What makes your program unique among others?
In addition to the coursework that students do in class, students do conference work—the hallmark of Sarah Lawrence’s pedagogy. Conferences consist of one-to-one meetings every other week with individual professors. These meetings give students the opportunity to develop unique research topics, related to their interests, and under the direct guidance of their professors.
What is the undergraduate GPA requirement for admission to the women’s history graduate program?
We require a GPA of 3.0. We look closely at the transcript and personal statement to see if there were extenuating circumstances that led to a lower GPA. Any exceptions to the 3.0 requirement will be made at the discretion of the Women’s History Admissions Committee.
I am interested in your joint degree program with the Pace University Elisabeth Haub School of Law. When should I take the LSAT?
Applicants interested in fall admission to the Elizabeth Haub School of Law should take the LSAT by the June exam. However, to find out what would be expected of you from Pace, it is best to contact the school directly. Students must apply and be admitted to both programs separately. Review the Joint Degree in Women’s History & Law page for more information.
We developed this joint degree program because we noted that both institutions have similar structures and academic philosophies. In addition, we realized that many of our policy-oriented women’s history students went on to pursue degrees in law. Because both institutions transfer in 12 credits from the other school, we believe that the joint degree is a competitively cost-effective way to earn both degrees in approximately four or five years.
I have been out of college for a number of years. Is it still possible to be admitted to the women’s history graduate program?
Yes, you are welcome to apply no matter how long ago you received your undergraduate degree as it has no bearing on your admittance. In fact, Sarah Lawrence College’s Center for Continuing Education (CCE) was in the forefront of encouraging women who had left school due to marriage or other family responsibilities to return to school. Continuing in that tradition, we find the age range of students in our program to add a unique diversity of perspectives and life experiences to our class discussions. If you no longer have papers from your undergraduate classes, you should submit a writing sample that demonstrates strong writing, research, and analytical skills.
I work full time. Is there a part time option?
Yes. You can attend school part time and obtain your graduate degree in three years. A sample of the part time curriculum can be found listed under Sample Part-Time Tracks. Please note that for financial aid reasons, the three year option is preferable to the four year.
Are there evening classes?
Yes, we understand that the majority of our students work. Therefore, we offer both day and evening classes. All of the core women’s history courses are held in the evening.
Can I transfer credits from other colleges?
We can transfer up to 10 credits on a case-by-case basis. This is at the discretion of the program director. We cannot transfer in credits that have been counted toward previously earned degrees.
I am coming to New York City. Is it possible for me to visit the campus and sit in on a class?
As part of an ongoing response to Covid-19, Sarah Lawrence College has temporarily suspended in-person graduate admission programming including campus tours and sitting in on classes that may be held in-person. But that doesn’t mean we’re ready to stop sharing our vibrant graduate community with you. Please visit our Connect with Graduate Admissions page to learn about our virtual Open Houses and more, or contact Tara James, Associate Director of the Women’s History program.
Does it matter that I don’t have a bachelor's degree in history?
No. Although courses in history are helpful and courses in the humanities are encouraged, you do not have to have a degree in history to be accepted into the program. Moreover, a master’s degree in women’s history is especially useful for those who wish to transition into PhD programs in the humanities but do not have that background in their undergraduate education.
Is there a possibility for internships?
Yes. You can intern for credit under the supervision of women’s history faculty as a summer internship or under the auspices of our “History Colloquium” course.
What are possible thesis subjects?
Women’s history students have written theses on a wide variety of topics. Thesis topics cover recent and ancient history in the US and globally; explorations of current issues within a historical context; oral histories, and more. For a detailed list, see our theses and capstone topics page.
What sort of financial aid is available?
Please direct questions about financial aid for graduate students to Roberta Daskin (rdaskin@sarahlawrence.edu or 914-395-2570). For international students, we generally recommend that you allow more lead time and apply for external fellowships, such as the Fulbright Scholarship or Rotary International Scholarship.