Both thesis-based and course-based master鈥檚 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.
Thesis-based MA:
Students are required to complete a minimum of ?20 in coursework and a thesis.
Coursework (?20):
HECOL 661
HECOL 662
HECOL 691
HECOL 692
?6 in qualitative research methods, quantitative research methods and/or statistics
A minimum of ?6 in additional coursework depending on undergraduate background and the nature of the research problem under investigation.
Thesis:
Registration in 900-level THES. All candidates are required to conduct thesis research, and to make a minimum of two professional research presentations, at least one of which must be oral.
Course-based MA:
Students are required to complete a minimum of ?26 in coursework including a ?6 capping exercise.
Coursework (?20):
HECOL 661
HECOL 662
HECOL 691
HECOL 692
A minimum of ?12 in additional coursework depending on undergraduate background, work experience and the nature of the capping exercise.
For students who choose a practicum capping exercise, HECOL 508 is recommended
Capping Exercise (?6):
The capping exercise may be an applied project or a practicum.
HECOL 900 - Directed Research Project
OR
HECOL 613 - Graduate Practicum in Human Ecology
Ethics Requirement:
Students meet four hours of the FGSR Academic Integrity and Ethics Training Requirement through completion of two research ethics seminars as part of HECOL 692. Students must also complete the online Graduate Ethics Training Program.
Professional Development Requirement:
Students may use some of the HECOL Professional Seminars to count towards their FGSR Professional Development Requirement. See the Department Graduate Program Manual for further information. The Professional Development Requirement may also be fulfilled through registration in HECOL 508.
Academic Standing Requirement:
Students are required to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 with no grade less than B-throughout the course of their program.
Failure to maintain the required academic standing will normally result in a recommendation by the Associate Chair 鈥� Graduate Program to FGSR that the student be placed on academic probation or required to withdraw.
Residence Requirement:
For students in the thesis-based program, there is a residence requirement of two, four-month terms of fulltime attendance at the University of Alberta. 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.
The maximum time to complete the thesis-based MA program as set by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research is four years.
The maximum time to complete the course-based MA program as set by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research is six years.
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please
September 2025
University of Alberta
North Campus,
116 Street and 85 Avenue,
EDMONTON,
Alberta (AB),
T6G 2R3, Canada
Minimum admission requirements are a four-year bachelor's degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last ?60 of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.
English Language Requirement:
The application deadline is February 1 for Fall term (September) admissions.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
One of Canada鈥檚 top teaching and research universities, the University of Alberta has an international reputation for academic excellence.
Help me Apply
