Welcome to Arts Graduate Studies

 
Fields and disciplines

With the Faculty of Arts' unconventional composition of social sciences, humanities, languages, fine and performing arts, business, accounting and finance, the range and scope of our graduate programs is unique. To see for yourself, have a look at the full list of graduate programs, and from each program summary you can follow a link to the program/department website.

Types of graduate degrees

Consider the type of graduate degree you’ll pursue. Which degree will give the appropriate accreditation you'll need for achieving your career goals? Here are the types of graduate degrees awarded by Waterloo Arts:

MA
(e.g. Master of Arts in History)  >> academic, research-based degree; prepares you for a professional career in the knowledge economy, and in many sectors increases earning potential; also prepares you for doctoral studies; the majority of master’s programs offered in Arts are MA.

MAcc
(Master of Accounting) >> professional program for graduates of Waterloo's bachelor's accounting-related programs; prepares students for careers in accounting and finance, including completion of accreditation requirements.

MASc
(e.g. Master of Applied Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology)  >> combines theory and practice and focuses on preparation for careers in business, health and education sectors; may lead to doctoral studies, but is typically taken as a final degree.

MFA
(Master of Fine Arts)  >> focused mainly on studio practice and includes some theory and history; the MFA gives professional accreditation for teaching art at the post-secondary level; does not prepare for doctoral studies.

MPS and MDEI
(Master of Public Service & Master of Digital Experience Innovation)  >> interdisciplinary, professional degrees (similar to MBA) with specific sector focus; not intended as preparation for doctoral studies. 

MTax
(Master of Taxation)  >> professional graduate degree, typically (but not exclusively) taken as professional advancement by those with previous relevant work experience in finance, business and law.

PhD
(e.g. Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology)  >> highest research degree that typically leads to an academic/university career, but also prepares many for professional careers in public and private sector organizations.