How much does it cost?Â
Learn more about how to afford a graduate degree from the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno.
How do I apply?
Fall Application Deadline: February 1. Learn how to apply to the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno.
Graduate Studies in Gender, Race, and Identity
What will I learn with an advanced degree in gender, race, and identity?
The M.A. in Gender, Race, and Identity is an interdisciplinary degree that prepares students for a variety of careers. The program invites applications from students with a range of backgrounds and preparations.
Drawing upon the scholarly literature in the areas of critical theory, feminist methodology and particular disciplines, including race and ethnic studies, women and gender studies, sexuality studies and religious studies, the M.A. provides an academic course of study in the intersections of identities that shape our lives and experiences. In their coursework, students focus on key theories about power, oppression, diversity and equity, as well as interdisciplinary methods and tools for critical thinking, communication and project management and execution around a range of social issues.
To learn more about the M.A., please review the program requirements in the . With any additional questions, please contact the GRI Graduate Director using this form.
Why study gender, race, and identity at the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno?
The M.A. enables students to take a range of courses that provide in-depth understanding of a particular area of the student's choosing and provides ample opportunities for application of new knowledge. The curriculum is designed to allow for flexibility for students to focus on topics and issues of importance to their professional development while they gain breadth and depth in the study of important intersections of race, class and gender.
Graduate Certificate in GRI
The Graduate Certificate in Gender, Race, and Identity provides a curriculum that complements existing graduate programs at both M.A. and Ph.D. levels. The certificate is open to students pursuing a graduate degree in other areas, including business, humanities, social sciences, social work, social psychology, psychology, education and more. Professionals in the community are also eligible to enroll.
Like the M.A., the Certificate in GRI helps students to:
- Understand how identities are constructed and how they intersect
- Learn about the methodologies in scholarship and learning in diverse cultures
- Examine ideas about gender and race and how they intersect
- Study the roles identity plays in diverse cultural settings and how these roles change over time
- Look at the historical significance of identity through politics, public policy and decision-making
- Explore the effects gender, race and identity have on historical developments and their consequences
Once accepted, students in the certificate program take one core 700-level course and three elective courses (600 or 700 level), representing at least two different disciplines, determined in consultation with a faculty mentor. Students are encouraged to develop individualized plans of study that meet scholarly and career goals.
M.A. students and those pursuing a graduate certificate must earn at least a “B” in coursework used to complete certificate requirements and maintain a 3.0 certificate GPA. Coursework in which a grade of “C” or lower is earned may not apply toward completion of the certificate. If the course is required for the certificate, it must be repeated to earn a grade of “B” or better.
Students currently enrolled in graduate programs at the University should discuss interest in the with your main advisor in your home department and obtain that person's permission to complete the certificate along with your existing program of study. In most cases, GRI courses can be counted toward both the certificate and main program requirements (up to 12 shared credits). Your main program advisor may also act as your faculty mentor in the GRI program if she or he is a GRI faculty associate. If you have any questions about how to integrate certificate courses into your program, contact the GRI Program.
To be considered for the GRI Certificate, please send a copy of academic statements by either May 1 (to be considered for the following fall semester) or November 1 (to be considered for the following spring semester) to GRI’s Graduate Director. When you are notified that you have been accepted to the certificate program, complete the or complete a hard copy of the declaration or change of certificate from the Graduate School forms page.
Graduate Special students (not currently enrolled in the University)
To apply to the Graduate Certificate Program if you are not a current graduate student, you must visit the Graduate School admissions site. To be considered for the GRI Certificate, please send a copy of academic statements by either May 1 (to be considered for the following fall semester) or November 1 (to be considered for the following spring semester) to GRI’s Graduate Director. When you are notified that you have been accepted to the certificate program, complete the or complete a hard copy of the declaration or change of certificate from the Graduate School forms page.
Gender, Race, and Identity Graduate Handbook
Read through the gender, race, and identity master's degree handbook to find out if this advanced degree program is right for you.
Read the graduate handbook