Women and Gender Studies

Women and Gender Studies at the University of Toronto offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of gender, sexuality, and women’s issues across a variety of social, cultural, political, and historical contexts. This program encourages critical thinking and research skills to understand the complexities of gender identities, roles, and relations, fostering a deeper awareness of the ways in which gender intersects with race, class, ethnicity, ability, and other social categories. Students engaging in this program will examine topics such as feminist theory, queer studies, men and masculinity, reproductive justice, violence against women, and gender representation in media and popular culture. The curriculum combines coursework from different disciplines including sociology, history, literature, political science, and anthropology, providing students with a well-rounded and nuanced perspective of gender studies.

The program emphasizes active learning through seminars, research projects, and community engagement, equipping students with analytical tools necessary for roles in academia, public policy, advocacy, social work, journalism, and other fields where understanding gender dynamics is essential. Faculty members are renowned scholars dedicated to fostering an inclusive academic environment and supporting students’ academic and professional growth. The Women and Gender Studies program also offers various opportunities for students to participate in conferences, internships, and collaborative research projects, allowing them to connect academic theories with real-world applications.

Graduates of the program acquire vital skills in critical analysis, effective communication, and cultural competency, preparing them for diverse career paths that require an understanding of gender and social justice issues. The program’s flexible structure accommodates both undergraduate and graduate students, with options for minors, honours majors, and specialization streams tailored to individual academic interests. By the end of their studies, students emerge with a comprehensive understanding of gender issues in contemporary society and the ability to contribute positively to social change. The University of Toronto is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable learning environment, where students can explore the multifaceted dimensions of women and gender studies and develop as engaged and informed citizens.

• 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

• Admission to the Ph.D. Program in Women and Gender Studies requires that students have attained the appropriate breadth and depth of background in undergraduate and/or master’s studies to undertake coursework and other degree requirements at the Ph.D. level. WGSI interprets equivalency very broadly, and considers courses taken in departments other than Women and Gender Studies as potentially appropriate, so long as the course content or the student’s work in the course included substantial study of women and gender.
• 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 offers a variety of financial assistance options for students enrolled in the Women and Gender Studies program. Funding opportunities include government loans and grants, university-specific scholarships, awards, and bursaries designed to support undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduate students may apply for provincial financial aid programs such as Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), which provides loans and grants based on need and academic achievement. Additionally, the university administers internal scholarships and entrance awards for high-achieving students upon admission, as well as ongoing awards throughout their studies. Graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in Women and Gender Studies can access funding through research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and fellowships provided directly by the university or faculty. These programs are competitive and generally require applicants to demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and financial need. External funding sources, includingspecific grants from feminist and social justice foundations, are also available to support research projects and conference participation. The university provides resources to help students identify and apply for these funding opportunities through the Student Financial Support Office and the Faculty of Arts and Science. It is advisable for students to submit a comprehensive financial plan and explore eligibility criteria early in their academic journey to maximize available resources. Although exact current figures and specific scholarship names related solely to Women and Gender Studies are not publicly detailed on the university's website, students are encouraged to consult the official financial aid and scholarships webpages for the most up-to-date information. Overall, there are multiple pathways for students to finance their education in Women and Gender Studies at the University of Toronto, aimed at reducing economic barriers and promoting inclusivity in academic pursuits.

Women and Gender Studies at the University of Toronto is an interdisciplinary program dedicated to exploring issues related to gender, sexuality, and social justice. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to examine the historical, cultural, political, and economic dimensions of gender and to critically analyze intersections with race, class, ethnicity, ability, and sexuality. Students enrolled in Women and Gender Studies gain a deep understanding of feminist theories, gender paradigms, and activism, preparing them for diverse careers in academia, public policy, community organization, and beyond. The program emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and the development of a nuanced perspective on issues affecting women and marginalized gender groups worldwide.

The undergraduate program typically encompasses foundational courses in feminist theory, gender identity, and gender-based violence, along with specialized options in areas like queer studies, gender and digital media, or global gender issues. Students are encouraged to engage in experiential learning, including internships, community-based research, and conferences to enhance their academic experience and practical skills. The program may also offer opportunities for thesis research or minor specializations, depending on the faculty and departmental offerings. At the graduate level, Women and Gender Studies can include master's and PhD programs, focusing on advanced research, critical analysis, and academic publishing.

The University of Toronto is renowned for its diverse academic environment, and the Women and Gender Studies program benefits from a wide network of faculty members who are experts in fields such as sociology, history, literature, political science, and cultural studies. The program aims to foster an inclusive environment where students can explore the complexities of gender and social identities, challenge systemic inequalities, and contribute to social change through scholarship and activism. Students also have access to various resources, including research centers, libraries, and student organizations dedicated to gender issues. Overall, the program prepares graduates to become informed, empathetic, and engaged citizens committed to addressing gender disparities and promoting equality in various sectors of society.