Programs

Students working on laptop

Discover a world of opportunities to empower your future success.

In the Faculty of Arts, we seek to create original approaches, ask new questions, and foster dialogue about some of the most daunting challenges facing us today. From language development to economics policy to user experience design, there's something for everyone in the Faculty of Arts.

Graduate programs

Accounting and Finance

Transform your future with the School of Accounting and Finance's graduate programs, offering preparation for professional practice, industry roles, commerce, and academia, while benefiting from strong ties to financial leaders, unique career opportunities, and academic excellence.

Programs

  • Master of Accounting (MAcc)
  • Master of Taxation (MTax)
  • PhD in Accounting (PhD)

Career outcomes

  • Accountant
  • Tax Consultant
  • Financial Analyst

Anthropology

Public Issues Anthropology equips students and researchers to analyze and address societal concerns, governance matters, and diverse topics impacting our public lives using anthropological methods across various disciplines, from social media dynamics to human-animal interactions.

Programs

  • MA in Public Issues Anthropology

Career outcomes

  • Community Development Officer
  • Public Policy Analyst
  • Cultural Resource Manager

Classical Studies

Delve into the world of Classical Studies, exploring the profound influence of Greek and Roman cultures on the development of Western civilization, while gaining valuable linguistic, analytical, and communication skills for a diverse range of academic and non-academic career paths.

Programs

  • MA in Classical Studies

Career outcomes

  • Historical Consultant
  • Archivist
  • Cultural Tourism Officer

Economics

Our programs offer a comprehensive study of contemporary economic theories and empirical techniques, empowering students to tackle real-world challenges in public policy and business, while preparing them for advanced research-based careers in both private and public sectors.

Programs

  • MA in Economics (co-op available)
  • MA in Economics - Water (co-op available)
  • PhD in Applied Economics
  • PhD in Applied Economics - Water

Career outcomes

  • Economist
  • Data Analyst
  • Policy Advisor
  • Economic Consultant

English

Immerse yourself in the unique blend of literature, rhetoric, and creative digital media at our English department, offering comprehensive studies in British, American, Canadian, and Postcolonial Literature, while providing diverse avenues for exploring rhetoric, digital creativity, writing, and professional communication.

Programs

  • MA in Experimental Digital Media (co-op available)
  • MA in Literary Studies (co-op available)
  • MA in Rhetoric and Communication Design (co-op available)
  • PhD in English

Career outcomes

  • User Experience (UX) Designer
  • Media Consultant
  • Publisher
  • Communications Manager

Fine Arts

Our MFA program in studio art offers specialized training in drawing, painting, sculpture, and computer imaging, providing unique opportunities to work in professional artist studios worldwide, collaborate with global researchers and artists, and gain the accreditation to teach fine art in post-secondary institutions.

Programs

  • MFA in Studio Art

Career outcomes

  • Art Director
  • Studio Artist
  • Art Educator

French Studies

Dive into the rich tapestry of French Studies, exploring literature, cultural studies, linguistics, and digital archiving, while engaging in collaborative research initiatives, conferences, and honing your teaching expertise.

Programs

  • MA in French Studies
  • PhD in French Studies

Career outcomes

  • Translator/Interpretor
  • Language Instructor
  • Content Developer

Germanic and Slavic Studies

Immerse yourself in our dynamic programs, offering interdisciplinary studies in literature, film, and applied linguistics, fostering research collaborations, community engagement, and an enriching partnership with Universität Mannheim through our joint MA program.

Programs

  • MA in German
  • MA in Intercultural German Studies
  • PhD in German

Career outcomes

  • Translator/Interpreter
  • Intercultural Consultant
  • Language instructor

Global Governance

Join our Global Governance graduate programs at the Balsillie School for International Affairs, where interdisciplinary studies of power and authority address real-world challenges like conflict, humanitarian crises, economic inequality, and environmental change, with a focus on the policies and practices shaping the lives of billions worldwide.

