The one-year MA program offers a condensed grounding in interdisciplinary gender studies for students with substantial previous background in gender studies or a related field (a minimum of a four-year BA is required). Applicants are asked to demonstrate their formal or informal exposure to some aspect of gender studies, along with evidence of initial thinking about a broad area of research. The program aims at developing independent and critical thinkers with a broad basic knowledge of gender studies and the skills to approach gender as a key element of social and symbolic order at the local and the global levels. In keeping with these goals, the program introduces students to major theoretical and methodological approaches to gender studies from a range of disciplines. The present faculty includes scholars trained in history, sociology, socio-cultural anthropology, political science, gender studies, philosophy, literature, legal studies, rhetoric, and cultural studies. MA students are thus expected to develop their scholarly perspectives through an interdisciplinary lens and beyond their immediate fields of interest.
Program Structure
The program consists of 30 credit hours to be completed over the course of three semesters. In the fall and winter terms, students must complete 20-course credits, including the mandatory courses of Foundations of Gender Studies I and II, a methodology course, and two semesters of Academic Writing. The remaining courses are chosen from among the department’s offerings which cover a range of topics and disciplinary approaches. It is also possible to take classes in other CEU departments. In the spring term, students earn a final 4 credits for the thesis writing workshop and 6 for thesis writing.
By the end of the year, MA students must complete an original research thesis under the guidance of a faculty supervisor. The thesis is then defended orally in front of a faculty committee at the end of the academic year and the final text is made publicly available online through the CEU library.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have completed a four-year BA degree to be eligible for the one-year MA program (prospective students with a three-year BA only should see the 2-year MA program in Critical Gender Studies). Applicants must meet the general CEU admissions requirements (outlined on the main CEU website). As for the Academic Writing Submission, they have to submit a 500-word essay on the relevance of their academic/professional background to graduate study at CEU and to their future career goals. For specific guidelines in preparing an application to Gender Studies programs, click HERE (do not apply without reading all of these instructions!).
For more information please contact Anna Cseh, MA Program Coordinator.
