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.
For co-op students, your co-op term will be during the Spring term.
Under the MRP option, students will take the two required courses (CS600 and CS601) and four elective courses in Communication Studies or a related area plus CS695* - Major Research Paper. You will take three courses in both the fall and winter terms. Under faculty supervision, you will complete your MRP in the summer.
The MRP is considered to be similar to a thesis in the quality and originality of research, but less than a thesis in scope. Research topics will be approved by the student’s advisory committee, which will normally consist of a supervisor and a second committee member (or reader). MRPs will be approximately 50 to 60 pages in length, not including bibliography and notes.
On completion of the MRP, the supervisor, any readers, and the Graduate Coordinator will determine if any revisions or further drafts are required. The MRP is graded on a pass/fail basis and there is no oral defence.
In exceptional circumstances, students may be allowed to complete the thesis option instead of the MRP option.
Students in the thesis option will take four one-term courses plus CS699 - Thesis, consisting of the two required courses (CS600 and CS601) and two elective courses. The thesis shares the same basic properties and structure of the MRP, but is considerably larger in scope (100-120 pages) and must contain a substantive amount of original scholarly research.
Students wishing to write a thesis should consult with the graduate program director during the fall term of their first year. A thesis abstract, of approximately 500 words, is due December 15 to the graduate co-ordinator. The abstract, along with the student's academic record from the fall term, will be assessed by the graduate co-ordinator and the graduate committee and, if approved, a supervisory committee will be established. Students will be notified of the committee's decision within three weeks of the submission deadline. The committee will then decide upon a work schedule, using the MRP guidelines as a template.
On completion of the thesis, students will be expected to pass an oral defence of the work by an examining committee, which will include the student's supervisors and readers(s), and an external examiner who is at arm's length from the student. The purpose of the oral defence is to demonstrate to the examiners that the candidate fully understands the work that was completed, how the research was completed, and the meaning and significance of the findings and conclusions. The candidate must have a clear understanding of how the work fits with the relevant literature and/or practice. The thesis is graded on a pass/fail basis.
Coursework-only students will take eight one-term courses. Course offerings may be explored in the Graduate Academic Calendar.
The Master of Arts in Communication Studies may be taken as a cooperative education program (co-op).
This limited enrolment option is open to full-time students. Applicants indicate their interest in being considered for the cooperative education program when they apply to the program.
Further information about the cooperative education program.
Example Terms
| 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 |
| Summer 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.