How to Apply

Please note: The Department of Women’s and Gender Studies will not be accepting applications for the thesis-based program in GSMS beginning with the 2025 – 2026 academic year. If you believe that your research and/or career goals would best be met exclusively by a thesis program, please reach out to the graduate director, Dr. Felice Lifshitz, at felice@ualberta.ca to discuss the possibility of submitting an application for this program.

All students must apply online through the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. There is an application fee of $135.00 CAD.

Application deadline is January 15 for Fall (Sept) admission of the same year. (there are no admissions for Winter (Jan) start date)

Please note: Applicants who are interested in both the Course and Thesis tracks should not submit two applications; instead, they should apply to one or the other track, and indicate in their Personal Statement that they are also interested in the other track. Otherwise you are paying for two applications (which is not necessary)

The required documents are required in order to submit an online application: (Please also read "Application Requirements for Academic Documents":

• Official copies of transcripts must be uploaded directly to your online application for all previous post-secondary schooling showing marks obtained (submitted in the original language, accompanied by a certified English translation). If you are admitted to the program, then, and only then, official hard copies of all transcripts and final degree certificates (in both original language and English translation) will be required to be mailed directly from the institution/s attended to the Faculty of Graduate Studies;
• Curriculum Vitae or resume listing academic background as well as relevant work, activist, and/or volunteer experience (use the form provided as part of the on-line application);
• Three letters of reference from academics or relevant professionals who can speak to the applicant's suitability for graduate study in the field of Gender and Social Justice. The reference letter writers submit their letters directly to your online application. After you have paid the $135 application fee they will receive an email from the University of Alberta requesting a reference letter;
• Statement of research interest that outlines:

  1. How your academic background or other related interests and activities prepare you for graduate studies in Gender and Social Justice;

  2. The suitability of the University of Alberta's Gender and Social Justice program to your research and professional goals;

  3. Your research goals or interests; and

  4. What you hope to be able to do after graduating with the MA in Gender and Social Justice (1500 word maximum);

  5. Applicants considering a specialization in Digital Humanities should clarify in their statement of research interest how the DH component will enrich their proposed project.
• English Language Proficiency (if applicable) (TOEFL, IELTS);
• A writing sample of 12-15 pages (typically a research paper, but other relevant writing can be submitted).

Notes:

• Applicants considering a specialization in Digital Humanities must meet the minimum entrance requirements for both the MA program in Gender and Social Justice and the Digital Humanities Program. Applications are first reviewed by the Graduate Committee in Gender and Social Justice, and, if successful at that stage, are forwarded to DH for its review process.
• Incomplete applications may not receive full consideration.
• DO NOT send hard copies of documents to the Department; all application documents are to be uploaded to the FGSR application system. If you are admitted, then you will need to submit official hard copies of all transcripts and final degree certificates.
• You will be able to check on the progress of your application by returning to the online application system; please do not contact the Department to ask about your application.
• The completed application and all supporting documentation must be uploaded by the application deadline: January 15th of desired program entry year.
• A supervisor is not required at the time of application.