GWS Combined Program
The Department of Gender and Women’s Studies Combined Program allows undergraduate students an opportunity to enroll in undergraduate/graduate split-level courses and receive graduate credit. Students are considered to be undergraduate students until all undergraduate program requirements are completed and the award of the undergraduate degree has been posted on the academic transcript. Students are automatically accepted into the graduate program and do not have to reapply after undergraduate degree is posted.
Students can earn up to 12 graduate credits while an undergraduate student. The following split level courses have been approved for the GWS Combined Program:
GWS 411/511 Sexual Assault Victim Advocacy (4 undergraduate credits/ 3 graduate credits)
Students will learn about the legal, cultural, and political factors that contribute to sexual assault and gendered violence. This course will combine hands-on training in activism from course instructors and community members in the field of sexual assault advocacy, as well as a background in theories of gender and sexual assault. Sexual assault advocates provide confidential services to victims of sexual violence, including hospital and legal advocacy, crisis counseling, and emotional support. Students who satisfactorily complete 40 hours of training will be certified as sexual assault advocates at the end of the semester.
GWS 440/540 Feminist Pedagogy (3 undergraduate and graduate credits)
We explore the key philosophical and methodological issues in feminist pedagogy with an emphasis on application of the material learned. In addition to readings, discussions, and lectures, students develop a teaching philosophy, design a course, write a syllabus, prepare a lesson plan, teach a session, design evaluations, and develop a curriculum vitae.
GWS 455/555 Politics of Sexuality (3 undergraduate and graduate credits)
This course explores the interconnections between sex, gender, and sexuality with special attention to how institutions and communities shape experience and identity.
Admission
The criteria for admission to the GWS Combined Program are completion of at least one Gender and Women’s Studies course, current enrollment as an undergraduate student at Minnesota State University, Mankato with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and completion of 60 course credits (undergraduate students entering their 3rd year usually have 60 credits). (Note that we do not require GRE scores.)
Students are eligible for graduate assistantships after completing their baccalaureate degree. Graduate assistantships pay a stipend of up to $9,000 a year and include a tuition waiver.
Applications for spring and fall enrollment are considered on a continuing basis. Applicants will be notified of the department’s decision within three weeks. To apply for the GWS Combined Program, you must submit an application to the department. Please use the instructions and forms below. If you have any questions about applying to the GWS Combined Program, you may contact our department chair Prof. Laura Harrison at laura.harrison@mnsu.edu or office manager Angie Navejas at angie.navejas@mnsu.edu or (507) 389-2077.