Programs

  • MA in Global Governance
  • MA in Global Governance - Aeronautics
  • PhD in Global Governance

Career outcomes

  • Advocacy Officer
  • International Development Consultant
  • Aviation Policy Analyst

History

Join the Tri-University Graduate Program in History, where collaboration among renowned faculty from the University of Waterloo, University of Guelph, and Wilfrid Laurier University offers MA and PhD students a diverse array of courses, research opportunities, and the best of both intimate departmental environments and the resources of Canada's largest history graduate program.

Programs

  • MA in History
  • PhD in History

Career outcomes

  • Archivist
  • Museum Curator
  • Historical Consultant

Peace and Conflict Studies

The Master of Peace and Conflict Studies program at Conrad Grebel University College prepares graduate students to be agents of change, equipped with interdisciplinary knowledge, practical skills, and a focus on the role of civil society in advancing nonviolent peace building efforts.

Programs

  • Master of Peace and Conflict Studies (MPACS)

Career outcomes

  • Immigration Case Officer
  • Restorative Justice Director
  • Refugee Sponsorship Associate 

Philosophy

Experience the versatile graduate programs in Philosophy at the University of Waterloo, where interdisciplinary research strengths and specialized fields prepare our graduates for successful careers in healthcare, government, law, corporate sectors, and academia.

Programs

  • MA in Philosophy
  • PhD in Philosophy
  • PhD in Applied Philosophy

Career outcomes

  • Bioethicist
  • Policy Advisor
  • Ethics Officer

Political Science

Elevate your experience in our graduate programs in Political Science, combining rigorous academic training with valuable co-op opportunities that bridge theory and practice, preparing you for both scholarly pursuits and industry careers with specialized research areas in Canadian politics, conflict and conflict resolution, and political economy, all enhanced by our strong ties to the Center for International Governance Innovation (CIGI).

Programs

  • MA in Political Science (co-op available)
  • PhD in Political Science (co-op available)

Career outcomes

  • Political Consultant
  • International Relations Officer
  • Political Risk Analyst

Public Service

Join our professional MPS program, designed to equip students from diverse academic backgrounds with the essential knowledge, skills, and expertise in government structure, policy implementation, and leadership, enabling you to make an immediate impact in the public sector.

Programs

  • Master of Public Service (co-op available)

Career outcomes

  • Community Development Specialist
  • Government Analyst
  • Nonprofit Manager

Psychology

Explore our cutting-edge graduate programs, where you will have the opportunity to specialize in Clinical, Developmental, Industrial and Organization, Cognitive Neuroscience, Social, or Cognitive Psychology, gain access to advanced research groups and labs, and join a prestigious department known for producing award-winning scholars and being at the forefront of psychological research.

Programs

  • MA in Developmental and Communication Science
  • MA in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
  • MA in Psychology
  • MA in Psychology - Aeronautics
  • PhD in Psychology

Career outcomes

  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Speech Pathologist
  • Early Intervention Specialist
  • Aviation Human Factors Specialist

Religious Studies

Join our exceptional PhD program in Religious Diversity in North America, offered jointly by Waterloo's Department of Religious Studies and Wilfrid Laurier University's Department of Religion and Culture, preparing students for impactful careers in academia, research, community engagement, and government, with expertise spanning a wide range of religious traditions, communities, and contemporary issues.

Programs

  • PhD in Religious Studies

Career outcomes

  • Religious Studies Consultant
  • Interfaith Coordinator
  • Religious Educator

Sociology

Discover our distinguished graduate programs in Sociology, offering diverse research opportunities, rigorous training in theory and methods, and the development of professional skills for impactful careers in academia and beyond, with personalized and flexible instruction throughout your graduate studies.

Programs

  • MA in Sociology (co-op available)
  • MA in Social and Legal Studies (co-op available)
  • PhD in Sociology (co-op available)

Career outcomes

  • Policy Analyst
  • Social Science Researcher
  • Legal Researcher

Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business

Join our innovative Master of Digital Experience Innovation (MDEI) program, offering project-intensive experiential learning, flexible full-time or part-time options, and the development of essential UX design skills, project management, and technical skills for success in the dynamic digital media industry.

Programs

  • Master of Digital Experience Innovation (MDEI)

Career outcomes

  • User Experience (UX) Designer
  • Product Manager
  • Marketing Strategist