Academics
Graduate Admissions
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Admissions Requirements
Admission Information, including admission requirements, can be found here.
Our department recognizes that students come to graduate school from many different
positionalities and experiences, so please reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns about any of these requirements.
How To Apply
First, complete the Graduate School’s online application. Useful information about applying can be found on the Graduate School's website. International Students should also refer to the guidelines for international admissions.
Second, upload the required documents to your online application.
The online application gives you the ability to request recommendation letters from your letter writers and this is the preferred method for submitting the letters. Though not preferable, if you would rather have letters mailed to the department, the letters should arrive under separate cover directly from the recommender. They can be mailed to:
Graduate Program Coordinator
Department of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
University of South Florida
4202 East Fowler Avenue, CMC342
Tampa, Florida 33620
If you have already submitted your online application, you can log back into the application and add additional documents. Documents may also be e-mailed to Dr. Michelle Hughes Miller.
DEADLINES
All application materials, including recommendation letters, must be received no later than the stated deadline for the desired term of entry, but occasionally we will consider rolling admissions for well-qualified students who apply any time during the year. Contact Dr. Michelle Hughes Miller for further details.
QUESTIONS AND APPLICATION STATUS
If you have any questions regarding the application process or wish to check to see what parts of your application may still be missing, please contact Dr. Michelle Hughes Miller. It is always better to be proactive than to scramble at the last minute. We're here to help!
MA APPLICATION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If I submit my application before the deadline, will it be considered early?
Applications are reviewed after the deadline. If you submit your application in advance of the deadline, we may consider it early. Prospective students are encouraged to get their application materials in as early as possible so that the packet is complete by the deadline.
Do you have any advice regarding letters of recommendation?
The best letters of recommendation will commend your potential for advanced scholarship in the field, including reading, writing, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities. Such letters may come from current or former professors, employment supervisors, and/or community engagement/volunteer project managers.
When it comes to requesting letters, it is a good idea to request letters of recommendation at least 6 weeks before the application deadline to provide adequate time to prepare the letter. It is also a good practice to provide your letter writers with helpful materials, such as your statement of purpose, to aid them in writing letters that best reflect your abilities as a prospective graduate student.
Most credible letters are submitted through the application process.
What are you looking for in the writing sample?
Your writing sample should demonstrate your talents as an academic writer. Generally, the writing sample will be a paper that you have written for an upper-level class, preferably one in women's, gender, and sexuality studies or a related discipline. You should take into consideration any comments or feedback the instructor provided when the assignment was returned to you, and factor those changes before you will submit your writing sample. Papers should be written by you alone, not co-authored.
Is an interview a necessary part of the application process?
We do not require interviews for admission, but we do welcome a chance to meet you and talk to you either in-person or on Microsoft Teams. If you would like to schedule a campus visit or set up a time to meet virtually, contact Dr. Michelle Hughes Miller.
Is the GRE required for admission to the program?
No, we do not require the GRE. If you have taken it, however, we will consider the score in the evaluation of the application packet.
What types of funding are available for WGSS graduate students?
For information about funding, refer to the Graduate Funding page.
Do I have to have a B.A. in women's, gender, and/or sexuality studies to be admitted to the M.A. program?
No, a Bachelor’s degree in women’s, gender, and/or sexuality studies is not required for pursuing the USF Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies MA. We do admit students from other complementary disciplines, such as anthropology, sociology, and psychology who have an educational background related to women's, gender, and/or sexuality studies. We would prefer that you have taken at least some classes in women’s and gender studies. Students who do not have a degree inwomen's, gender, and/or sexuality may be required to complete one or more undergraduate classes in the discipline as a condition of their admission to the program.
Can I earn my M.A. in women's, gender, and/or sexuality studies online at USF?
At this time, we do not offer online classes. Check back with us in the future, though! Our program is always evolving!
What are the M.A. program requirements?
In addition to information in the USF Graduate Catalog, you can find additional details about our MA program in our WGSS Graduate Student Handbook.
What is the cost of living in Tampa Bay?
Tampa Bay is a vibrant and attractive market at the moment, and the cost of living reflects it. We recommend checking out the Living Wage Calculator for our area. There is also limited housing available for single graduate students on campus.
Are there any other resources you can recommend?
The National Women's Studies Association (NWSA) has put together an excellent guide to applying to graduate school.
What if I have additional questions?
Please contact our Graduate Program Director, Dr. Michelle Hughes Miller, with any other questions you might have. She will be happy to answer them for you!