Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.A. in Global Gender Studies
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in Global Gender Studies at UB is a 32-credit hour program, typically completed within two years of full-time study. It prepares students for advanced graduate work, including Ph.D. programs, and for careers in diverse fields such as education, government, and community and non-governmental organizations. The program's strength lies in its commitment to an interdisciplinary curriculum that allows students to integrate local and global knowledge, linking gender to history, literature, and policy. Students can choose to concentrate on "Feminist Studies" or "Global Gender and Sexuality Studies," allowing for tailored specialization.
Curriculum: The 32-credit curriculum includes required core courses and a selection of specialized seminars, culminating in either a Master's Thesis or a Project. Required core courses typically include "Readings in Feminist Theory" and a methods course, with options such as "Quantitative Research Methods" or "New Ethnographic Methods" (or other qualitative research methods). Students then take a number of additional graduate seminars from areas such as "Democracy & Gender," "Women's Movements," "International Organizations, Gender and Sustainability," "Globalization & Gender," and "Whiteness, Blackness, and the Construction of Race." The thesis or project, based on original research or a creative endeavor, is written under the direction of faculty and defended orally.
Research Focus: The M.A. in Global Gender Studies at UB emphasizes innovative research that critically analyzes how gender and sexuality shape societal institutions, religious practices, economic systems, states, political systems, literary and artistic works, and cultural production. Faculty and graduate students engage in diverse research areas, including: Literature, Art and Cultural Production (exploring how meanings are made through visual, textual, and embodied performance using gender theory and sexuality studies); Gender and Global Citizenship (focusing on women's activism across borders and transnational movements); Gender and Public Policy (understanding how gender, race, class, and sexuality shape and are shaped by social institutions and broad global changes); and Feminist, Queer and Sexuality Studies (theorizing gender inequality and sexual difference, and critically examining the roots and implications of "normalcy"). The program encourages students to link theory with activism and to explore how to support radical change.
Industry Engagement: The M.A. in Global Gender Studies at UB is designed to prepare students for careers that require a deep understanding of diversity, intersectionality, and social justice. While specific formal "industry engagement" like mandatory internships may vary, the program explicitly prepares students for roles in community and non-governmental organizations, government, and potentially areas like human resources, social work, journalism, and advocacy. The department encourages connecting theory to practice, with some courses offering experiential learning opportunities, such as internships where students apply feminist theory to policy-making. The skills developed – critical thinking, persuasive writing, ethical reasoning, and the ability to work in diverse groups – are highly valued across a wide range of professional fields.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in Global Gender Studies program at UB inherently possesses a strong global dimension. Its curriculum and research areas explore issues of gender and sexuality across diverse regions, including Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, and the United States, linking local and global knowledge. The program explicitly addresses global challenges such as gender inequality, women's positions in international organizations, transnational labor patterns, migration, gendered violence, and global health policies. The department's faculty research is often grounded in deep knowledge of world regions, and the program's global dimension actively attracts students from across the United States and internationally, fostering a truly diverse and globally-aware learning environment.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 28210
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
A Master of Arts (M.A.) in Global Gender Studies from the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB) provides graduates with a comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of how gender and sexuality shape global processes, institutions, and individual experiences. Rooted in a department with a long history of feminist scholarship, this pioneering program equips students with advanced theoretical knowledge and critical analytical skills. Graduates are prepared to address complex issues of equality, justice, and social change in an increasingly interconnected world, making them valuable assets in a wide array of globally-focused careers that demand an appreciation for diversity, intersectionality, and social justice.
Human Rights Advocate/Officer: Graduates can work for international human rights organizations, NGOs, or government agencies to promote and protect human rights, focusing on gender-based violence, reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, or gender equality in legal and social frameworks globally.
International Development Specialist: These professionals work with international organizations (e.g., UN Women, UNICEF), government agencies, or non-profits to design, implement, and evaluate development programs that specifically address gender inequalities and empower women and marginalized genders in communities worldwide.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Consultant/Manager: With a deep understanding of intersectionality and systemic inequalities, graduates are highly sought after by corporations, educational institutions, and non-profits to develop and implement DEI strategies, fostering inclusive environments and equitable practices.
Policy Analyst (Social/Gender Policy): Graduates can work for government bodies, think tanks, or advocacy groups, analyzing social policies through a gender lens, evaluating their impact on different populations, and recommending policy changes to promote gender equality and social justice.
Program Manager (Non-Profit/Community Organizations): In non-profit organizations focused on women's issues, gender-based violence, sexual health, or community development, graduates can manage programs, coordinate outreach, develop educational initiatives, and engage in fundraising.
Communications Specialist/Journalist (Social Justice Focus): Leveraging their strong writing and analytical skills, graduates can work in journalism, public relations, or digital media to report on gender-related issues, create awareness campaigns, or shape public discourse on social justice topics.
Social Worker/Counselor (with additional certification): While often requiring further licensure, the M.A. provides an excellent foundation for social work or counseling roles, particularly in areas dealing with domestic violence, sexual assault, LGBTQ+ support, or family services, where a nuanced understanding of gender is crucial.
Researcher/Analyst (Academic or Applied): Graduates can pursue further doctoral studies in Gender Studies or related fields, or work as researchers for academic institutions, NGOs, or government bodies, conducting qualitative and quantitative research on gender, sexuality, and social inequalities.
Human Resources Manager (with DEI Focus): Understanding the complexities of gender and power dynamics in the workplace, graduates can contribute to fair hiring practices, conflict resolution, and the development of equitable workplace policies within human resources departments of various organizations.
Educator/Trainer: Beyond formal academia (where a Ph.D. is often required for tenure-track positions), graduates can work as educators, trainers, or facilitators in workshops, community programs, or corporate settings, delivering content related to gender awareness, anti-harassment, and cultural competency.
