The Degree of MA in Communications and Technology (MACT) [Graduate]

Entrance Requirements

The normal admission requirements are as follows: a four-year degree from a recognized university; a GPA of at least 3.0 (or equivalent); at least three years of relevant professional experience; three letters of reference; and a letter of interest. The letter of interest should state the applicant’s academic or professional area of specialization, specify how completion of the program would support the applicant’s professional practice, and identify a provisional topic for the final applied research project. Where applicable a satisfactory score on an approved English language examination as described below is required. TOEFL - minimum score of 600 (paper-based) or a total score of 100 with a score of at least 20 on each of the individual skill areas (Internet-based); MELAB – minimum score of 85; IELTS (Academic) – minimum overall band score of 7.0 with at least 5 on each band; CAEL – overall minimum score of 60 with at least 60 on each subtest; PTE (Academic) – overall minimum score of 68. Up to 25 students, including up to four thesis-based students, are admitted each year to begin their studies in May. The MACT program may be completed through either a coursebased or thesis-based route.

Program Requirements

Applicants from outside of the Alberta capital region, including international applicants, may register in the MACT program without changing their place of residence, except for the required residency of the Spring Institute and for thesis-based students, a combined online and face-to-face residency in Year 1. The course-based route requires the completion of seven core courses, three electives, and a final applied research project. The thesis-based route requires the completion of five core courses, up to two electives, and the thesis. For both routes, four of the core courses are completed during two Spring Institutes, held each May at the University of Alberta, with other core courses offered online. Students may complete approved elective courses offered by the University of Alberta or another recognized university.

Length of Program

Core courses are scheduled to permit completion of the degree through either the course-based or thesis-based route within two academic years.