How to Apply to the MA (Communication) Program

Step 1: Admission Requirements

SFU requirements:

School of Communication requirements:

a bachelor’s degree in communication or an equivalent degree in a social sciences or humanities program.
a clear description of the applicant’s proposed research project accompanied by documentation (transcripts, reference letters, writing samples, etc.) that demonstrates the applicant’s capacity to complete their proposed project.
a strong fit between the applicant’s proposal and the research and teaching interest of the School’s faculty (admission is contingent on the availability of a suitable Supervisor for each applicant).
applicants whose qualifications do not meet SFU’s minimum University requirements may be admitted when they possess significant experience relevant to their proposed area of study.

The application deadline is February 15, 2025

Step 2: Apply Online

Complete SFU's online graduate application, select either the MA Thesis option or the MA project option, and upload the following documents to the online application portal:

1. A statement of interest (1500–2000 words). The statement of interest should include

a summary of the applicant’s academic and personal background as it pertains to their application to pursue graduate studies
FOR THESIS APPLICANTS: a description of the applicant’s research topic and objectives including research questions, potential research methods, scholarly and/or practical significance, and bibliographic references
FOR PROJECT APPLICANTS: a description of the applicant’s proposed project including the form the project will take, its intended outcome(s), its scholarly and/or practical significance, and bibliographic references
an indication of the fit between the applicant’s background and objectives and the School of Communication.
the names of one or more faculty members whose research and teaching interests align with the applicant’s research project.

2. A concise abstract (up to 250 words). Describing your research project, including 5 key words.

Note: the abstract should be entered within the online application form in the space that asks for a research description AND uploaded with the statement of interest.

3. Copies of all post-secondary transcripts.

All applicants must upload electronic copies of their transcripts into the online application system. However, we only require official hard copies of your transcripts from applicants to whom we offer admission.

4. Two samples of scholarly writing, research reports, or other material.

FOR THESIS APPLICANTS: Please submit two samples of written work that reflect your writing, research, and/or analytic ability as it relates to your application. Samples of academic writing are ideal, but applicants with significant professional experience may submit other examples of writing, especially if academic papers are not available.
FOR PROJECT APPLICANTS: Please submit at least one sample of written work that reflects your writing and other abilities as they relate to your proposed project. Applicants may also submit samples of professional or artistic work that relates to their proposed project.

5. Resume or academic CV, including links to relevant work where applicable.

6. References from three persons.

FOR THESIS APPLICANTS: at least two referees should be familiar with the applicant’s academic work
FOR PROJECT APPLICANTS: a combination of academic, professional, and personal referees may be acceptable.
In all cases, referees should ideally be in a position to comment on the applicant’s academic potential and their capacity to carry out the applicant’s proposed thesis or project.

7. TOEFL or IELTS results, if required. For applicants whose primary language is not English, SFU requires a satisfactory score on a standardized English test acceptable to the University. Please see SFU’s Graduate English Language Requirements for more details.

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

The full application fee is due in 7 days after your application is submitted and your application will not be considered until the full payment has been received:

CDN $110 for students with Canadian transcripts
CDN $150 for students with international transcripts

Please see here for details on how to pay SFU’s application fee.

Step 4: Submit Your Application and Monitor Results

After you submit your application, you will be able to monitor your application’s progress and outcome through the online application system.

The School of Communication expects to inform applicants about admissions outcomes within two months of the application deadline.

Jason Congdon

Graduate Programs Coordinator
(MA and PhD)

E: gradcmns@sfu.ca
Room: K9669

School of Communication