What is the MA (WGS)?

The Master of Arts in Women & Gender Studies is a thesis-based degree offered jointly by Mount Saint Vincent University and Saint Mary’s University. Both universities are in Halifax, Nova Scotia. In this program, you’ll have the opportunity to take classes at either institution, and to work with students and faculty members at both schools.

If you are considering applying to the MA (WGS), you should consider the academic interests of current faculty when choosing a thesis topic. Each student thesis must be supervised by a faculty member with a similar research background.

Visit the faculty profile pages to learn about the academic interests of faculty members.

How long does the program take to complete?

Completion times vary. Depending on course availability, and whether you want to study full-time or part-time, you can finish the MA (WGS) in as little as two years. Most full-time students complete their coursework in the first year, and complete their theses in the second year.

Part-time students have up to five years to complete the program requirements.

Do you offer flexible and distance learning options?

Yes! Many of our students work full- or part-time, have families, and other personal and professional commitments. We offer a variety of learning options, including full- or part-time enrolment and evening classes.

If I have an interest in pursuing the MA (WGS), how do I find information about the research backgrounds of potential supervisors?

Visit the faculty profile pages, learn about the academic interests of faculty members. These pages describe our faculty’s research interests, publications, and academic and professional backgrounds.

What careers will the MA (WGS) prepare me for?

Many of our graduates go on to pursue doctoral studies, and eventually become researchers, university professors, and college instructors. Other graduates work as consultants, instructors, or in government and the profit, not-for-profit, and arts sectors.

What is the expected workload?

Graduate students should come prepared to do a greater amount of reading and independent study, compared to undergraduate students. Classes normally meet once a week in a three-hour seminar format where students analyze and discuss assigned readings. Graduate students are expected to go beyond the assigned readings to broaden their knowledge.

Do you offer any scholarships, awards or financial aid?

MA (WGS) students are eligible for several internal and external scholarships vetted by the Mount’s Office of Graduate Studies. Applicants will automatically be considered for entrance scholarships. We also encourage all applicants to apply for external awards, including Canada Graduate Scholarships.

What are the program costs?

Consult the Graduate Academic Calendar for a full and up-to-date listing of tuition and fees. For an estimate of these costs, visit the Office of Graduate Studies’ Program Costs page.

How do I apply?

First, complete the Graduate Online Application form. This page contains instructions on how to complete the form, and how to pay the application fee.

Next, download the Graduate Supplementary Application package. This package will contain information on obtaining three letters of reference and submitting a Statement of Intent.

How should I instruct my referees?

You should provide you referees with the reference form contained in the Graduate Supplementary Application package. You should request that your referees provide us with specific examples of your abilities, knowledge, academic and professional experience, and motivation for advanced study. We encourage referees to attach a more detailed letter of reference to the reference form.

Do I need the GMAT?

No, a GMAT score is not required.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline changes from year to year but is usually January 31st if you want to apply for departmental funding, and around April 1st if you do not. Please consult the Graduate Academic Calendar for the year you are applying. You can also find deadline information on the Graduate Online Application page.

What if I missed the application deadline?

While all candidates who apply by the deadline are guaranteed consideration, we continue to review applications until the program is full.

May I transfer credits to obtain advanced standing?

If you have completed graduate courses before applying to the MA (WGS), your file will be assessed on an individual basis to determine which courses might be applied to this degree.

Who makes the admission decision?

The Admissions Office will ensure that your file is complete. Complete files are then forwarded to the departmental graduate studies committee which makes the final decision.

How can I contact you?

Do you still have questions about our graduate programs, the admissions process, the campus, or life in Halifax? Call or email us—we’d love to hear from you.

Dr. Meredith Ralston
902-457–6472
meredith.ralston@msvu.ca

Mailing address:

Mount Saint Vincent University
Women & Gender Study
166 Bedford Highway
Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada
B3M 2J6