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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What do students plan to do with their Masters in Women's Studies?

A. Approximately two-thirds of our current students plan to pursue doctoral degrees after completing the program. They will pursue doctoral degrees in such fields as Women's Studies, English, Sociology, Political Science, Public Policy, History, Religious Studies, and Anthropology. Some plan to pursue advanced degrees and careers in law or public policy. The remaining students plan to teach (or continue teaching) in the public schools or seek positions in social service fields (in the field of domestic violence, among other places).

Q. Is it possible to complete the M.A. Program in less than two years?

A. Theoretically it is possible to complete the program in less than two years, if a full-time student takes courses in the summer terms. However, with the requirement of a professional paper (similar to writing a journal article), it would be rare for a full-time student to finish in less than two years.

Q. Can I work full-time and take a full load of classes?

A. We strongly recommend that students who work full-time pursue their degrees on a part-time basis, in order to ensure success in the program.

Q. Do I need to submit an "official program of study" to the university? If so, when should I do that?

A. Yes, you do. The Degree Plan will be coordinated by your advisor during your second semester and then submitted to the Graduate School for approval. Any changes to the official Degree Plan must then be resubmitted and approved by the Graduate School.

Q. What happens if I make changes to my degree plan after I have already filed it?

A. You (and your advisor) must fill out a change in degree plan form. After the appropriate signatures are obtained, you must file the form with the Graduate School.

Q. Is it required or expected that you ask your advisor to either chair or be on your Graduate Committee?

A. No, it is not required. It really depends on what your interests and your advisor's interests are. If your thesis/professional paper topic is unrelated to your mentor's area of expertise, then most likely you would want to choose a different professor whose interests more closely match yours to serve on/chair your Graduate Committee.

Q. How should I choose my Graduate Committee?

A. Discuss your thesis/professional paper interests with your Academic Advisor.

Q. Should I write a professional paper or a thesis?

A. We strongly recommend that students write a professional paper-the length is more manageable for most students, and the product is usually more publishable as a journal article.

Q . Can I finish my professional paper in one semester?

A. Usually not unless your professional paper builds on research ideas and papers developed in previous semesters. Ideas take time to develop, and the Graduate School deadlines for completion are usually several weeks prior to the end of the semester.

Q. I'm planning to conduct interviews, send out survey questionnaires, etc. for my thesis/professional paper. Do I need to get any kind of permission to do this?

A. Absolutely. You must make an application to the Institutional Review Board. You cannot begin on this project, even interviewing, without this approval.

Q. Are there particular rules or a specific format that I need to follow when I actually type my professional paper or thesis?

A. Yes. TWU has a very specific format it requires you to follow. See the section on thesis/professional paper guidelines. Closely follow the Guide to the Preparation and Processing of Dissertations, Theses, and Professional Papers .

Q. I'd like to present my research at conferences and/or travel to obtain research. Is there any way to get funding for this?

A. Yes. Contact the Offices of Student Life or see the Student Life Travel site for instructions and an application. For consideration, you must submit an application by the published deadlines, often well in advance of your trip.

Q. Are there any Graduate Assistant positions available in the Women's Studies Program and if so, how do I apply?

A. A limited number of these positions are available each semester. See the Program Director for application information. Information is also posted on the Graduate School website page titled Graduate Assistantships.

Q. What does the final defense consist of? Is it comprehensive or are the questions determined by my research interests?

A. It is a defense of the thesis/professional paper. There will be an open defense (open to anyone) where the student will make a brief presentation of the research and then answer questions about her/his work. See the thesis/professional paper guidelines for more information. Think of the defense as a dialogue-an opportunity to discuss your thesis/professional paper.

Q. Is there an application form for graduation? If so what is the deadline?

A. There are several forms that must be completed prior to graduation, most of which concern the professional paper/thesis and final oral examination. Forms for degree completion and graduation must be submitted. A Graduation Packet may be requested from the Graduate School by phone or online. Watch for the published deadlines for the submission of these forms.

Q. When do classes begin? How much is tuition?

A. The academic calendar lists important dates for the semester. Tuition and fees for the current semester are listed on the website for the Bursar/Cashier.