The WGSS BA/MA Track in Feminist Practices for Social Change is a combined BA and MA degree in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies that is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to assume leadership roles in contemporary social justice activism and human rights. Undergraduate students majoring in WGSS who are interested in this track will apply for admission to the BA/MA Program in their sophomore year or junior years. If accepted, students will initiate Master’s coursework during the final semesters of their undergraduate degree. They will complete academic requirements for the Master's degree by either their fifth year, if admitted as a sophomore, or by their sixth year, if admitted as a junior.

Students will complete traditional courses in feminist theory as well as courses specifically developed for the newly implemented Master’s Track, including “Social Justice Movements” and “Advocacy: Tactics and Techniques.” These core classes, in conjunction with a range of electives including Gender and Human Rights and Gender and Development, will guide BA/MA students to best cultivate their abilities to think creatively about short-term tactics and long-term strategies for social transformation. They will examine in detail the inequities and challenges facing diverse women, men, non-binary, transgender and gender non-conforming human beings in the contemporary world.

Students will complete the degree by translating what they have learned in the classroom into social justice and human rights initiatives through placement in professional settings resonant with their interests, including in: units of the Institute for Women’s Leadership Consortium at Rutgers-NB; non-governmental organizations; and the United Nations.

ADVANTAGES OF THE BA/MA TRACK

The BA/MA track is structured to allow current Rutgers undergraduates to complete both undergraduate and professional degree courses to earn both a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in WGSS in less time than it would take to earn both degrees separately.

During the senior year of their Bachelor’s Degree, students receive the benefit of undergraduate tuition rates while completing UP TO THREE graduate WGSS courses toward their Master’s Degree. This will help to reduce the costs and time commitment required of the two degrees if pursued separately.

In addition, while completing their BA, students may also complete one undergraduate WGSS course at the 400 level or above that can be applied toward the MA degree: PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS EXTRA COURSE CANNOT BE APPLIED TO THE BA DEGREE. This option is advantageous as it allows undergrads to complete one additional course toward their MA degree at undergraduate tuition rates and to cut back the time and work required of their MA Degree.

The GRE is not required. This will help to reduce the costs and time commitment required to matriculate into the MA Program.

Graduates of the Feminist Practices for Social Change track will be trained to work in social justice and social change organizations, NGOs and international governmental organizations (IGOs) at local, regional, national, and transnational levels.

Click here for information about Admissions to the BA/M.A. program. This admissions process is separate to the M.A. and Ph.D. program. Students in the BA/M.A. program who wish to pursue doctoral work in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Rutgers must apply to the Ph.D. program directly, where they will compete with the general pool of applicants for admissions.