Master of Science in Critical Sexuality Studies
Grounded, contextual engagement with current issues in sexuality to drive positive change
Program Overview
Join Us
The Master of Arts in Critical Sexuality Studies is more than a degree — it is an invitation to transform how we understand, study, and engage with sexuality in today’s world. Whether you envision working in industry, advocacy, research, education, or community leadership, this program equips you with the critical tools, deep knowledge, and integrative perspectives needed to challenge assumptions and create meaningful change. Students in the first cohorts will receive a $2,500 scholarship per semester equal to 20% off tuition.
Applications open August 2026. Classes begin August 2027.
Our Approach
The Master’s in Critical Sexuality Studies helps students understand the research, practice, and cultural dialogue around a wide variety of sexuality-related subjects. We emphasize intersectional and critical views of sexuality emphasizing applied, real-world solutions. Through coursework, students undergo an analysis of power structures by exploring the many sociocultural organizations of sex and gender that influence societies. We offer two designated emphases:
- Sex Counseling
Sex counseling students are seeking counseling, coaching, and care employment that includes those currently working in or aiming to work in health care settings such as HIV and reproductive health counselors, medical assistants, nurses/physician’s assistants, nurse practitioners, midwives, doulas, clinical administrators or staff at reproductive health clinics, pelvic-floor physical therapists, and related areas. - SexTech
SexTech students engage digital and emerging technological approaches at the intersection of sex, sexuality, and gender (including FemTech concerns), such as developing products and services, healthcare innovations, equity considerations digital innovation with generative artificial intelligence (GAI), UX research, interrupting algorithmic bias in data currency, and generally engaging the tech landscape as changemakers towards a more humane future for us all.
Career Paths
- Sex Counseling Career Pathways
Students in the Sex Counseling emphasis develop a strong foundation in sexual health, relational wellbeing, counseling-informed education, ethics, and culturally responsive practice. Graduates may pursue professional pathways in sexual health education, intimacy and wellness coaching, program development, community outreach, advocacy, peer support, and related clinical-adjacent roles in healthcare, nonprofit, educational, and wellness settings. This pathway is designed for students who want to support individuals, couples, communities, and organizations through informed, compassionate, and professionally grounded approaches to sexuality and relationships. - SexTech Career Pathways
Students in the SexTech emphasis prepare for leadership in one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving areas of sexuality, health, and technology. Graduates may pursue roles in product strategy, UX/UI research and design, sexual health innovation, FemTech, digital health, content development, advocacy, and ethical technology consulting for startups, established companies, nonprofits, and mission-driven ventures. This pathway is especially suited for students interested in translating sexuality expertise into user-centered products, inclusive technologies, market-informed research, and public-facing innovation.
Curriculum
The master's balances foundational and specialized coursework to prepare each student to pursue the projects that best suit their academic and career goals. Our emphases in sex counseling and sex tech allow students to specialize in areas that position them for professional relevance, while also receiving a deep understanding of the critical sexuality studies field.
A M.S. in Critical Sexuality Studies positions students for certification by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT).
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Year 1 | Semester 1
Foundations Courses:- Foundations of Critical Sexualities Studies
- Understanding Research for Sexualities Studies
- Critical Sexualities Studies Theory
Year 1 | Semester 2
Content Courses:- Sexual Health & Justice
- Strategic Research Planning for Capstone
Emphasis Courses (choose your track):SexTech Sex Counseling - Past, Present, and Future of SexTech
- The Business of SexTech: Funding, Investment, and Business Models
- Sex Counseling I
- Critical Policy Analysis in Sex Counseling
Year 2 | Semester 1
Content Courses:- Proposal Development for Capstone
- Proseminar: Career Pathways and Professional Development
In-person option – must take one ProSeminar
Emphasis Courses (choose your track):SexTech Sex Counseling - Designing User-Centered Technology
- Data Fluency and Data-Driven Strategies in SexTech
- Ethics in Sex Counseling
- Sex Counseling II
Year 2 | Semester 2
Culminating Activities:- Proseminar: Skills for Professional Practice and Impact
Online option – must take one ProSeminar - ePortfolio
- Capstone Action Project
Can take up to two times
Find course descriptions in the Course Catalog.
