Women and Gender Studies

The Women and Gender Studies program at the University of Toronto offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of gender identities, roles, and relations within historical and contemporary contexts. Rooted in a commitment to social justice, equity, and inclusion, the program encourages critical thinking and active engagement with pressing issues such as intersectionality, feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, racialization, and social inequalities. Through a diverse range of courses, students examine how gender influences individual experiences and societal structures across different cultures and time periods. The curriculum integrates perspectives from sociology, history, literature, psychology, political science, and cultural studies, providing a well-rounded understanding of gender dynamics. Students are encouraged to develop their analytical skills, engage in rigorous research, and participate in community-based projects that promote awareness and advocacy. The program also emphasizes experiential learning opportunities, including internships, seminars, and collaborations with local organizations, fostering practical skills applicable in various professional fields. Graduates of the Women and Gender Studies program are well-equipped to pursue careers in education, social services, policy development, advocacy, media, and beyond. The program aims to produce critical thinkers who are prepared to challenge societal norms, advocate for marginalized groups, and contribute meaningfully to creating a more equitable society. With faculty renowned for their expertise and research, students benefit from a vibrant academic community dedicated to advancing knowledge and understanding of gender issues at both national and global levels. Whether pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies, students in the Women and Gender Studies program at the University of Toronto are encouraged to explore the complexities of gender and its pervasive influence on all aspects of life, fostering a more just and inclusive world.

• Feminist Theories, Histories, Movements I
• History and Biopolitics
• Master’s Research Paper
• Community Engagement (Practicum)
• Independent Research and Reading in Women and Gender Studies
• Gender and Cypberpolitics
• Black Feminist Thought
• Restructuring Work and Care: Family, State and Market in Times of Crisis
• Geographies of Violence and Security
• Gender and Globalization: Transnational Perspectives
• Black Diasporic Feminisms: Modernity, Freedom, Belonging
• Studies in Aesthetic Expression and Radical Hope
• Women and Revolution in the Middle East
• Indigenous Aesthetics: Hip Hop, Media an Futurities
• Race, Space and Citizenship
• Reproductive Health Law in Transnational Perspective
• Queer of Colour Critique
• Research Seminar

Requirements

• To be eligible for admission to the M.A. Program, applicants must normally have a four-year Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent, in Women’s Studies and Gender Studies or a related area, with courses broadly equivalent in number and distribution to the University of Toronto’s Major program in Women and Gender Studies. Applicants must have obtained an average grade equivalent to a University of Toronto B+ or better in their final year of undergraduate study, i.e., the courses that constitute the final quarter of a four-year program.
• SGS online application (submitted online – see link below)
• A statement (two pages maximum) of proposed study (submitted online – see link below).
• Two (2) letters of academic recommendation (submitted online – see link below). Your referees are required to fill out a web-based form via the online application system. When you (the applicant) fill out your online application form, you will provide the email addresses of two academic referees. After you have paid your online application fee (please do this no later than November 1, 2016), your referees will be sent an e-mail prompt asking them to submit their online reference by December 8, 2016. Please notify your academic referees in advance of the deadline specified above and follow up if necessary. If for some reason your referee(s) is unable to submit a reference online, please instruct them to send WGSI a hard copy of the form by December 8, 2016. The reference letter must be written on official university letterhead paper and contained in a signed and sealed university letterhead envelope.
• A brief academic curriculum vitae (CV), with details of education, awards, teaching and research experience, and other information of academic interest. (Submitted online – see link below).
• One sample of academic writing (under 30 pages) relevant to Women and Gender Studies, e.g. a course paper or conference paper (submitted online – see link below).
• Official copies of all post-secondary transcripts, submitted in BOTH ELECTRONIC AND HARD COPY FORM. All applicants, including UofT students, are required to submit official transcripts only.  WE DO NOT ACCEPT UNOFFICIAL ROSI (UofT) TRANSCRIPTS.  Please order official transcripts through your university transcript centre and have them mailed directly to the Women and Gender Studies Institute. Transcripts must be on official university letterhead and contained in sealed, university letterhead envelopes. When you are submitting transcripts electronically, please ensure that each transcript is legible and that you include the transcript legend or grading system. The transcript must show your course grades, and where applicable, the date of degree conferral. International students may include degree/diploma certificates IN ADDITION to their official transcripts & transcript legends.
• INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS should consult the “International Degree Equivalencies” chart to determine if they meet the minimum admission requirement at the University of Toronto. Go to http://portal.sgs.utoronto.ca/current/admission/intdegequiv.asp. Qualifications from a number of world-wide educational systems are listed.  The academic standings indicated are normally accepted as equivalent to a University of Toronto mid-B average if the degree has been awarded from an institution recognized by the School of Graduate Studies at the University of Toronto.  Note that a mid-B average is the MINIMUM required for graduate study at the University of Toronto. Individual departments have their own admission requirements, which are normally higher than the minimum.  As stated above, applicants to the Master’s Program in Women and Gender Studies must have at least a B+ average (GPA 3.30–3.60) or better in their final year of study.  Applicants to the PhD Program in Women and Gender Studies must have an A- average (CGPA 3.70).  Direct-entry applicants to the PhD Program in Women and Gender Studies must have an A average (CGPA 4.00) and an A- average (GPA 3.70) in their final year of study.  Applicants who do not meet the minimum UofT requirement of a mid-B average (73% or GPA 3.00) need not apply.  Also, applicants who do not meet the minimum UofT English language requirement need not apply.  For details, consult the “How to Apply” section below.

