Program Character

Founded in 1972, the Master of Arts Program in Women’s History at Sarah Lawrence was the first to offer a graduate degree in the field. The program introduces students to the rapidly expanding literature in women’s history, feminist theory, and gender studies; trains them in historical research and interpretation; and encourages them to combine scholarship with activism both within and beyond the academy. Each year, the program sponsors a Women’s History Month Conference the first weekend in March. Since its inception in 1999, the conference has brought together scholars and activists to explore issues including Native American women’s lives in urban communities, women’s organizing in poor and new immigrant communities, women’s role in youth movements and the black freedom struggle, women’s stake in the presidential election of 2004, queer politics in the new millennium, and women’s experience of war. Free and open to the public, this important forum for women’s voices has attracted large audiences from activist organizations, local colleges and universities, and the Sarah Lawrence community.

Advanced undergraduates at Sarah Lawrence may apply to this graduate program and, if admitted, may begin working toward the MA during their senior year.

A joint degree in Women’s History and Law is offered in cooperation with Pace University Law School. Students in this program earn both a Master of Arts and a Juris Doctor. By taking courses that count toward both degrees, students in the joint program can earn the MA and the JD in four years of full-time study. This program may also be completed on a part-time basis. If you are interested in the joint degree program, you must apply separately to each school. Once admitted to both, you qualify for the joint degree. Requirements for the two degrees include a total of 120 credits, 20 of which are applicable to both programs. Each school accepts up to 10 credits from the other school to satisfy requirements.