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To view the Fall 2024 Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/2024/fall.html.
Communication
The School of Communication approaches the study of communication using theoretical and methodological frameworks that are informed by the Social Sciences and Humanities. In both the MA and PhD programs graduate students design research projects that examine case studies, theoretical issues or practices using a communication framework, analyzing the political, economic and cultural implications for society at local and global levels.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the University admission requirements as stated in Graduate General Regulation 1.3 in the SFU Calendar. Admission requirements will normally include a master of arts degree in communication or an equivalent degree. Qualified applicants will be accepted only if the School of Communication's Graduate Program Committee (GPC) can identify faculty members from the School who have the capacity and required expertise to be supervisors for the applicants in question.
Program Requirements
This program consists of course work, comprehensive exams, a thesis proposal, and a thesis for a minimum of 49 units. The Graduate Program Committee may require additional courses depending on the applicant's background and thesis project. The courses are normally completed before completing the comprehensive exams.
Students must complete
A survey course which examines the problems, methods and theoretical assumptions in communication research using case studies of research design and methods. Students may design a research project and conduct a small pilot study in a selected area. Normally offered in the spring term and expected in the first year of graduate study.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| G100 |
Katherine Reilly |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 1:00–4:50 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
and two of
This course surveys current interdisciplinary perspectives in communication studies and theory. It is normally offered in the fall term, and expected in the first year of graduate study.
A survey of classic works, issues and debates in communication theory.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| G100 |
Alberto Toscano |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 9:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
and one graduate course in CMNS
and one graduate elective 5 unit course
and a comprehensive exam
and a thesis
Program Length
Students are expected to complete the program in 18 terms.
Other Information
Advising and Supervision
Students are advised to read section 1.6 of the Graduate General Regulations and the School's guidelines for supervisory committees. Upon admission, students are assigned an interim advisor. Once the student's supervisor has been confirmed, which is typically the interim, in consultation with the supervisor, a minimum of two other faculty members are invited to join the student's supervisory committee by the beginning of the third term. Although the Graduate Studies Committee aims to select interim advisors with expertise in the student's research area who have the time and capacity to supervise, the student or interim advisor might decide another faculty member is better suited to be the supervisor.
Language Requirement
Students will be required by the Graduate Program Committee to demonstrate adequate command of any language that is essential to the completion of their thesis.
Course Work
Students who have completed equivalent graduate courses should consult their supervisor to evaluate course substitutions or waivers.
No more than one course may be completed with the same instructor, except by permission of the Graduate Program Committee.
Academic Requirements within the Graduate General Regulations
All graduate students must satisfy the academic requirements that are specified in the Graduate General Regulations, as well as the specific requirements for the program in which they are enrolled.