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 WGS 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.  WGSS will finalize acceptance notifications by mid to end of April.

The deadline for applications is February 15th

 

When applying to the BA/MA Track, students should complete the application for the WGSS Master’s Program. For application information and to apply on-online, please go to http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/

On the application itself, students should select the option noted as “BA/MA Track in Feminist Practices for Social Change.”
**STUDENTS SHOULD BE CAREFUL NOT TO SELECT THE OPTION FOR EITHER THE WGSS MA TRACK BY THE SAME NAME OR THE WGSS MA DEGREE WITH THESIS.

On the application, students should also indicate the month and year in which they plan to enroll in the MA Program. Students should consult with Ileana Nachescu, Assistant to the WGSS Undergraduate Director, or with Julie Rajan, Master’s Program Director, to determine that year of matriculation.

In order to be considered for entrance into the Track, applicants should submit the following:

  • A non-refundable application fee, the amount set by the Graduate School of New Brunswick.
  • Three recommendations: Ideally the letters are from professors and scholars who can speak to the applicant's abilities and suitability for graduate study in WGSS. Letters from an academic in another discipline or from professionals would also be acceptable.
  • CV listing academic background and achievements, work or volunteer experience, honors or awards, affiliations with campus or other organizations, study abroad experience, classes taken related to the focus of the MA Track, language ability, etc.
  • Copy of official undergraduate transcript
  • If applicable, official documentation of credits earned in graduate courses taken at the undergraduate level
  • Personal Statement: Applicants should stress their interest in activism in social justice/human rights as related to women, sexuality, and gender in the Personal StatementThey should address the following questions (500-1000 words):
    • Why are you interested in completing this Track specifically?
    • What skills and experience do you bring to this Track?
    • How will completing this Track assist you in your future endeavors?
    • What are some of your goals in completing this Track?
  • Writing sample of 5-8 pages: Typically, the writing sample will be from an undergraduate class, perhaps a final paper. It should demonstrate strong analytical abilities.
  • GPA of at least 3.2
  • No GRE is required

Students who successfully pass the first phase of the selection process will be interviewed. These interviews must be conducted in person.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Deadline:

WGSS is offering an early decision deadline of February 1, for students interested in applying early decision to the BA/MA Track. Students who apply by this deadline are required to enroll in the BA/MA Track if accepted. Applications that are submitted by February 1 but that are incomplete will be evaluated with applications submitted by the final application deadline of April 1.

Financial Support:

Extremely limited financial support is available to BA/M.A. students, in general, at Rutgers University. Financial support through the University, in the form of loans, grants, and work study, may be obtained by contacting the Financial Aid office directly, at:

Office of Financial Aid
620 George Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1175
Tel: 848-932-7057
Website: http://studentaid.rutgers.edu/contact.aspx

For additional information please contact:

Dr. Julie Rajan
Master Program Director
Tel: 848-932-8428
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dr. Ileana Nachescu
Assistant Undergraduate Director
Tel: 848-932-9331
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Graduate & Professional Admissions
56 College Avenue
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Tel: 848-932-7711
Fax: 732-932-8231
https://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/