Critical Gender Studies

Overview

The Critical Gender Studies program at Central European University (CEU) is designed to educate and train future generations of gender specialists in a variety of fields and professions that address the many gendered political, cultural and social challenges of contemporary society. These fields include education, academic research, social services, non-governmental organizations, policy, social change advocacy, government advising and applied research, journalism, as well as jobs that entail various kinds of artistic production. 

Gender studies in the two-year program is defined as “critical” Gender Studies, signaling the ways in which students are trained to critically analyze established ideas, systems, and inequalities that decrease the possibilities for women and men to fully reach their human potential. The program offers rigorous training in critical gender analysis, writing, research skills, oral presentations, and internship experience.

The program also allows students to develop additional skills and knowledge in one of the two special tracks: The specialization in research prepares students to enter a PhD program or any number of relevant professions. Students in the Research Track do substantial research on theses in a wide range of disciplinary approaches to gender studies. The specialization in applied gender studies involves similar coursework in theory and method but requires focused training in critical policy studies from a gender perspective and a thesis that is based on a guided internship in a field and institution within the student’s area of interest. Graduates of the Applied Track are prepared to enter careers as gender professionals in a variety of governmental and non-governmental institutions where policy is made, analyzed, and/or challenged.

Accreditation

• Program approved and registered by the New York State Education Department
• Program registered as a non-degree post-graduate specialization program by the Hungarian Educational Authority (HEA)
• Program accredited by the Agency for Quality Assurance and Accreditation Austria (AQ-Austria)