Department of Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies

The WGS Graduate handbook is updated annually. Questions about the department's specific degree requirements should be directed to the student's adviser and/or the Director of Graduate Studies.

Please be aware that the University Bulletin is a legal document governing all academic regulations. If anything in this handbook contradicts the Bulletin, the Bulletin will take precedence. In addition, please be aware that in the event of a public health emergency or other major event, the procedures listed in this handbook may change.

Any graduate student taking an undergraduate course for credit towards their graduate degree will be required to do additional work in that course, such as attending extra sections with the instructor and other graduate students, writing a longer final paper (minimum 20 pages) and / or doing an oral presentation about some aspect of the course material to the class.

Please note that this form is only available from July 19-Sept. 8, 2022. You must submit this form to receive credit for classes through the GCWS. The deadline for applications for GCWS courses is Aug. 15, 2022. 

Completion of a master's research paper of professional quality and length (normally 25-40 pages) on a
topic related to the degree. The paper will be read by two faculty members, at least one of whom is a member of the student's home department, and at least one of whom is a member of the WGS core or affiliate faculty.

This form MUST be signed and returned to the WGS Office (Rabb 105) along with the final electronic copy of your paper before graduation. Both the form and the final copy (post-defense) of the master's paper may be submitted to the WGS Office electronically.

Please refer to the chart below for the final deadlines for graduation. The Registrar's Office sends regular correspondence regarding graduation; please read all correspondence from the Registrar's Office.

Please refer to the the GSAS and University Bulletin policies on leaves of absence according to your specific situation. If you have questions, please reach out to the appropriate office for clarification.