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Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies

Master of Arts

This master of arts (MA) program offers interdisciplinary study and research leading to a master's degree. The program provides a strong academic approach, with core courses on feminist theory and methodology and a blend of advanced studies in specific fields, as well as directed readings for more individualized study. Students develop and demonstrate intellectual and analytical skills, in accordance with the particular criteria of the level of study, and in consultation with their supervisor and supervisory committee.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the university admission requirements as stated in Graduate General Regulations 1.3 in the SFU Calendar. The Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies (GSWS) minimum requirement for admission to the MA is a BA (BSc) with a minimum CGPA of 3.5 for the thesis option, and a minimum CGPA of 3.0 for the course intensive option, from a recognized university. MA student will be admitted into a specific option (thesis or course intensive) and so should apply to the preferred option. A student can change from one option to another only with the approval of the graduate program committee. A student can transfer to the thesis option only if there is a suitable supervisor available. 

Students will be accepted into the MA thesis option only if a suitable supervisor is willing to supervise them. Supervisors will be selected from joint GSWS appointees and continuing faculty on the coordinating committee of the department including associate members.

A student with incomplete academic preparation for the MA program may be required to complete up to 12 units of undergraduate course work in either the GSWS or another relevant program prior to commencing their MA.

Program Requirements

Thesis Option

This program option consists of course work and a thesis for a minimum of 38 units.

Students must complete

GSWS 800 - Toolkit for GSWS Research (5)
GSWS 811 - Professional Development Colloquium I (3)
GSWS 812 - Professional Development Colloquium II (3)
GSWS 822 - Graduate Seminar in Feminist Theory (5)

and an additional 4 units of graduate courses*

and a thesis

GSWS 898 - MA Thesis (18)

Course Intensive Option

This program option consists of courses and a field examination for a minimum of 36 units.

Students must complete

GSWS 811 - Professional Development Colloquium I (3)
GSWS 812 - Professional Development Colloquium II (3)
GSWS 822 - Graduate Seminar in Feminist Theory (5)

and one of

GSWS 800 - Toolkit for GSWS Research (5)
GSWS 826 - Graduate Seminar on Queer/Trans Studies (5)

and an additional 14 units of graduate courses*

and a field examination

GSWS 999 - MA Field Exam (6)

*Two of these courses may be from gender, sexuality, and women's studies courses at the universities under the Western Deans’ Agreement or relevant offerings in other Simon Fraser University departments, with the approval of the student's supervisory committee.

Program Length

Students in the course intensive option are normally expected to complete the program requirements in four to six terms. Students in the thesis option are normally expected to complete the program requirements in six to eight terms.

Other Information

Supervisory Committee

Upon admission, the student will be assigned a two member supervisory committee which has the responsibility for ensuring that the student fulfils all degree requirements. For further information concerning requirements, consult the department's graduate secretary or graduate chair.

Please consult the Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies website for more information.

Academic Requirements within the Graduate General Regulations

All graduate students must satisfy the academic requirements that are specified in the Graduate General Regulations, as well as the specific requirements for the program in which they are enrolled.