Gender Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Gender Studies at Arizona State University offers students an in-depth exploration of gender, sexuality, and power structures in society. This interdisciplinary program examines how gender identities and expressions intersect with race, ethnicity, class, ability, and other social categories, fostering critical thinking and analysis of societal norms and cultural practices. Students will engage with a diverse array of topics, including feminist theory, LGBTQ+ studies, masculinity and femininity, reproductive justice, media representation, and gender-based violence. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, research projects, and community engagement, the program encourages students to develop a nuanced understanding of gender issues from multiple perspectives. The curriculum is designed to enhance analytical and communication skills, preparing graduates for careers in social services, advocacy, education, public policy, media, and other fields dedicated to social justice and equality. The program also emphasizes the importance of ethical reflection and active participation in transforming societal structures that perpetuate inequality. Faculty members are experts in their fields, providing mentorship and supporting student research and experiential learning opportunities. Graduates of the Gender Studies program at ASU will be equipped with critical tools to analyze gender-related issues and contribute effectively to creating a more equitable society. This program promotes inclusivity, diversity, and social responsibility, aligning with ASU’s mission to empower students to advance solutions for global challenges through innovative education and community engagement.

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

The gender studies program requires:

84 credit hours for students admitted with only a bachelor's degree
a dissertation
both a written and oral comprehensive examination

The gender studies doctoral program is designed to provide students with the transdisciplinary training in theory and methods needed to conduct original research and scholarship about gender. At the core of the program are four required courses:

• WST 601 Critical Concepts of Gender (3)
• WST 602 Mapping the Intersections of Gender (3)
• WST 603 Engendering Methodology (3)
• WST 701 Research Design and Proposal Development in Gender Studies (3)

Students also take two research methods courses relevant to their dissertation, plus additional courses among three areas of specialization: gender, justice and social change; health, science and technology; and visual and narrative culture.

Gender, justice and social change

Courses in this area explore the gender dimension of social structures, institutions and organizations; the processes of social change and community development; and the ways policies and laws can change gender relations. Faculty have expertise in:

• child welfare
• domestic violence
• gender and the biophysical environment
• globalization
• immigration
• labor and employment
• social policy
• sustainability
• transnational feminisms
• women's rights and gender equality in the developing world

Health, science and technology

Courses in this area explore the impact of gender on:

• health care
• health occupations
• science and technology

Faculty have expertise in:

• bioethics
• gender and technology
• health and sexuality
• HIV and AIDS prevention
• the participation of women in math and science in the developing world
• women's roles as healers and caregivers

Visual and narrative culture

Courses in this area explore historical and contemporary representations of gender in all genres, including:

• art
• literature
• popular culture
• scientific, medical, historical and legal discourse
• theater

The faculty focus especially on the intersections of gender representations with representations of race, sexuality and class, and the ways in which representations produce rather than simply mimic gender inequality and polarized identities.

1. ASU Graduate Admission Services application.
2. Non-refundable application fee as specified by ASU Graduate Admission Services.
3. Official copies of transcripts from all college and universities where you have earned a bachelor's and/or master's degree.
4. Official GRE scores. Testing scores cannot be more than five years old.
5. Résumé or curriculum vitae.
6. Statement of purpose.
7. Writing sample (10-15 pages).
8. Three letters of reference preferably from faculty or other researchers.
9. Students whose native language is not English must meet ASU's English proficiency requirements.

Except for official transcripts, all of the application components above can be uploaded directly through the ASU Graduate Admission Services online application process. Transcripts need to be physically mailed to ASU Graduate Admission Services at the address below:

Arizona State University
Graduate Admission Services
PO Box 871003
Tempe, AZ 85287-1003

If sending by FedEx, DHL or UPS, use this address:

Graduate Admission Services
Arizona State University
1151 S. Forest Avenue, #SSV112
Tempe, AZ 85287-0112

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

Each year we aim to admit a number of doctoral students who can be fully funded with graduate fellowships and teaching and research assistantships (typically four or five). These awards cover your tuition, health insurance, and also carry a stipend.

As doctoral students near the final stages of their program, they apply for competitive dissertation completion fellowships from Arizona State University Graduate Education, which is semester long funding that allows students to focus on the dissertation.

If your ultimate goal is a professorial career, you will be encouraged to participate in ASU’s outstanding Preparing Future Faculty (PFF) program after your first year of doctoral study.

In support of off­site research and participation in professional conferences and meetings, ASU’s Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA) offers competitive research grants and travel funding. 

The Bachelor of Arts in Gender Studies at Arizona State University offers students an interdisciplinary exploration of gender as a social, cultural, political, and historical construct. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of gender issues across different societies and time periods, integrating perspectives from the humanities, social sciences, and liberal arts. Students enrolled in the program engage with a diverse curriculum that examines topics such as gender identity, sexuality, feminism, masculinity, intersectionality, and social justice. The program emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills, preparing graduates to address complex issues related to gender in various professional contexts, including education, public policy, advocacy, social work, and corporate sectors. Coursework often includes studies in literature, history, sociology, psychology, and cultural studies, allowing students to develop a well-rounded perspective on gender-related topics. Additionally, the program encourages experiential learning through internships, research projects, and community engagement, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. Arizona State University also promotes diversity and inclusion within its gender studies program, fostering an environment where students can explore different identities and experiences with sensitivity and respect. The faculty comprises experts in fields such as Women's and Gender Studies, LGBTQ+ studies, and social justice, providing mentorship and guidance. Graduates of the program are equipped with critical skills necessary for roles in education, nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, and private companies that focus on social policy, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. Overall, the Gender Studies program at Arizona State University aims to cultivate informed and empathetic citizens capable of advocating for gender equality and social justice in various settings domestically and globally.