CIIS Launches First-ever Master of Science in Critical Sexuality Studies

Sexuality Studies is one of today’s fastest growing academic fields, as scholars around the globe use advanced theories and research approaches to examine the many structural ways that sex and gender influence societies. As the second university in the U.S. and the only one on the West Coast to offer a Ph.D. in Human Sexuality, CIIS is once again breaking ground with its new, one-of-a-kind Master of Science in Critical Sexuality Studies.

The new M.S. is designed to introduce students to the critical and intersectional study of sex, sexual expression and identity, and other related topics, and to support them in making positive social change in professional fields. While the Ph.D. in Human Sexuality is geared towards existing scholars and field practitioners, the M.S provides a much-needed bridge to support those who wish to move forward in counseling, technology, and public health. 
 

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Our M.S. has three distinct areas of emphasis:

SexTech

SexTech students are interested in work developing SexTech products and services, healthcare innovation in FemTech, equity considerations in back-end and front-end technology development, such as AI development, user experience (UX) research, product and services development, interrupting algorithmic bias in data currency, and generally changing the landscape of tech by training more women and other underrepresented people in the sector.

Sex Counseling

Sex counseling students seek counseling, coaching, and care employment, which includes those currently working in or aiming to work in health care settings: 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. This specialization focuses on refining skills around affirming, trauma-informed, and inclusive care on issues of sexuality- and gender-based behavior, experience, and identity. Those looking for advanced training yet not interested in acquiring licensure and/or professionals who seek to deepen affirming care, especially for their sexually minoritized clients, will benefit from this program.

Public Health Analysis (first cohort fall 2026)

Public health analysis students are interested in data analysis, interpretation, and distribution in for- and not-for-profit organizations, and government agencies, with projects geared toward equitable and inclusive healthcare delivery and public health systems in the realms of sexuality, reproduction, maternal health, and related issues.. This emphasis will begin accepting applications in August 2025 for the fall 2026 Cohort.

An M.S. in Critical Sexuality Studies prepares students for certification by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) to be sexuality educators or counselors.

Applications are now being accepted for the fall 2025 cohorts in SexTech and Sex Counseling. Applications will open for Public Health Analysis in August 2025 for the fall 2026 cohort. 

Scholarship Opportunity

Students in each of these 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. 

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