Public Policy - Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies George Washington University

Overview

The Public Policy - Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies at George Washington University provides a sophisticated interdisciplinary framework for analysing modern social issues. Students engage with a curriculum that bridges the gap between traditional political science and contemporary gender theory within a world-class urban setting.

Established in 1982, this was the first graduate degree in the United States to formally integrate these two vital fields of study. The programme is a distinctive feature of the Columbian College of Arts & Sciences, benefiting from a close affiliation with the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration.

Why Public Policy - Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies at George Washington University?

The institution’s location in downtown Washington, D.C., offers students unparalleled access to a vast network of national and international organisations. This strategic position allows scholars to participate directly in policy discussions that are currently shaping the lives of women and marginalised groups globally.

Students receive comprehensive training in conventional social science components, including economics and quantitative methods, while learning to critique traditional frameworks. The teaching staff provides the professional skills necessary to compete at the highest levels of government, non-profit sectors, and international advocacy groups.

The programme offers flexible pathways for final research, allowing individuals to choose between a professional practicum or a traditional academic thesis. This customisation ensures that the learning experience aligns with specific career goals, whether they are rooted in practical application or advanced doctoral research.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 2091 per credit
• National fee: USD 2091 per credit
• Local fee: USD 2091 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of 36 credits, including core requirements and specialised electives. Modules may include:

• Feminist Theory
• Gender and Public Policy
• Research Issues in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
• Capstone Research Seminar
• Research Methods and Applied Statistics
• Economics for Public Decision Making
• Policy Analysis
• Practicum in Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies
• Thesis Research

Careers with Public Policy - Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies

Graduates are equipped with the analytical tools and professional expertise required to excel in the competitive world of public policy. The programme prepares individuals for leadership roles where they can influence legislative changes and social justice initiatives within the nation's capital and beyond.

Alumni often find success in government agencies, international non-governmental organisations, and influential think tanks. The focus on gender and sexuality ensures that graduates can provide essential perspectives in sectors such as human rights, healthcare policy, and community development on a global scale.