Gender and Social Justice, M.A.

M.A. Degree

The one year Master’s program leads to the degree of Master of Arts in Gender and Social Justice.

Admission to the M.A. program requires an Honours bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with at least a B+ average (equivalent to a McMaster 8.5 GPA out of 12) in upper year courses in the final year of full time study (or equivalent). The M.A. program is interdisciplinary and does not require a degree in a specific discipline. Eligible students should indicate in a statement of interest what in their academic or experiential background prepares them for graduate level work in the field of Gender and Social Justice.

For a full description of application materials and procedures, see the Gender and Social Justice website (https://gsj.humanities.mcmaster.ca).

Part Time Studies

Usually, M.A. students in Gender and Social Justice complete the program in one full calendar year, starting in September. Applicants for part-time studies should provide a brief written explanation of the special circumstances that make it impracticable for them to complete the degree on a full-time basis.

The program requirements for the part-time Master’s are the same as those for the full-time Master’s, but may be completed over a maximum timeframe of 5 years, in accordance with McMaster’s School of Graduate Studies policy. Coursework may be completed in any sequence, but the two core courses must be completed prior to the major research project.

Program Requirements

The M.A. program requirements include the following mix of course work, experiential learning, and independent research:

Two compulsory core courses: (6 units)

Four additional elective courses: (12 units)

(from an approved list)

A major research project:

For the major research project, students may choose from four possible options:

major research paper (resulting in a 20-25 page publishable article and oral presentation)
a project in pedagogical research (resulting in the compilation of a reading list, preparation of course outline, and written paper of 10-15 pages)
a knowledge in action project (based on work with a community organization and including the development of a document or tool for use by the group and a 10-15 page paper)
an arts-based research/research creation project (in an approved format, and accompanied by a 10-15 page paper)

MRP requirements include a short oral presentation sharing work in progress at a symposium/workshop in May. All project proposals must be approved by the Program’s Graduate Committee.