Gender and Cultural Studies (MA)
Please visit the program page to learn about curriculum, faculty, careers, and more! To request more information about this degree, please fill out our form. Questions? Contact admissions via email or at 617-521-2868.
How to Apply
To get started on your application, click on the application below:
Spring 2026
Spring 2026 Master of Arts in Gender and Cultural Studies Application
Fall 2026
Fall 2026 Master of Arts in Gender and Cultural Studies Application
Application Requirements
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. All grade point averages are considered, but a B (3.0) average or higher is preferred. In general, applicants are expected to submit a completed application file that includes the following:
- A completed online application form
- Current résumé
- Statement of purpose that addresses the following questions: What are your reasons for applying to this program? What factors led you to select it? What areas of gender and cultural studies are of greatest interest to you? How does our interdisciplinary approach relate to the work that you hope to do in the program?
- Two short answer questions
- Two letters of recommendation from academic sources
- An analytical writing sample that focuses on gender or cultural studies. If you do not have an appropriate sample available, please respond to the following prompt in no fewer than five pages: Research a subject that you would like to explore more fully in the GCS program. You should think about why the topic you have chosen is important, and how an exploration of this subject matter connects to your future goals
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate-level courses taken, including official transcripts from all study-abroad programs.* Official transcripts can be mailed to the address below or emailed. For transcripts to be official, they must come directly from your college/university or sent through a service such as National Student Clearinghouse or Parchment. There is no section in the application to upload transcripts because transcripts uploaded by the applicant are considered unofficial.
- TOEFL or Duolingo scores, if English is not the applicant's first language
- Non-refundable application fee of $35 (payable to Simmons University)
*Study abroad transcripts do not need to have a credential evaluation.
When mailing materials to our office, please be sure to use the exact mailing address below:
Simmons University
Graduate Studies Admission
300 The Fenway
Boston, MA 02115-5898
Application Deadlines
Fall (September)
Priority Deadline: February 1
Regular Deadline: May 1
Rolling admission after May 1
Spring (January)
Priority Deadline: October 15
Regular Deadline: December 15
Rolling admission after December 15
Can I submit my online application before all of my required materials are received?
Yes, and we encourage it! Once you submit your application, you will be able to log in to the self-service center (linked at the top of this page) to check the status of your application and to see if your materials have been received. Prior to submitting your application, you will not be able to check your status online.
What should I do if my recommenders did not receive an email requesting a letter?
First, suggest your recommender check her/his spam folder. Since the notifications come from an automated system, the messages often end up in spam. Not there? Contact us and we can resend the notification. You can also resend invitations from your self-service center. And, finally, recommenders are always welcome to email a recommendation letter to us at [email protected]. We'll be glad to manually add it to your application.
How quickly are my application materials processed?
Once you submit your application, we will look for any previously received materials to attach to your application. It usually takes 1-5 business days for our office to process and attach materials. To ensure receipt of your materials in our office, please ensure that items sent by mail are issued to the following exact address:
Simmons University
Graduate Studies Admission
300 The Fenway
Boston, MA 02115
How long will a decision take after my application is complete?
We begin reviewing spring applications in October, and fall applications in January. Once we begin reviewing applications, you will receive a decision within 3-4 weeks from your completion date.
Will my decision letter be emailed or mailed?
Your decision letter(s) will be released through your application portal. You will receive an email notice that your application status has been updated to 'Decision Released,' and you will be prompted to log into your application portal to view your decision.
Can I take classes before I apply?
If you are unsure about enrolling in a graduate program, or just want to advance your educational experience, all of our master's degree programs offer the option to enroll in up to two graduate-level courses (eight credits) as a non-degree student before formally applying to a program. Additional details about non-degree registration, including current course offerings, can be found on our Non-Degree Options page.
Do I need to submit the FAFSA by the priority admission deadline?
No. Students interested in applying for federal financial aid, which is awarded in the form of loans, may do so at any point by submitting the FAFSA and the Simmons University Student Information Form to the Simmons University Office of Student Financial Services. Contact their office via email at [email protected] or by calling 617-521-2001.
Upon acceptance, eligible applicants receive automatic consideration for merit-based scholarships. Most merit-based scholarships are awarded based on the overall strength of an application for admission, and no separate application is required.
Resources
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Learn more about what makes Simmons University special.
Tuition and fees
Tuition and fees at Simmons are updated annually each spring. They are assessed each semester based on the number of credits enrolled, the level of degree, and the particular program of study.
Merit scholarships and funding options
We believe that your exceptional academic preparation and hard work should be rewarded.
Health insurance
All students taking 9 or more credits are required by Massachusetts State law to enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan or be covered by a health insurance plan with comparable coverage.
Non-degree enrollment option
If you are unsure about enrolling in a graduate program, or just want to advance your educational experience, non-degree study at Simmons is the best option for you.
Contact us
Questions? Contact us via email or at 617-521-2915. We're happy to schedule visits and campus tours.
