Master of Arts in Communication Studies
Exploring the interplay of power and communication, our program provides advanced training in core theories and methodologies in communication studies and critically engages contemporary research themes in the discipline.
Our program is animated by interdisciplinary faculty with expertise in areas such as alternative media, cultural and creative industries, digital cultures, global media, health communication, media history, mobilities, popular music, social media, visual communication, and beyond.
Program Structure
The MA in Communication Studies offers three options of study: major research paper and coursework; thesis and coursework; and coursework only. A co-operative education (co-op) program, with limited enrolment, is open to full-time students in any of the three options. The program is normally completed in 12 months (16 months with co-op) and must be completed within 24 months for full-time students. Applications for part-time study will also be considered.
- Major Research Paper (MRP) option: You will take six courses and write a major research paper.
- Thesis option: You will take four courses and write a thesis paper.
- Coursework option: You will take eight courses.
Cooperative Education Program (Co-op)
For students in the co-op stream, your co-op term will be during the Spring term.
| Term | MRP | MRP (Co-op) |
Thesis | Thesis (Co-op) |
Coursework | Coursework (Co-op) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First fall term | three courses | three courses | two courses | two courses | three courses | three courses |
| Winter term | three courses | three courses | two courses | two courses | three courses | three courses |
| Spring term | MRP | co-op | thesis | co-op | two courses | co-op |
| Second fall term | N/A | MRP | N/A | thesis | N/A | two courses |
| Total Months to Complete |
12 months | 16 months | 12 months | 16 months | 12 months | 16 months |
Academic Support
Graduate coordinators are your academic advisors who help and advise you with questions you may have during your MA and help guide you to meet your requirements to complete your degree.
Dr. Jonathan Finn is your graduate coordinator. To request information or an appointment, email CSgrad@wlu.ca
Faculty Research
Master's students doing MRPs or Theses work closely with a small supervisory committee comprising an advisor/supervisor and a second reader. You can see examples of completed theses and MRPs as well as titles of others on our new Graduate Student Research page. In addition, when faculty have funded research projects they might look to hire graduate research assistants. You can explore the work our graduate faculty do via the research interests posted at the bottom of the main program page and by looking through our Research and Creation Archive and Faculty Highlights pages.