women's studies

The Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies concentration in Women's Studies is for students who wish to explore gender roles and women’s issues from a variety of disciplinary perspectives. The program combines graduate courses in Women's Studies with courses in a discipline of interest (examples include history, English, communication, health, education, or public policy). Expertise in the study of gender is a growing field of study, increasingly applicable in a variety of professional and academic settings.

admission requirements

In addition to fulfilling GMU admission requirements for graduate study, applicants must submit the following:

• Three letters of reference
• Goals Statement
• 1,000 word writing sample
• Resume

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degree requirements

In addition to meeting all graduate study requirements listed in the GMU catalog, candidates for the MAIS Degree with a concentration in Women's Studies must successfully complete 36 credits of graduate course work, including at least 12 credits in a discipline, plus a research methods course (total credits not to exceed 18 in the discipline of concentration), and at least 15 credits in WMST core of cross-listed courses, culminating in a Women’s Studies project or thesis.

Each student will be required to take:

• WMST 630 – Feminist Theories across the Disciplines (3 credits)
• WMST 640 – Women and Global Issues (3 credits)
• 12 credits in a disciplinary concentration, including at least 3 credits in a course cross-listed with WMST. (Examples of disciplines offering cross-listed courses include Conflict Analysis and Resolution, English, Environmental Science and Public Policy, History, Social Work, and Sociology.)
• At least 3 credits of research methods.
• 9-12 credits of electives, including at least 6 credits in courses cross-listed with WMST that are not part of the disciplinary concentration.
• 1 credit of MAIS 797 proposal writing
• 2-5 credits of MAIS 798 (project) or 5 credits of MAIS 799 (thesis)
• For a copy of the Women's Studies Curriculum contract go to: Download Concentration Contract (pdf)

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course information

In addition to the required courses (WMST 630 and 640), the MAIS – Women’s Studies student has access to most graduate courses offered by the university (note: all course prerequisites listed in the GMU catalog are applicable). Specific courses for the Women’s Studies concentration are chosen in consultation with advisors and vary according to student goals and plans.

WMST 630 Feminist Theories across the Disciplines (3:3:0). This multidisciplinary course examines the central issues of feminist theory and explores the various strategies of feminist theorists. Analyzes the ways in which feminist theories have challenged established disciplinary boundaries and contested the traditional assumptions of the humanities, the social sciences, and the sciences.

WMST 640 Women and Global Issues (3:3:0). This multidisciplinary course explores the complex issues women face in different regions of the world. Addresses women's diverse and shared global concerns and provides students with the tools to analyze and understand women in a global context.

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contact information

Professor Nancy Hanrahan: nhanraha@gmu.edu or 703.993.1433.

MAIS office (located in Enterprise Hall, Room 414, GMU Fairfax Campus) at mais@gmu.edu or 703.993.8762.

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