Master of Arts Communication and Specialization Science, Society and Policy

The Department of Communication at the Faculty of Arts offers an MA program in Communication with thesis or with research paper, a Master of Communication (MC) by coursework to which a co-op option can be added, and a PhD in Communication.

The MA focuses on two fields of research: media studies and organizational communication. The media studies field examines the content and the modes of operation of traditional and emerging media in their social, cultural, economic, political and regulatory contexts.

Organizational communication focuses on interpersonal and group interactions in the workplace; planning for internal and external communication in private, public, and nonprofit organizations; risk/crisis communication, public relations, ICT’s uses within organizations, etc.

The program aims to develop in graduates the following skills:

• Evaluate critically the theories, concepts and assumptions underlying media studies or organizational communication with particular attention to their chosen research interest.
• Demonstrate an ability to identify and work with the varying epistemological traditions developed by French-speaking and English-speaking scholars in communication studies.
• Contribute to the development of skills, theories, approaches, and materials for both academics and professionals.
• Analyze data and communicate research results to diverse audiences, including scholars, policymakers, and professionals in communication studies.

The MA is offered on a full-time or on a part-time basis.

The department is one of the participating units in the collaborative program in Science, Society and Policy (master's level only).

The collaborative program in Science, Society and Policy allows students enrolled in one of the participating master’s programs to specialize in science and innovation policy.

The objective of the collaborative program is to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to evaluate the challenges confronting decision-making at the interface of science and policy. Students will have an opportunity to explore how evidence is used in decision-making, how current policies shape the scientific enterprise, and how emerging technologies interact with society.

The degree awarded specifies the primary program and indicates “Specialization in Science, Society and Policy."

In accordance with the University of Ottawa regulation, students have a right to produce their work, their thesis, and to answer examination questions in French or in English.

The programs are governed by the academic regulations in effect for graduate studies.

For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the specific requirements webpage.

The requirements for admission to the MA program in Communication are as follows:

• An honours bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with a specialization or major in Communication or a related discipline.
  or
• An honours bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in another discipline, with a minor in Communication and two or more years of relevant experience.
  or
• An honours bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in another discipline, with three or more years of relevant experience.
• A minimum overall average of 70% (B), calculated in accordance with graduate studies guidelines.
• All applicants must be able to understand, speak, and write proficiently either English or French. Applicants whose first language is neither English nor French must provide proof of proficiency in one or the other. In addition, a passive knowledge of the other language (ability to understand the spoken and written word) is necessary. The list of acceptable proofs is indicated in the “Admission” section of the general regulations in effect for graduate studies.