MA in Public Policy-Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies

The Master of Arts in Public Policy with a concentration in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) was established in 1982 as the first graduate degree formally combining the two fields. It remains a distinctive feature of Columbian College’s WGSS Program.

Located in downtown Washington, D.C., the program offers rare opportunities through networks and organizations based in the nation’s capital, allowing students to participate in policy issues important to women. Graduates enter the workforce equipped with the professional skills they need to make them competitive participants in the world of public policy.

The curriculum combines required core and electives courses from both Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and public policy, training students in the conventional social science components: economics, quantitative methods and policy analysis. The degree also provides students with the tools to criticize conventional ways of thinking about and analyzing public policy that have traditionally excluded women.

Choosing an MA Degree

Career Paths for Graduates

Find out where a WGSS degree can take you.

Graduate Study Guide

Learn more about deadlines and tuition, scholarships and theses and exam guidelines.

Choosing Program Options

Find out whether the WGSS or WGSS-Public Policy program is a better fit for interests.