Gender and Cultural Studies (MA) / Public Policy (MPP)
Description
The dual degree program in Gender/Cultural Studies (GCS) and Public Policy (MPP) is designed for students who would like to combine the pragmatic approach of Public Policy with the broader, creative insight of theory. This program is ideal preparation for those with a particular interest in issues of diversity, race, gender, class, ethnicity and sexual orientation in public policy. Students must apply and be admitted to both programs. Students will be enrolled in both programs simultaneously and work with an advisor from each program to tailor their studies to meet their needs and interests.
Requirements for entry into program
Please refer to the entry requirements for the Gender/Cultural Studies (MA) and MPP in this catalog.
Degree Requirements
Candidates for the dual degree must complete a total of 13 or 14 courses (depending on whether the MPP internship requirement is waived). Six courses will be completed in the GCS program (two required courses, one core elective course, and at least three GCS electives), six or seven will be completed in the MPP program, and the student will complete a combined capstone project that integrates the two fields of study.
Six required GCS courses (24 credits)
| GCS 403 | Gender/Cultural Studies: Theory Into Practice | 4.00 |
| GCS 420 | Race, Gender, and Empire | 4 |
| GCS 430 | Cultural Theory | 4.00 |
Plus three additional GCS Electives.
Six/Seven Required MPP Courses
| MPP 501 | Policy Analysis & Theory | 3.00 |
| MPP 502 | Social Policy | 3.00 |
| MPP 503 | Economic Policy | 3.00 |
| MPP 504 | Quantitative Analysis | 3.00 |
| TWO MPP electives | |
| 3 Credit Internship (if applicable) | |
Capstone (3 or 4 credits)
All dual degree candidates must complete one of the capstone options listed below. Students will consult with their advisor and/or program director about which option is better suited for their career path.
MPP 505 Students will work with a specific organization on a policy problem. Ideally the policy problem will focus on an issue related to race, gender, ethnicity, and/or sexual orientation, etc.
GCS 460 Thesis Capstone: Students will write a 60-80 page thesis that focuses on a policy issue. Dual-degree students present their capstone work at the GCS colloquium with other graduating GCS students
Graduate Consortium for Studies in Gender, Culture, Women, and Sexuality (GCWS)
The Graduate Consortium for Studies in Gender, Culture, Women, and Sexuality is housed at MIT and offers interdisciplinary, team-taught seminars to students are enrolled in graduate programs at eight member institutions. Courses are designed to foster a dynamic interchange between and among scholars and to provide intellectual stimulation for faculty and students doing work across disciplines. Courses critically address gender, race, class, nation, sexualities, and the practical implications and applications of feminist theory. GCWS courses allow faculty and graduate students to explore traditional and cutting edge theories, and develop new avenues of inquiry. There is no fee for GCWS courses. Students are granted credit for participation by their home institutions and are admitted by application. The Consortium membership includes Boston College, Boston University, Brandeis, University, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Northeastern University, Simmons College, Tufts University, and the University of Massachusetts, Boston.