FAQ - Ph.D. Program

Frequently Asked Questions for the Ph.D. in Women's Studies

Application-Related Questions

Q.  When will applications be due?

A.  We are currently accepting applications for Fall 2012.  For priority consideration, all materials must be received by February 1, 2012.

 

Q.  I don't have a master's degree, but I do have a bachelor's degree.  May I apply to the doctoral program without a master's degree?

A.  Unconditional acceptance into the doctral program in Women's Studies requires a master's degree.

 

Q.  I have not completed my master's degree, but it will be completed soon-before the fall semester.  May I apply to the doctoral program now, or must I wait until my master's degree is officially granted?

A.  We encourage you to apply now!  Since you are currently working on and anticipate finishing your master's degree soon, you are very welcome to apply.

 

Q.  Is it necessary to have a master's degree in Women's or Gender Studies to apply to this doctoral program?

A.  No.  We welcome applicants with master's degrees in other areas of study.  We do, however, hope that applicants will have an understanding of the field as well as some familiarity with feminist and/or womanist theories.

 

Q.  I did not complete a thesis as part of my master's degree.  Am I still eligible to apply to your doctoral program?

A.  Yes.  We welcome your application!

 

Q.  I have never taken a Women's Studies course; however, I am well-versed in feminist/womanist theories, and I have a solid understanding of Women's and Gender Studies.  Am I still eligible to apply to your doctoral program?

A.  Yes! You are very welcome to apply to our doctral program.  Be sure to indicate your knowledge about the field in your personal essay.

 

Q.  What are you looking for in prospective students?
A.  We're especially interested in accepting into our program students with strong writing skills, a solid knowledge of multicultural issues (defined broadly), women's and gender studies, and feminist/womanist theories.  We're interested in accepting into our program students whose research interests and vocational goals can benefit from our Department's specific offerings and strengths.

 

Q.  I am an international student and am fluent in English.  Must I take the TOEFL?
A.  We welcome applications from international students!  Yes.  The Women's Studies Department adheres to the University's requirements for International Studies, and the TOEFL is required.  For specific information related to international students, please see Texas Woman's University's International Education website.

Q.  How many applicants do you accept each year?
A.  We accept up to six students per year in order to ensure a high-quality doctoral experience.

 

Program-Related Questions

 

Q.  Can this program be completed online?

A.  Unfortunately, no.  The Doctoral Program in Women's Studies is not a distance-education program.  All of the core required courses and many of the optional courses are taught in a face-to-face format.  Courses meet once a week on the Denton, TX campus in the afternoon or evening.  We strongly encourage students to live in the local area, so that they can develop working relationships with their peers and participate in University life.

Q.  Could I begin the program in the spring semester?
A.  No.  In order to ensure a high-quality cohort experience, we require all new students to begin in the fall semester.

Q.  I work full-time.  Could I attend part-time?
A.  Due to the intensive nature of the courses, as well as state requirements for completion timeliness, we expect students to attend full-time.

Q.  How long will the program take to complete?
A.  The proposed program requires a minimum of 90 semester credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree.  Up to 42 semester credit hours from a pervious master's degree will count toward the degree plan if approved by the student's advisory committee.  The program can be completed in a minimum of four years.

Q.  What kinds of teaching opportunities will doctoral students receive?

A.  Full-time doctoral students will receive opportunities to teach undergraduate courses in Women's Studies that are offered for the University's Multicultural-Women's Studies core curriculum requirement.  These courses will include "Gender and Social Change," "U.S. Women of Colors," and "Feminist Theories," among others.  We are committed to mentoring our doctoral students and assisting them in becoming effective educators!

Q.  What are the costs of attending TWU?

A.  Tuition and fees are listed on the Web site for the Bursar/Cashier.  Out-of-state students receiving a TWU scholarship of at least $1,000 or a half-time graduate assistantship (.50 FTE) will qualify for in-state tuition rates, which is a considerable savings.  Information about financial aid can be found through the TWU Office of Financial Aid.  
 

Q.  Where is Texas Woman’s University?

A.  Doctoral courses in Women’s Studies will be offered on the main campus of Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas, a thriving community of over 100,000 people approximately 40 miles north of the metropolitan area of Dallas-Ft. Worth.  Texas Woman’s University is the nation’s largest university primarily for women and one of the most diverse in the country.  Denton is a lively community with a great music scene; it is home to two public universities (Texas Woman's University and University of North Texas).

Contact Us

If our website does not contain answers to your questions, please feel free to contact us.  You may email or call Dr. AnaLouise Keating, Director, Ph.D. Program, Department of Women’s Studies, akeating@twu.edu or 940-898-2119.