Frequently Asked Questions
Updated Summer 2023
Where can I learn the answers to basic questions about your program?
Read a letter from our Chair, Aren Aizura.
If you have more specific application or program questions, please reach out to our Graduate Program Coordinator, Jamie Kenney, at ckenney@umn.edu. You may also find the contact information for our current Director of Graduate Studies on our "People" page on the main GWSS website.
When is your application deadline?
December 1st, 2023.
Can your program offer application fee waivers?
We are sorry, but due to lack of resources, we cannot offer application fee waivers at this time.
Do you offer financial support to your graduate students?
Yes. All students admitted to the PhD program are promised five years of full funding. The principal sources of funding are teaching assistantships and, typically after passing prelims, graduate instructorships. There are occasional research assistantships available. Funding includes tuition and health insurance. Visit the Department Funding page for additional information.
What is expected of teaching assistants in your department?
A 25% appointment means you are expected to do ten hours of work per week. A 50% appointment requires twenty hours.
Are there opportunities for research assistantships?
Yes, occasionally.
How many students do you admit per year?
Two to four, depending on the availability of financial support.
When are admission decisions announced?
Application decisions are typically announced by mid-February.
Do you offer Spring Semester admission?
No.
Will it be a problem if part of my application materials (i.e., letter of recommendation or GRE scores) arrive after the application deadline?
No, but we expect your letters and scores to arrive as soon as possible. It may compromise our ability to evaluate your file in a timely manner.
Can I send more than three letters of recommendation?
Yes, but it is not necessary.
What parts of the application materials are considered more heavily?
We consider the entire set of materials holistically.
Can I submit unofficial transcripts with my application materials?
Yes, this is acceptable for your application materials. Please note that if you are offered admission to the program, you will need to submit official transcripts.
I do not have a major or minor in Feminist, Gender, and/or Sexuality Studies. Would your department still consider my application for admission?
Yes. We understand that many colleges do not have an independent program in Feminist Studies. Please indicate in your statements how your coursework has prepared you for our program.
Do you offer a M.A. degree?
Students may obtain a M.A. degree in the process of completing their doctoral degree. However, we do not offer a stand-alone Master’s degree, and we only offer admission to students who intend to complete a Ph.D.
Will my previous M.A. coursework transfer?
Some courses may transfer after consultation with the DGS and your advisor.
Is there a preference for students with Master's degrees over those with Bachelor's degrees?
No.
Is there a required minimum GPA to be considered for admission?
No, but to be considered for fellowships, a GPA above 3.0 is usually expected.
Are GRE scores required for admission?
The Feminist Studies PhD application does not require GRE scores. You may include GRE scores in your application materials (and there is no required minimum score), but they are not a deciding factor in admissions.
Are TOEFL scores required for admission?
The Graduate School requires that international students and students whose first language is not English provide proof of English language proficiency via TOEFL, MELAB, or IELTS, regardless of US Citizenship status. For more information, please view the Graduate School’s English language requirements.
However, English language test scores are not a deciding factor in our department's admissions.
What is your institutional code for GRE testing?
6874
What is your institutional code for TOEFL testing?
6874