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
- MASc in Developmental and Communication Science
- MASc 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