Entry Requirements
If you would like to learn more about this program, we’re here to help. Explore our program further with in-depth materials, discuss your personal and career goals at one of our open houses, or get in touch with our admissions counselors, who are ready to assist you in navigating the application process.
Required Application Materials
Your application is your opportunity to share who you are. To be considered essays and written responses must be your own authentic work.
Online Admissions Application: Begin the application process by submitting an online application and paying the nonrefundable $68 application fee.
Degree Requirement: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. The bachelor’s degree must be conferred to begin fall semester classes but may be in process during application to the program. A 3.0 minimum GPA is required.
Transcripts: Official transcripts from all accredited academic institutions attended where 7 or more credits have been earned. Transcripts may be sent digitally to materials@ciis.edu or mailed to CIIS in their official, sealed envelope. Transcripts from institutions outside the U.S. or Canada require a foreign credit evaluation through World Education Services (WES). CIIS will also accept foreign credential evaluations that are in a comprehensive course-by-course format from the current members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
Statement of Purpose: As part of your application to the Master of Science in Critical Sexuality Studies at CIIS, please submit a 500–750 word essay that addresses the following:
- Why pursuing an M.S. in Critical Sexuality Studies is essential for your career path and long-term goals, and address any current gaps in your knowledge or skills.
- Reasons for your chosen area of emphasis—Sex Counseling or SexTech.
- How you intend to apply the knowledge and skills gained from the program in your future professional, advocacy, or leadership work.
- Any relevant personal, academic, or professional experiences that have influenced your decision to pursue this degree and emphasis area.
This statement will also be used to assess your academic writing ability. We are looking for:
- Clarity and coherence of written expression,
- Engagement with relevant ideas or professional contexts, and
- Evidence of critical thinking in how you connect your experiences to your goals.
Resume/CV
Professional or Academic Writing Sample: A writing sample that demonstrates your capacity to think critically and reflectively and demonstrates graduate level writing abilities. Professional or academic writing sample or professional report/presentation example that you have authored are good examples of what is acceptable. A sample that uses outside sources must include proper citations based on a style guide of your choice (i.e. APA, Chicago, MLA, etc.). You may submit copies of previous work, such as a final project paper, an academic paper, article, or report that reflects scholarly abilities.
Two Letters of Recommendation: One letter must be from an academic reference and one letter must come from a professional reference. Recommendations should use standard business format and include full contact information including name, email, phone number, and mailing address. If an applicant has been out of school for more than five years, two letters may be submitted from professional references.
International Students: Foreign Credential Evaluations if applicable and ESL test scores if applicable.
FAQ
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2 years full-time, online study.
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The master’s program is fully online. There will be an optional in-person intensive in your last semester.
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Yes! Students in each of the first cohorts will receive a $2,500 scholarship per semester for full-time study or a scaled equivalent per part-time semester – a 20% discount on the cost of tuition. Explore additional scholarship opportunities.
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Yes. Many students in our M.S. in Critical Sexuality Studies program continue to work while enrolled. At the same time, the program is academically rigorous and requires consistent engagement. While many students successfully maintain employment throughout the program, we encourage students to reduce outside work and volunteer commitments when possible during the Fall and Spring semesters in order to support a sustainable balance and maximize their learning experience.
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The master’s does not lead to licensure.
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Take the Next Step
For over 50 years, CIIS has been at the forefront of education that integrates rigorous science, innovative scholarship, and social justice. You will learn from faculty at the forefront of their fields, local artists and activists, and a community of peers as passionate and dedicated as you. There’s never been a better time to be here – let’s build a healthier and more equitable world.