At both the masters and doctoral levels, the Department of Communication offers students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and critical thinking skills while refining their ability to identify, analyze, and resolve complex issues. Our students deepen their understanding of the social, political, cultural, regulatory, technological, and economic aspects of contemporary society. Our programs offer challenging, dynamic and bilingual seminars for advanced research in the field of communication.
Communication - Graduate Studies
Program overview
Level
Option
LANGUAGE
Creative Minds
Master’s
We offer an MA program (with thesis or research paper) and an MC program (with or without co-op option).
Master of Arts (MA)
The MA is research-based: students must take a certain number of compulsory and optional courses (4 for the thesis option, 6 for the research paper). Students then submit a research proposal in collaboration with a professor from the Department of Communication. The proposal is evaluated by one or more members of the faculty, after which students undertake their thesis (collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data, writing up results, etc.). The MA program (which serves as a gateway to eventual doctoral studies) represents a unique opportunity to develop an area of expertise and specialization by doing original research. Students enrolled in this program develop skills related to data analysis and interpretation, methodology, the communication of results, etc.
NEW! MA in Communication with a concentration in Health Communication
The University of Ottawa’s department of communication has an internationally recognized expertise in the field of communication and health. Students in this program have the opportunity to develop knowledge and expertise by exploring issues such as patient /healthcare provider communication; crisis and risk communication (e.g. health crises, public health crises); healthcare services in the context of telemedicine and telehealth; the design and use of digital health technologies; health communication strategies(such as for vulnerable populations); public health communication campaigns; and much more.
Overview
- Courses and seminars with research project (18 months)
- Basic courses in communication and health
- Digital health seminar: digital strategies, self-management, telemedicine and patient/provider communication, etc.
- Risk and crisis communication seminar, such as Covid-19
- Internship (optional credits)
Master of Communication (MC)
Students in this program have the option of participating in a co-op program. In both the co-op and conventional options, students must take 10 courses. This program provides an opportunity for students to deepen their knowledge by participating in challenging and dynamic seminars. Students can also apply through the University of Ottawa’s co-op office for a limited number of co-op placements. This option makes it possible for selected students to gain work experience by completing two paid internships related to their field of study, for a period of one semester (four months) each. These internships will help them become more familiar with the labour market and develop a network with communication professionals.
These programs are offered in Canada’s two official languages, English and French.
The advantage of a Dual Master's Degree!
An international component into your Graduate program in communication
Are you interested in adding an international component into your Graduate program in communication, doing an internship abroad, improving your knowledge of both official languages, and obtaining two degrees from highly reputed universities?
Starting in September 2018, students enrolled in the University of Ottawa's Master of Arts in Communication can take part in a brand new option:
The Dual Degree: Master of Arts in Communication (University of Ottawa) and Master in Multilingual Communication (Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium)
The Department of Communication at the University of Ottawa recently signed an agreement with the Louvain's Communication Department to allow students to study in Belgium as part of their graduate program.
The Department of Communication
We form a community passionate about all forms of communication, and focused on the complex challenges of globalization, living together, technological innovations, etc. Our French and English-speaking programs of study echo the challenges that underlie the transformations of today's world.
Ph.D.
The program 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; planning for internal and external communication in private, public, and non-profit organizations; risk/crisis communication; public relations; uses of information communication technologies within organizations, and so on.
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.
This is a high-level, fully bilingual research program, although students need only a passive understanding of their second language, and they may submit work in the language of their choice, English or French.
It is designed to allow students to work with internationally renowned scholars and to be involved in exciting research in a department with a strong culture of research.
Guidelines to write the letter of intention
Guidelines for writing your letter
Master of Arts in Communication
- Font: Times New Roman 12
- Single line
- Margins: 2 cm min.
Length: 500 words max.
Describe with references to scholarly work your proposed research (for a research paper or thesis).
Include:
- Your motivations in pursuing graduate studies in communication
- The problem or question you’re interested in
- Your research objectives
- Context: Situate your research in the context of relevant literature, explain its relevance and originality and your anticipated contribution to the field of communication. Specify your theoretical approach and framework.
- Your methodological approach
- Ideally, include the name of at least one full-time professor in the Department of Communication (see the list of professors eligible to supervise in Uniweb) whom you’ve contacted and who has agreed to supervise your research.
If you haven’t received confirmation of supervision by a professor, suggest at least two full-time department professors with expertise in your area of interest. Professors with supervisory rights are indicated by an asterisk (*) on the department’s list of professors.
Include any other information that can help the selection committee evaluate your application. Write in a clear, concise and structured manner.
Suggestions for contacting a potential supervisor
Before submitting your application, we strongly recommend contacting a potential supervisor. For effective contact, do the following:
- Check supervisory eligibility
Ensure the professor has supervisory rights, as indicated with an asterisk (*) on the department website.
- Confirm that your research interests match
Choose a professor whose areas of expertise clearly align with your proposed research project. Review the professor’s recent publications and ongoing projects.
- Write a professional, concise message
Your initial email should be polite, well-written and to the point. It should include:
- A brief introduction (your academic background and program of interest)
- A short summary of your research interests or proposed project
- An explanation of why you believe the professor would be a suitable supervisor
- Attach supporting documents
Consider including your CV and a preliminary research proposal or outline. These help professors better assess your fit with their work and their capacity to supervise.
- Ensure clarity and structure
The content and form of your message should be clear, coherent and professional. Avoid overly long emails or vague descriptions.
- Be respectful of time
Professors receive many inquiries. Give them sufficient time to respond. If you haven’t heard back after two weeks, a polite follow up might be appropriate.
Contact us
Department of Communication
Graduate studies
Simard Hall, room 416
60 University Private
Tel.: 613-562-5800 ext. 5439
Fax: 613-562-5340
[email protected]