Professional Science Masters in Biotechnology
The PSM in Biotechnology at Saint Mary's is a two-year, 40-credit hybrid program de...
B.A. in Womens and Gender Studies
Moraga, California
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in Women's and Gender Studies at Saint Mary's College is a vibrant, interdisciplinary program committed to critical thinking and social justice. It invites students and faculty to question assumptions about gender and sexuality, fostering an inclusive environment that seeks to imagine and work towards a more just society. The program's flexible structure allows students to take courses from various departments—including Art, Theology & Religion, History, and English—all unified by a focus on women and gender, ensuring a rich and diverse learning experience. It is particularly strong in its commitment to addressing intersectionality, recognizing how various identity categories overlap and influence experiences of power, inequality, and privilege.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.A. in Women's and Gender Studies is inherently interdisciplinary, drawing on courses from across the liberal arts. Core requirements typically include foundational courses such as "Introduction to Gender and Women's Studies" (GWS 207) and "Feminist Theory" (GWS 350), which provide theoretical frameworks for understanding gender. A crucial component is "Doing Feminism: Issues in Research and Practice" (GWS 360), which focuses on research methodologies. Students then select electives from three categories: "Transnational Perspectives on Gender," "Historical and Contemporary Perspectives on Gender," and "Cultural Representations of Gender," ensuring a broad and nuanced understanding. Additionally, students often engage in an "Independent Study" (GWS 497) or an "Internship" (GWS 499), providing practical application of their knowledge. The program emphasizes developing skills in evaluating sources, analyzing discourse, and applying feminist analysis across disciplines.
Research Focus: The B.A. in Women's and Gender Studies at Saint Mary's College places a strong emphasis on developing critical research skills using feminist methodologies. Students are trained to "use feminist methodologies to conduct research about women, gender identities, and sexualities." The "Doing Feminism: Issues in Research and Practice" course is central to this, guiding students through the process of conducting scholarly inquiry within the field. Students are challenged to "identify and understand assumptions and arguments about gender, race, class, and sexuality in scholarly, popular, public, and interpersonal discourses," and to "write clear and well-reasoned prose employing appropriate methods of research in the field." Many students undertake a senior research paper or project, often culminating in a presentation, demonstrating their mastery of research and analytical skills in their chosen area of interest within WGS.
Industry Engagement: Saint Mary's College's B.A. in Women's and Gender Studies strongly emphasizes experiential learning and industry engagement. The program states that "100% of students participate in an internship," providing invaluable real-world experience. These internships allow students to apply their theoretical knowledge in practical settings, connect with professionals in their desired fields, and explore various career paths. Students have secured internships at organizations like the Transgender Resource, Education and Enrichment Services (TREES), the Center for Missing Exploited Children, and the Family Justice Center. The curriculum also fosters "Social Justice Praxis, including intellectual or social advocacy locally or globally," indicating a commitment to preparing students for roles where they can effect meaningful change within industries and communities.
Global Perspective: The B.A. in Women's and Gender Studies at Saint Mary's College deeply integrates a global perspective. The curriculum explicitly includes coursework on "Transnational Perspectives on Gender," requiring students to analyze gender issues across different cultures and geographical contexts. The program challenges students to consider "the intersectionalities of gender, race, class, sexualities, and other identity categories from historical and contemporary transnational perspectives." Courses explore how gender impacts everyday lives, social institutions, and cultural practices both locally and globally. The department's focus on "feminist activism and feminist theoretical insight into different forms of power, inequality, and privilege" inherently extends to a global understanding of these dynamics, preparing graduates to address gender and social justice issues in an interconnected world.
Location
Moraga, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 59251
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Saint Mary's College of California is dedicated to making high-quality education accessible and affordable for students from around the world. To support this commitment, the college offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically for international students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a desire to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Merit-Based Scholarships: All international undergraduate applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships at the time of admission no separate application is required. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, standardized test scores (if submitted), extracurricular involvement, and personal accomplishments.
International Excellence Scholarship: This competitive award recognizes exceptional international students who exhibit outstanding academic performance and global leadership. Students selected for the International Excellence Scholarship may receive additional financial support beyond standard merit scholarships. Selection is based on a holistic review of the application, essays, and achievements.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While financial aid for international students is limited, some need-based assistance may be available on a case-by-case basis. Students are encouraged to communicate directly with the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid to explore all available options.
External Scholarships and Sponsorships: International students are also encouraged to apply for external scholarships from global organizations, private foundations, and government-sponsored programs. The college provides guidance and resources to help students identify and apply for third-party funding opportunities that can supplement institutional aid.
Graduates of Saint Mary's College of California's B.A. in Women's and Gender Studies are highly skilled in critical thinking, complex analysis, and nuanced communication.
Advocate/Activist: Works for non-profit organizations, advocacy groups, or community centers to promote social justice, human rights, and equality, particularly for marginalized communities. This can include roles in domestic violence services, LGBTQ+ rights, or gender equity.
Social Worker (often requires MSW for licensure): Provides support and resources to individuals, families, and communities facing social, emotional, and economic challenges, with a deep understanding of systemic inequalities and intersectionality.
Human Resources Specialist: Utilizes knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to create fair workplace policies, manage employee relations, foster an inclusive culture, and address issues like pay equity and parental leave.
Policy Analyst: Researches, evaluates, and advises on public policies for government agencies, think tanks, or non-profits, focusing on the gendered impacts of policies and advocating for more equitable solutions.
Communications/Marketing Specialist (with a focus on diversity): Develops inclusive messaging and campaigns for businesses, non-profits, or public sector organizations, leveraging an understanding of diverse audiences and cultural nuances.
Non-profit Program Manager: Designs, implements, and oversees programs for non-profit organizations addressing issues related to women's health, gender-based violence, education, or community development.
Educator/Teacher (K-12 or Higher Education): Teaches social studies, history, or WGS in schools (often requiring a teaching credential) or at the college level (requiring graduate degrees), fostering critical thinking about gender and society.
Journalist/Writer/Editor: Reports on social issues, gender politics, cultural trends, and human interest stories for various media platforms, utilizing strong research, analytical, and narrative skills.
Higher Education Administrator (e.g., in Diversity & Inclusion, Student Affairs): Works within universities to develop and implement programs that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion for students, faculty, and staff.
Community Health Educator: Develops and implements health promotion programs that are culturally sensitive and address health disparities, particularly those related to gender, sexuality, and other social determinants of health.
