Skip to main content

Requirements for Critical Studies

The information here may reflect program requirements for future academic years. If you are a current student and would like to see the current or prior years’ requirements for this program, please see the University Catalog.


The MA in Critical Studies requires the completion of 45 semester hours, which includes 24 semester hours in designated courses, 6 semester hours in elective credits (which may include an internship), 12 semester hours in thesis, and three semester hours in professional practice.

Program Curriculum

Year 1, Fall (12 credits)

  • CRIT501 - Critical Theory 1: Introduction

  • CRIT521 - Introduction to Cultural Studies

  • CRIT525 - Critical Writing and Visual Culture

  • CRIT555- Critical Pedagogy

Year 1, Spring (12 credits)

  • CRIT502 - Critical Theory 2: Feminist Theory, Queer Theory, Gender, and Sexuality

  • CRIT522 - Environmental Criticism

  • CRIT526 - Creative Nonfiction Writing

  • Elective or Internship

Year 2, Fall (12 credits)

  • CRIT631 - Thesis 1: Propose Thesis

  • CRIT601- Critical Race Theory, Postcolonial Theory, and Black Studies

  • Elective or Internship

Year 2, Spring (9 credits)

Willamette University

Critical Studies