Future Graduate Students

 Applications for Admission to the new MA in Canadian-American Studies are due on the 1st of February 2013. Apply here: https://experience.brocku.ca/Graduate_Study/applynow.ezc

 Program Description

The Joint Interdisciplinary M.A. in Canadian-American Studies is an interdisciplinary, interfaculty, and international program jointly offered by Brock University and the State University of New York – University at Buffalo campus. While taking courses on both campuses, students will have the opportunity to consider the interplay between discipline-specific topics and broader issues salient to the Canadian, American, or North American landscape and, in particular, to explore their field of research from both American and Canadian perspectives. Courses and instruction in theory and research methods will equip students to approach their field from an interdisciplinary perspective. Students will earn a joint degree issued from both institutions.

 Admission requirements

Successful completion of an Honours Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, in a relevant discipline or interdisciplinary program, with an overall average of 75%. 

 The Graduate Program Committee will review all applications and recommend the admission of a limited number of suitable candidates.

 Please note: students will be required to have a valid passport (and/or visas permitting Canada /US cross-border travel) in order to be admitted into the program.

Degree Requirements

While the program offers both thesis and major research paper options, students are strongly encouraged to pursue the major research paper option, as the additional coursework required by this choice provides more opportunity for comparative analysis across disciplines and nations. All students must consult with the Graduate Program Director when planning their programs of study.

Major Research Paper Option

Students pursuing the major research paper option are required to take 6 half-courses (SUNY-UB equivalent of 18 credit hours) including three core seminars (CDAM 5P00, 5P01, 5P02) and complete a Major Research Paper (SUNY-UB equivalent of 6 credit hours). Normally, half of these courses will be taken on each campus.

Thesis Option

Students choosing the thesis option will take 4 half-courses (SUNY-UB equivalent of 12 credit hours) including two core seminars.  In addition to the courses, each student must complete and defend at a public oral examination a thesis of 75-100 pages (SUNY-UB equivalent of 12 credit hours).

Students in both options will also register in CDN 596 Supervised Teaching at SUNY-UB (SUNY-UB equivalent of 6 credit hours) for both the Fall and Winter semesters. Students, in consultation with the Director, may under special circumstances substitute two courses for this requirement.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in a foreign language is strongly recommended but not formally required.

Residence Regulations

The program requires full-time graduate students' regular presence on campus (with the exception of formally approved absences and leaves). To accommodate teaching assistantships and research projects, graduate students are strongly encouraged to remain in local residence for the first twelve months of their program. Please see the general graduate studies regulations at Brock University that specify residency requirements.