A Master's degree program in Women's Studies, the first of its kind in the United States, was established by The George Washington University in 1972. This marked a significant expansion of research and learning opportunities for women in academia to place women at the center of their scholarship, to learn about the influence of gender on social and political institutions, and to explore the intersections between gender, race, class, sexuality, and other hierarchies.  The women's studies program at GWU offers a grounding in both feminist theory and empirical knowledge about the condition of women in the United States and around the world.  Students may tailor an interdisciplinary program to meet a wide array of interests in either applied women's studies or in advanced interdisciplinary or discipline-based scholarship. 

Graduates of the GW women's studies program are applying their knowledge and skills to careers in government and as teachers, researchers, lobbyists, public affairs specialists, and advocacy organizations staff members.  About one-third of our graduates go on to earn doctoral or other professional degrees. 

The Program offers two M.A. Degrees

• Master of Arts in the field of Women's Studies 
• Master of Arts in the field of Public Policy with a concentration in Women's Studies

• Evening Courses are available to accommodate working students 
• Part time study (6 credit hours per semester) is permitted 
• Course work in Women's Studies may be applied to the Ph.D. program in  Public Policy at the George Washington University.