networking coalition of female professionals while improving diversity and gender equity in the workplace. Monthly membership packages include Limited, Basic, Pro, and Executive in which different levels of access are granted for career resources and webinars, discounted event passes, peer initiatives, publishing opportunities, and workshops.

Additionally, the Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) offers Student, Individual, and Institution membership to women who are studying mathematics or working in mathematical sciences. The AWM supports a mentorship network, teacher partnerships, student chapters, math outreach and advocacy, essay contests, and AWM research. Individuals can choose their annual membership type, create an online account, and pay their dues on the website.

Another gender-focused professional organization is the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), which aims to represent and support female entrepreneurs across all industries. Individuals can choose between Basic, Premier, Supporting, and Next-Gen membership packages, or free membership to the Online Community group. Depending on which membership category is selected, benefits include a listing in the online member directory, discounts to national events, access to publications, policy and advocacy information, webinars and workshops, and a discount perks program.

Graduates with master's degrees in gender studies typically discover that they can apply their research, writing, presentation, and critical thinking skills to a broad spectrum of industries and positions. While individuals with gender studies backgrounds may want to leverage their degree by working in the nonprofit sector, others may seek employment in public policy, education, human services, healthcare, corporations, etc.

Gender studies curriculums usually allow students to explore social hierarchies, gender inequalities, diversity issues, and gain broader world views. Employers may recognize the benefits of hiring an individual with a gender studies education as someone who can recognize gender issues in the workplace (e.g., salary equity, sexual harassment, parental leave, career advancement, etc.) and offer their expertise to implement change.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and PayScale.com, the following graduate-level gender studies careers had 2020 median annual salaries of:

• Nonprofit Executive Director: $67,421
• High School Teacher: $62,870
• Postsecondary Teacher: $80,790
• Postsecondary Education Administrator: $97,500
• Journalist: $41,160
• Health Educator: $48,140
• Public Relations Manager: $118,430

Job Outlook for a Master's in Gender Studies

The job outlook for a master's degree usually varies by industry; however, graduates with a liberal arts background in gender studies tend to have plenty of career options available to them.

For example, individuals seeking employment as high school teachers have projected job growth of 4 percent (2019-2029). While the demand for high school teachers is oftentimes dependent on budgeting and region, those with a specialization in social studies, English, or another subject may have greater prospects.

Graduates with gender studies degrees may also decide to pursue careers as health educators with a focus on women's or LGBTQ health and wellness. The project job growth for health educators is expected to increase by 13 percent from 2019-2029.

Additionally, the job outlook for postsecondary teachers and postsecondary education administrators is favorable with anticipatory job growth of 9 and 4 percent respectively in the coming decade. Similar to secondary educators, job prospects for postsecondary teachers and education administrators are dependent on state budgeting and region, as well as student enrollment.

How to Become a Health Educator

Health educators with a degree in gender studies may work with women and the LGBTQ community to communicate health and wellness behaviors, develop implementation strategies, and research and advocate for various health concerns. In many situations, health educators serve as a liaison between people and healthcare services, offering information to manage their conditions, provide training programs, and promote health-related policy changes.

At a minimum, health educators must hold a bachelor's degree as well as obtain the necessary credentials, such as Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES); although, some employers require that individuals hold a master's degree. Many health educators are employed with healthcare facilities in which they work with families or patients in a 1:1 setting, at colleges and universities, public health departments, nonprofit organizations, or private corporations.

Professionals in this field often have strong analytical thinking, interpersonal, problem-solving, and writing skills. Of course, successful, effective health educators also possess excellent instructional skills with the ability to present, teach, and facilitate discussions and materials with individuals and groups.

How to Become a Postsecondary Teacher

Postsecondary teachers with a degree in gender studies usually work at colleges and universities. Gender studies teachers are responsible for developing comprehensive curriculums and assignments (e.g., exams, projects, activities, etc.) that convey interdisciplinary feminist theory and perspectives to students.

Full-time and part-time professors must hold at least a master's degree and usually possess strong writing, oratorial, research, instructional, and interpersonal skills. Depending on the school, some professors must obtain a doctorate in their subject area to teach. Oftentimes, when they're not in the classroom, professors continue to conduct individualized research in the field.

Gender studies professors may teach more than one class within their department, as well as supervise postgraduate teaching assistants. Class sizes may range from just a few students to larger classes of 40-50 students or more. Additionally, professors have also begun teaching distance learning courses, requiring them to be adept in technology and digital communication.

Obtaining a master's degree in gender studies can be expensive, with tuition and other academic-related costs varying by the school, program, and course delivery methods. However, students who need assistance in paying for their education may be eligible for financial aid, scholarships, and grants.

Similar to undergraduate students, individuals at the graduate level may qualify for federal financial aid. Students can determine their eligibility by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Requirements include attending an accredited school or program, demonstrating proof of citizenship, and providing proof of financial need.

Scholarships and grants are also widely available online and can be searched and applied for based on school, degree program, and academic and personal interests. Students may also seek financial assistance through a tuition reimbursement program at their workplace, as well as military/veteran benefits.

For additional financial aid and scholarship resources, graduate students can contact their school's financial aid offices to speak with a representative.

Graduate Feminist Scholarship Award

The Graduate Feminist Scholarship Award is provided by George Washington University for master's students enrolled in the Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program (WGSS). To be considered, students should submit a 20-page academic paper on a feminist study, including an abstract or description of the work. Scholarship applications open annually in March and close in mid-April. Winners will receive an award of $100 which can be applied to the costs of their education.

Kerri Castellini Women's Leadership Scholarship

The Kerri Castellini Women's Leadership Scholarship is available to female graduate students pursuing master's degrees in business or law subjects (e.g., gender and law). To qualify, candidates must submit official transcripts (demonstrating a 3.0-grade point average), an essay, and a current resume that highlights their leadership skills. The selected winner will receive an award of $1,000 for tuition and/or academic materials.