The graduate program in Women's and Gender Studies at Stony Brook creates a space
within the academy for critical thinking across disciplines about the explanatory
categories of gender, race, class, sexuality, nation, and disability. Women’s, Gender,
and Sexuality Studies explores how these categories come into being and operate across
different cultures and historical periods, and how they shape social, political, economic
and institutional organizations as well as personal experience and perception.
The MA program was introduced in 2014 along with a PhD program. In its first three
years of existence, all MA candidates successfully completed the requirements and
graduated within two years. After finishing the program, Laura Abbasi-Lemmon (MA,
2016) began a PhD program in Women's Studies at the University of Maryland, while
Emily Whearty (MA, 2017) continued her work in the non-profit sector as a precinct
advocate at L.I. Against Domestic Violence. Joie Meier (MA, 2018) was accepted into
the PhD program in Gender Studies at Indiana University Bloomington.
The program is particularly strong in four key areas: transnational social movements
and globalization; the politices of representation and media analysis; gender and
health; and the critical analysis of seuality. Along with the core faculty in WGSS,
the graduate program programs draw from an extensive network of Graduate Faculty from
across Stony Brook University. Including in the social and behavioral sciences, humanities,
and health sciences.
Total Credits Required: 30 credits (10 graduate-level classes)
Core Courses: 9 credits (3 classes)
WGSS Electives: 6 credits (2 classes)
Additional Electives: 15 credits (5 classes)
Additional Requirements
Foreign Language Requirement: Optional
Thesis Proposal
Final Thesis Project
Requirements
Course Code
Course Title
Offered
WST 600
Feminist Interdisciplinary Histories & Methods
Spring
WST 601
Feminist Theories
Fall
WST 698
Practicing WGSS / Teaching Practicum
Spring
WST 680
Interdisciplinary Research Design
Fall
Note: WGSS does not accept transfer credits for coursework that has already fulfilled requirements for
another degree.
Recommended Sequence
Year 1
Fall: WST 601
Spring: WST 600 and WST 698
Builds cohort connection and academic foundation.
Year 3 (Fall)
Fall: WST 680
Supports dissertation prospectus and grant/fellowship prep.
Core Course Substitution Policy
Generally, core courses cannot be replaced with Independent Study or Directed Reading. Rare exceptions require:
Petition to the Graduate Program Director
Supporting signature from instructor
Graduate Studies Committee approval
Elective Coursework
In addition to the core courses above, you must complete 7 elective classes (21 credits). These electives are divided into:
WGSS Electives (2 classes = 6 credits)
Additional Electives (5 classes = 15 credits)
WGSS Electives
Two of your elective classes must be designated WGSS courses at the 500- or 600-level. Options include:
WST 610: Advanced Topics in WGSS
Varies by semester (topic/instructor).
You may retake this course if each iteration covers a different topic.
Repetition of WST 600 or WST 601
Because these seminars are taught by different instructors each year (with significantly
different content), you may fulfill one WGSS elective by retaking WST 600 or WST 601
with a different instructor.
WGSS-Approved Graduate Courses
You may request approval to use gender- or sexuality-themed classes from other departments
toward your 2-course WGSS Elective requirement.
Send the course information to the Graduate Program Director for review; final approval
rests with the Graduate Studies Committee.
Additional Electives
Beyond your 2 WGSS electives, you must complete 5 more graduate-level courses (500-
or 600-level) in any department at Stony Brook. Keep in mind:
You may count one WGSS Independent Study (WST 599) among these 5 electives.
You may also use up to 6 credits of WGSS Thesis Research (WST 598) here, typically
after you have finished most coursework.
Independent Study (WST 599) can be a great way to begin researching your thesis topic
or developing your thesis proposal.
Additional Requirements
A. Foreign Language Requirement (Optional)
While the WGSS program does not require a foreign language, students whose research
requires language proficiency should discuss this with the Graduate Program Director.
B. Thesis Proposal
All M.A. candidates must prepare a Thesis Proposal under the guidance of their Primary
Advisor. This proposal should outline the scope, methodology, and objectives of the
project.
C. Annual Review
Each Spring semester students will undergo a review of their academic progress. See
Graduate Manual for more info.
D. Final Thesis Project
A Final Thesis is required for the M.A. in WGSS. Students normally conduct original
research under faculty supervision, culminating in a written thesis that aligns with
the approved proposal.
D. Grade Requirements
Maintain a 3.5 GPA
All courses must be passed with B- or higher.
No more than 2 incomplete grades in any one semester
Course approvals & substitutions, program specific transfer credit evaluation, clarification
on course and program content, research, and similar academically related questions.