The University of Toronto's Women and Gender Studies program offers students various financing options to support their academic pursuits. Funding opportunities include entrance scholarships, which are awarded based on academic excellence, extracurricular achievements, and leadership qualities. These scholarships provide significant financial assistance and are available to both undergraduate and graduate students enrolling in the program. Additionally, there are need-based bursaries designed to assist students demonstrating financial need, ensuring that capable students can access education without undue financial hardship. The university also offers fellowships and research grants for graduate students engaged in research projects related to Women and Gender Studies, which provide additional financial support and recognition of scholarly work in this field.

Students are encouraged to explore external funding sources as well, such as government student loans, grants, and awards, which can be combined with university-specific awards for maximum financial aid. The university’s Financial Aid Office provides comprehensive guidance on application procedures, eligibility criteria, and deadlines for various funding opportunities. For international students, scholarships specifically aimed at fostering diversity and inclusion are available, helping to offset tuition fees and living expenses.

Part-time work opportunities on campus, including research assistantships and teaching assistantships, are also accessible to women and gender studies students, allowing them to supplement their income while gaining valuable professional experience. The university's commitment to accessible education ensures that students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can pursue their academic interests without financial barriers. Overall, the University of Toronto provides a robust framework of financial support tailored to the needs of Women and Gender Studies students, facilitating an inclusive and equitable educational environment.

Women and Gender Studies at the University of Toronto offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary program that explores the social, cultural, political, and economic aspects of gender and sexuality. The program aims to foster critical understanding of gender issues and promote social justice through diverse courses, research opportunities, and community engagement. Students engaged in this program examine historical and contemporary perspectives on gender, ethnicity, race, class, and other intersecting identities, encouraging a nuanced analysis of power relations and systemic inequality. The program includes undergraduate degrees such as the Bachelor of Arts (BA), often allowing students to minor or specialize in Women and Gender Studies, enhancing their academic and professional credentials. Coursework typically covers topics like feminist theory, gendered violence, LGBTQ+ issues, media representations, and policy analysis, providing students with a broad yet in-depth understanding of gender-related topics. Faculty members are experts in various disciplines including sociology, psychology, political science, and the humanities, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to gender studies. Students benefit from research centers and resources dedicated to gender equity, and the program emphasizes critical thinking, activism, and community involvement. This prepares graduates for careers in education, social services, public policy, advocacy, journalism, and other fields where gender analysis and equity are paramount. Collaborative initiatives with other departments and organizations enable students to gain practical experience and develop leadership skills. Overall, the Women and Gender Studies program at the University of Toronto is committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and social justice, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to address gender issues locally and globally.