The Degree of MA in Material Culture [Graduate]

Both thesis-based and course-based master’s programs are offered by the Department of Human Ecology.

The MA in Material Culture focuses on the ways in which people contribute to, and are affected by, the production, mediation, and consumption of clothing, objects, buildings, and environments.

Requirements for the thesis-based master’s degree include

★20 including HECOL 661 and HECOL 662 , ★6 in qualitative research methods, quantitative research methods and/or statistics, ★2 of professional seminars (HECOL 691 and HECOL 692 ), and a minimum of ★6 of additional coursework depending on undergraduate background and the nature of the research problem under investigation. All candidates for the thesis based master’s degree are required to conduct thesis research, and to make a minimum of two professional research presentations, at least one of which must be oral. For students in the thesis-based program, there is a residence requirement of two, four-month terms of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta.

Requirements for the course-based master’s degree include

★26 including HECOL 661 and HECOL 662 , ★2 of professional seminars (HECOL 691 and HECOL 692 ), and a minimum of ★12 of additional coursework depending on undergraduate background, work experience and the nature of the capping exercise. All students in the course-based master’s program are required to complete ★6 of a capping exercise that may be an applied project or a practicum. For students in the course-based program there is no residence requirement.

Length of Program

The time to complete the master’s degree will vary with the individual candidate; however, a minimum of two years is normally required for the thesis route and a minimum of one year of full-time study for the course-based degree.