Application materials for the Institute for Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Master’s program and Graduate Certificate are available online from the Georgia State University College of Arts and Sciences Office of Graduate Studies, which can be reached at 404-413-5040.
M.A. Program
You should submit all application materials by March 1st for priority consideration and funding opportunities; our final deadline for materials is April 15th.
Below are the application requirements for the College of Arts and Sciences, requirements for international students, and additional requirements for the Institute for Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.GRE scores are no longer required for application and admission to WGSS at GSU.
You can track your progress through the program by consulting the Graduate Student Journey page on the College of Arts & Sciences website. This website will have information about the "non-course milestones" that you will have to record with the office of graduate services. You will need to fill out an online form when you have formed your committee, defend your proposal, and defend your final thesis.
Certificate Program
We admit Certificate students in fall, spring, and summer. Application materials required:
- Three letters of recommendation
- Written statement of purpose of 750-1,000 words that presents a clear, focused narrative detailing your preparation for graduate-level study in WGSS and how a Certificate will enhance your academic journey. You will submit this as part of the graduate application form but should take the time to prepare and edit the statement beforehand.
- Official transcripts (one from each institution attended)
- Application fee
Internal Candidates (Current GSU Graduate Degree Candidates)
Students who are enrolled in an M.A. or Ph.D. program in another department or institute at Georgia State must complete an online application, but existing materials on file with the Graduate Office may be used for the application, and the application fee may be waived. Once you have filled out a new online application for the Certificate program and attached a short personal statement about why you wish to receive the Certificate, contact the WGSS liaison in the Graduate Office (Kristanna Barnes) to request that your transcripts and letters of recommendation be used for this application as well. Let her know that you are a current student and would like to request the application fee waiver.
External Candidates (Non-degree Candidates)
You may elect to pursue a Certificate in WGSS to enhance your workplace credentials or as a stepping stone toward the M.A. degree. Hours earned toward the Certificate can later be applied toward the M.A. degree if you successfully apply to the degree program at a later date. It is also possible to pursue the Certificate remotely by taking our online courses.
Prospective Students who apply solely for the Graduate Certificate in WGSS must submit a complete application for the Graduate Certificate, including fees, to the College of Arts and Sciences.
Application Requirements for the College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Arts and Sciences Application for Graduate Study
- $50.00 application fee using check, money order, or credit card: Visa, Mastercard or American Express. Write your social security number on the check or money order.
- One official transcript from each college or university attended.
Requirements for International Students
- Official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or GSTEP scores
- Financial statement with supporting documents
Additional Application Requirements for the Institute for Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies M.A. Program:
- Three letters of recommendation addressing your ability to undertake graduate study
- Written statement of purpose of 750-1,000 words that presents a clear, focused narrative detailing your preparation for a graduate degree in WGSS (academic, activist, and/or creative), as well as your potential to thrive in our program. You will submit this as part of the graduate application form but should take the time to prepare and edit the statement beforehand.
- An academic writing sample
- Submit all M.A. application materials by February 1st for priority consideration. Students are admitted to the M.A. program in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies in the fall semester only. Your complete application must be received by the Graduate Office of Arts and Sciences by the February 1st deadline to be considered in the first decision-making process. Later applications may be considered until all slots are filled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your application form must be accompanied by the following:
- three letters of recommendation
- all college and university transcripts
- a written statement of purpose (750-1000 words)
- an academic writing sample
The major source of funding for WGSS M.A. students is to receive a graduate research assistantship (GRA). Students apply for a GRA when they apply for admittance into the program.
Students may also contact the Office of Student Financial Aid at 404-413-2400 to discuss student loans and other financial assistance.
The WGSS can also help students organize unpaid internships that may enhance their qualifications for certain professional positions after graduation. Those interested in an unpaid internship should speak to the Director of Undergraduate Studies, who has a list of community organizations with whom students may work.
Contact Us
Street Address
Institute for Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies
Georgia State University
25 Park Place
Suite 2201
Atlanta, GA 30303
Mailing Address
Institute for Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Georgia State University
P.O. Box 3969
Atlanta, GA 30302-3969
