We use cookies on this site to enhance your experience.
By selecting “Accept” and continuing to use this website, you consent to the use of cookies.
Becoming a Golden Hawk means more than just cheering on our (really good) varsity teams – it means being a student who cares about your community, who works hard in the classroom, and who takes advantage of all the learning opportunities that can happen outside the classroom, too.
Connect With Us
Show Me the Campus
Explore Our Programs
Normally completed in 12 months, this program combines coursework and a Major Research Paper (MRP). You will take three courses in both the fall and winter terms. In addition to two required courses (Graduate Seminar in Communication Studies and Research Methods), you will take four elective courses in Communication Studies or a related area.
Under faculty supervision, you will complete your MRP (50-60 pages) in the summer.
We also offer a thesis option.
The Communication Studies MA program offers a Co-operative Education option. Co-op students have the unique opportunity to obtain paid employment and professional communication experience in non-profit organizations, the public sector, community groups, and organizations in creative industries. Co-op students are encouraged to pursue work terms in sectors and roles that align with their research interests.
The co-op option is a competitive entry and a limited enrolment option available to full-time students. Students in the co-op option complete their coursework in the fall and winter terms (September to April), have their co-op work term in the spring/summer (May to August), and write their major research paper or thesis in the subsequent fall semester (September to December), typically completing all MA program requirements in approximately 16 months.
Applicants indicate their interest in being considered for co-op when they apply to the MA program. Admission to the co-op option is not guaranteed by admission to the MA program in Communication Studies. Laurier’s Co-op Office conducts interviews with shortlisted applicants and makes co-op option admission decisions.
Students who apply to the co-op option should not apply to the regular stream. If the co-op application is not recommended by Laurier’s Co-op Office, the application will be moved to the regular stream by the department.
The Co-op Office administers the work term application process. Students are required to apply to job postings and interview with prospective employers. While employment cannot be guaranteed, every effort is made to ensure that suitable employment is available for students admitted to the option. Students are welcome to seek out employment positions independently; however, these positions must be approved by the Co-op Office in order to be designated as co-op work terms.
Co-op students are required to pay co-op fees. Following their work term, co-op students are also required to submit to the graduate coordinator a short paper about their employment experience in relation to their coursework and/or research project. Co-op students must be registered in CS695: Major Research Paper or CS699: Thesis in their final semester in the program.
Additional information and regulations are available on the Co-op website.
Here’s a small sample of MRPs completed by our graduates:
Contact Us:
Jeremy Hunsinger, Graduate Coordinator
General Inquiries
We see you are accessing our website on IE8. We recommend you view in Chrome, Safari, Firefox or IE9+ instead.
×