Master of Art in Communication Studies (Co-p Option) in Waterloo Canada | Wilfrid Laurier University

The Master of Arts (MA) in Communication Studies program welcomes intellectually curious students to examine innovative perspectives on media, communication, and culture within a rigorous yet nurturing academic setting. By investigating the relationship between power dynamics and communication, our curriculum delivers comprehensive instruction in fundamental theories and research methods while addressing current scholarly discussions in the field.
Our program thrives through its interdisciplinary faculty, whose specialties span diverse areas including independent media, cultural production sectors, digital environments, international media systems, health messaging, media historiography, mobility studies, music culture, online platforms, visual rhetoric, and more.

Students benefit from intimate class settings, dedicated instructors, attentive advisors, generous funding packages, and outstanding career preparation resources, including an optional cooperative education track. Alumni represent our program's greatest achievements, progressing to doctoral programs and building impactful careers across government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and corporate enterprises.

The MA in Communication Studies features an optional Cooperative Education pathway. Participants in this track gain valuable paid work experience in non-profits, government institutions, community initiatives, and creative sector businesses. Co-op placements are designed to complement students' academic focus areas.

Admission to the co-op track is selective, with limited availability for full-time enrollees. Co-op students typically complete coursework during fall and winter terms (September-April), undertake their professional placement in spring/summer (May-August), and finalize their research project or thesis the following fall (September-December), fulfilling all degree requirements within about 16 months.