MA/MS in English (Rhetoric and Communication Design)

English (Rhetoric and Communication Design) at the University of Waterloo leads to a Master of Arts (MA) in the Department of English Language and Literature. The program covers rhetorical theory alongside fields such as discourse analysis, semiotics, multimedia design and critique, composition pedagogy, and professional writing. Students choose one of three study formats: a thesis of 80 to 100 pages, a master's research paper of 40 to 50 pages, or a coursework-only option. Admission normally requires an honours bachelor's degree in English, or its equivalent, with an average of at least 78% in English courses and at least 75% overall; applicants with a non-English undergraduate degree may be required to complete up to ten additional undergraduate English courses. Applicants whose primary language of instruction was not English must meet Waterloo's English language proficiency requirement. The program runs full-time over 12 months, with admission each Fall term, delivered on campus. Graduates pursue doctoral study or careers in publishing, industry, government, education, non-governmental organizations, and entrepreneurship.