Master of Arts in Gender and Cultural Studies and Public Policy
Description
The joint Master’s in Gender and Cultural Studies (GCS) and Public Policy is designed for students who would like to combine the pragmatic approach of Public Policy with the broader, creative insights of Gender and Cultural theory. This program is ideal preparation for those with a particular interest in issues of diversity, race, gender, class, ethnicity, ability, and sexual orientation in public policy.
This program affords students the core skills and most essential content knowledge of public policy, at the same time that it offers students broad exposure to field of gender and cultural theory. Students in the program will be taught to apply this integration to real world issues. As a result, this program prepares graduates equally well to work in a policy setting or a nonprofit organization, where policy knowledge and analysis skills can heighten marketability. Students will submit one application and it will be reviewed by program directors from GCS and Public Policy.
Requirements for entry into program
This degree is designed for students who have a background and interest in interdisciplinary work. Students will ideally have an undergraduate degree in one or more of the following: Communications, Critical Race Studies, English, Economics, History, International Relations, Modern Languages, Political Science, Public Policy, Media Studies, Philosophy, or Women’s and Gender Studies. While there is no one path to a successful degree application, prospective students must demonstrate an interest in applying their knowledge to real-world policy issues.
Degree Requirements
Candidates for the joint degree must complete a total of 11 courses. All students will complete a combined capstone project that integrates the two fields of study.
Required Courses
| GCS 403 | Gender and Cultural Studies: Theory Into Practice | 4 |
| GCS 420 | Race, Gender, and Empire | 4 |
| MPP 501 | Policy Analysis & Theory | 3 |
| MPP 502 | Social Policy | 3 |
| | OR | |
| SW 404 | Social Welfare Policy | 3 |
| MPP 503 | Economic Policy | 3 |
| MPP 504 | Quantitative Analysis | 3 |
| POLS 517 | Intersectionality and Public Policy | 4 |
| | OR | |
| POLS 556 | Feminist International Relations | 4 |
Three Gender-Focused Electives: see especially The Consortium for Women, Gender, Culture, and Sexuality Studies.
Capstone
All degree candidates must complete a joint capstone, GCS/PP 455
Students have two options for capstone projects:
- Students will work with a specific organization on a policy problem related to race, gender, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation, etc. Students selecting this option might choose to partner with their organization, and even do a formal internship. In this case, a 20-30 page policy brief would be the desired outcome for the capstone experience.
- Students will write a 50-60 page thesis that focuses on a policy issue that relates to race, gender, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation, etc.
Regardless of which option students choose, they will participate in a capstone seminar where they work with other GCS students to support each other during the writing process. All joint degree students present their capstone work at the GCS colloquium with other graduating students.
Graduate Consortium for Studies in Gender, Culture, Women, and Sexuality (GCWS)
The Graduate Consortium for Studies in Gender, Culture, Women, and Sexuality is housed at MIT and offers interdisciplinary, team-taught seminars to students are enrolled in graduate programs at eight member institutions. Courses are designed to foster a dynamic interchange between and among scholars and to provide intellectual stimulation for faculty and students doing work across disciplines. Courses critically address gender, race, class, nation, sexualities, and the practical implications and applications of feminist theory. GCWS courses allow faculty and graduate students to explore traditional and cutting edge theories, and develop new avenues of inquiry. There is no fee for GCWS courses. Students are granted credit for participation by their home institutions and are admitted by application. The Consortium membership includes Boston College, Boston University, Brandeis, University, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Northeastern University, Simmons College, Tufts University, and the University of Massachusetts, Boston.