MA in English - Rhetoric and Communication Design (Major Research Project) in Waterloo Canada | University of Waterloo

Our graduate programs include four options: Master's degrees in Literary Studies, Rhetoric and Communication Design, and Experimental Digital Media—each available with co-op opportunities—plus a PhD in Language and Literature. The MA in Literary Studies (LIT) builds on our department's established reputation across key areas of English-language literatures from Britain, America, and Canada. The MA in Rhetoric and Communication Design (RCD) features instruction from globally recognized experts specializing in rhetoric, multimedia design and analysis, discourse studies, and professional communication. The MA in Experimental Digital Media (XDM), based at our Critical Media Lab satellite facility, offers guidance from prominent digital scholars and creative practitioners. The Rhetoric and Communication Design program (MA-RCD) begins with core rhetorical theory (ENGL 700) and expands into areas like discourse analysis, semiotics, multimedia critique, composition teaching methods, and professional writing. MA-RCD alumni work across diverse sectors including corporate, government, education, NGOs, and entrepreneurship, while some pursue doctoral studies. This stream requires completion of six term courses plus a final research project.

A Master's Research Project proposal should provide a concise 500-word summary (excluding references) with clear section headings and page numbers. The header must include your name, supervisor's name, second reader's name, and project title. This document serves to gather input from your advisory team and the English Graduate Committee to guide project completion. Committee approval is required before proceeding. The proposal should define research objectives, identify primary materials for analysis, and situate the work within existing scholarship.