Joint JD/MA Program

At the intersection of law and gender

Combine a masters in women, gender, and sexuality studies with a JD from one of the nation's top law schools.

The MA in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Washington University provides students with advanced training in issues of gender, sexuality, race/ethnicity, class, and disability. Whether you come from a gender and sexuality studies background already or are looking to supplement your work in another field with a gender and sexuality studies perspective, our program helps you explore the issues that matter to you.

By combining a JD with an MA in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies you will be prepared to address a range of problems and possibilities related to gender, sexuality, and the law, including developing policies that address gender inequities and diverse sexualities in law firms, corporations, and educational institutions; contributing to programs geared toward increasing and enhancing workplace diversity; and working with nonprofits that deal with gender violence, family law, and sexual diversity. 

how to apply

Students interested in the joint JD/MA program must first apply for admission to the law school, then apply to the MA program in WGSS.  Admission to the joint program is contingent upon admission to the law school.

Students entering this four-year program spend their first year taking the required 1L courses in the Law School.  As a result, a law student might decide to apply for the joint-degree program after entering law school.

Students in the program fulfill the usual JD requirements, including one ethics course one upper-class writing course (seminar), 6 units of experiential credits in designated courses, and 67 units of law classroom credits. Because the upper-class JD curriculum may vary from year to year, students should choose their electives in consultation with their Law School advisors. Students in the joint Juris Doctor/Master of Arts in WGSS program may take courses from Arts & Sciences during their second through fourth years.

 

Apply to the law school 

 

Applicants to the joint JD/MA must submit official transcripts from all undergraduate and/or graduate institutions attended.  Unofficial transcripts should be uploaded at the time of application. Official transcripts will be required if an offer of admission is made.  

  • Three letters of recommendation: in English and submitted via the online application system. These letters should speak to the candidate’s academic abilities and background.
  • A personal statement, 2-3 double-spaced pages in length. The personal statement will be used as an opportunity to introduce yourself to the committee and may include information not evident on your transcript. It is most useful if it addresses the candidate’s reasons for pursuing the joint degree.
  • Supplementary material: Applicants must submit a writing sample, no more than 20 pages in length.
  • NOTE: ALL supplementary material MUST be uploaded by the applicant in the online application system. Our office is unable to upload these documents for applicants. Do not send hard copies of these documents to the office.

Candidates for admission to a joint-degree program must complete all application requirements listed above for the MA, and submit a separate application to the Law school.

 

Apply to the Joint JD/MA Program

 

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MA/JD Degree Requirements

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