Diverse programs. Competitive funding. Real-world experience.
Waterloo Arts offers 34 distinct graduate programs that advance understanding and practice in diverse fields including digital media, cognitive neuroscience, global governance, philosophy, and public issues anthropology – among many others.
Harnessing the power of our foundational disciplines, our graduate programs combine interdisciplinary collaboration with work-integrated learning to create original approaches, foster dialogue on pressing global challenges, and empower the next generation of leaders.
Faculty of Arts graduate programs by department and school
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.
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.
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.
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.
English Language and Literature
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.
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.
French Studies
Êtes-vous amoureux de la langue française? The Department of French Studies offers degree programs at the Masters and PhD levels. Our degree programs, research-oriented Faculty and inclusive environment prepare students for various career paths within the fields of education, tourism, government and business.
Germanic and Slavic Studies
Klingt für Sie alles besser auf Deutsch? The Department of Germanic and Slavic Studies specializes in the study of language, applied linguistics, literature, and film and visual culture. At the graduate-level, the department is offering three stimulating and challenging degree programs that give students hands-on experience in teaching and research.
Global Governance
The Balsillie School of International Affairs (BSIA) is an institute for advanced research, education, and outreach in the fields of global governance and international public policy. In partnership with Waterloo's Faculty of Arts, BSIA offers three graduate degrees at the Masters and Doctoral levels.
History
History at the University of Waterloo offers recognized excellence in research and in teaching. Our graduate degree programs are part of the Tri-University partnership, one of the largest History graduate programs in Canada. We offer both Masters and Doctoral programs with numerous research opportunities.
Philosophy
Philosophers in our department value engagement with scholars in other fields such as the natural and social sciences, history, mathematics, and engineering. The Philosophy Department offers a one-year MA program, and two four-year PhD programs: a PhD in Philosophy and a PhD in Applied Philosophy.
Political Science
The Department of Political Science has established four central strengths — Canadian Politics, Global Politics, Politics & Business, and Public Policy & Administration. At the graduate level, the department offers a MA and a PhD in Political Science (with co-op options), and a Master of Public Service.
Psychology
Waterloo’s Department of Psychology is world-renowned for its research intensity and citations, and offers the use of impressive centers, labs, and research groups. The department teaching and research strengths are in Clinical Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Developmental Psychology, Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Social Psychology.
Religious Studies
The Department of Religious Studies at the University of Waterloo in partnership with the Religion and Culture Department at Wilfrid Laurier University, offers a joint PhD in Religious Studies with a unique concentration on religious diversity of North America.
Sociology and Legal Studies
Sociology and Legal Studies at the University of Waterloo is a stimulating and expanding department, and consists of sociologists and socio-legal scholars engaging in innovative teaching styles and research programs.
Peace and Conflict Studies
(Conrad Grebel University College)
Peace and Conflict Studies, embedded within Conrad Grebel University College, combines rigorous interdisciplinary scholarship with experiential learning opportunities to empower you with the knowledge and skills to contribute to nonviolent peacebuilding.
Theological Studies
(Conrad Grebel University College)
Theological Studies, embedded within Conrad Grebel University College, explores current scholarship and examines contemporary issues related to the Bible, Christian theology, church history, and the practice of ministry in an interdisciplinary setting.