Women's Studies University of Arizona
Department of Women's Studies
contact: 520.621.7338, 520.621.1533 (fax), address: 1618 E Helen, PO Box 210409, Tucson, AZ 85721-0409
Sirow, The Southwest Institute for Research on Women
Women's Plaza of Honor (+3 damage points)
Women in Science and Engineering
Women's Studies Advisory Council

MA Program - Semester-by-Semester Outline

Listed below are all of the steps to completing your master's degree assuming a standard two-year program. (Those in non-standard programs will have the same core requirements and must propose for approval how the requirements below are to be met.) You will also need to refer to the Graduate College's "Handbook for Completing the Steps to Your Degree" for forms and year-specific timetables. While the faculty and staff will help you to successfully earn your MA, you are ultimately responsible for making sure that you meet all requirements and deadlines. If anything is not clear, be sure to ask questions until it is.

Fall Semester I
Total semester units: 9
Coursework Tasks
  • (3) WS 539 Feminist Theories & Movements

  • (6) Check with mentor advisor to decide on the other 6 units. They may include a core choice elective credit.

  • (0) WS Colloquium. Attend throughout your program. Receive credit in final semester. Professional development: meet faculty members doing work in WS, ask questions about the program and your progress, conference preparation and advice, and eventually present your own work.

  • OCT 15: Deadline to select mentor advisor.

  • Meet with your mentor advisor on a regular basis to help you to define your interests, begin looking for thesis/project director, and to evaluate your progress.

  • Attend as many WS/university presentations as possible to get to know faculty/students.


Spring Semester II
Total semester units: 9
Coursework Tasks
  • (3) WS 584 Feminist Research Methodologies

  • (6) Check with mentor advisor to decide on the other 6 units. They may include a core choice elective credit.

  • (0) WS Colloquium. Attend throughout your program. Receive credit in final semester.

  • Continue meeting with your mentor/advisor to further define your direction of interest.

  • Attend as many WS and University presentations as possible.

  • Submit PLAN OF STUDY to Graduate Degree Certification Office (see Graduate Secretary) and submit MA Thesis/Project Proposals for thesis/project Director before end of semester and begin assembling committeee.

  • GAT's submit proposal for following Winter Session by June 1.

Summer
Suggested time for internship work, if appropriate. Begin drafting MA thesis/project. GAT's & RA's check with RA/GAT supervisor and set dates for return to campus. Come at least one week before classes to begin to assist supervising professor. Assist with new student orientation.

Fall Semester III
Total semester units: 9
Coursework Tasks
  • (3) WS 596R Research Seminar: MA project seminar

  • (6) Check with mentor advisor to decide on the other 6 units. They may include a core choice elective credit.

  • (0) WS Colloquium. Attend throughout your program. Receive credit in final semester.

  • OCT 30: Finalize MA thesis/project committee and check to make sure all are acceptable to Graduate College.

  • Begin writing MA thesis/project and set schedule for timely completion no later than December 15.

  • Attend as many WS/university presentations as possible.

  • Apply to PhD or professional school programs and/or consult with Career Services about career plans.

Spring Semester IV
Total semester units: 9
Coursework Tasks
  • (2) WS 910 MA project units--2 units (MA thesis or project director must sign drop/add form to sign up for these units)

  • (6) Check with mentor advisor to decide on the other 6 units. They may include a core choice elective credit.

  • (1) WS Colloquium. Attend throughout your program. Receive credit in final semester.

  • Review Graduate College forms and deadlines and be sure all forms are properly submitted on time. This is your responsibility.

  • January 30: Schedule exam time for March or early April and thesis or project presentation time at MA Colloquium in April or early May (see Academic Program Coordinator). Complete thesis or project by early March.

  • Attend as many WS/university presentations as possible.

  • Plan for graduation events-UA, SBS, dept.

  • Complete CV/resume.

Continuing Registration
If for any reason you will not finish in your fourth semester, you must work with your MA Committee to develop plans for finishing. The UA requires continuing registration and your MA director will need to sign a drop/add form using her section number to register you for WS 910 or WS 930 units.