Doctor of Philosophy in Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies

Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies (GSWS) doctor of philosophy (PhD) program offers interdisciplinary study and research leading to a doctorate. The program provides a strong academic approach, with core courses on feminist theory and methodology and a blend of advanced studies in specific fields, as well as directed readings for more individualized study. Students develop and demonstrate intellectual and analytical skills, in accordance with the particular criteria of the level of study, and in consultation with their senior supervisor and supervisory committee.

A master’s degree from SFU or its equivalent from a recognized institution

OR

A bachelor's degree, with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5/4.0, or a grade point average of at least 3.67/4.33 (A-) based on the last 60 credits of undergraduate courses. Students admitted directly from a bachelor's degree must complete at least 50% of the course work units required for the relevant program's master's program if no course work is required as part of the doctoral degree;

OR

Completion of at least 75% of the course work units required for the relevant program’s master’s program, with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5.

English Language Requirements:

Internet-based TOEFL: 93 with minimum of 20 in each category

Paper-based TOEFL: 580 and TWE 5

IELTS (academic): overall band score of 7.0 of the academic (NOT general) test with a minimum of 6.5 in each section

CAEL: overall 70; minimum 60 in each section

Pearson Academic (PTE): overall 65; minimum 60 in all of their sections

Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 Advanced - minimum score of 193; C2 Proficiency - minimum score of 200

Duolingo English Test (DET): Provisionally through the Fall 2026 admission cycle - Duolingo English Test (DET) 130 overall with a minimum of 120 in each section.