Program Overview

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Introduction to the Arts Degree (BA) + Master's Degree Program

The Arts Degree (BA) + Master's Degree program at Wilfrid Laurier University offers students the opportunity to earn two degrees in five years. This program is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career in the arts, humanities, or social sciences.

Program Details

Degree Highlights

• Two Degrees in Five Years: Apply once and receive two offers of admission: an offer to the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Anthropology, Communication Studies, Cultural Studies, English, Film Studies, Global Studies, History, Languages, Political Science, Religion and Culture, or Women and Gender Studies; and a conditional offer to the Master of Arts (MA), Master of Applied Politics (MAP) or Master of International Public Policy (MIPP) associated with your BA.
• Join a Tight-knit Teaching and Learning Community: Participate in group seminars designed to deepen your knowledge and enhance your research skills, and gain the benefits of mentorship from upper-year students and your professors.

Top Experiences

• Gain Teaching Experience: Apply for instructional assistant positions in the Faculty of Arts to gain teaching experience and deepen your expertise.
• Excel in Grad Studies: Develop leadership and professional skills in training and development workshops offered across campus, including Laurier's nationally acclaimed ASPIRE program.
• Ensure a Supportive Start: Ease your transition into university with first-year courses, AF105S (Skills) and AF105W (Writing), which help you build the foundations for academic success and develop key skills in time management, critical thinking, research, and writing.

Options

What is an Arts Degree (BA) and Master's Degree Program?

If you're successful in your application to the Arts Degree (BA) and Master's Degree program, you'll receive two conditional offers of admission:

• One to undergraduate studies (BA) in Anthropology, Communication Studies, English, Film Studies, Global Studies, History, Languages, Political Science, Religion and Culture, or Women and Gender Studies.
• One to a Master's degree in the same field as your undergraduate program.

Master's Degree Options

• Master of Arts (MA): Complete advanced studies in the same or a similar field as your undergraduate program.
• Master of Applied Politics (MAP): Pursue a Master of Applied Politics (MAP), a hands-on graduate program grounded in the discipline of political science, where you'll learn real-world skills and gain practical experience in placements with community organizations, local elected officials, and government agencies.
• Master of International Public Policy (MIPP): Pursue a Master of International Public Policy (MIPP) at the Balsillie School of International Affairs to engage with leading global governance practitioners on your path to a rewarding career.

Management Option

The Management Option is for students interested in adding management-specific education to their degree. This is a direct-entry, 4.0-credit option that includes courses covering all the core pillars of management.

Program Options

Learn more about the undergraduate and graduate programs for each of our Arts Degree (BA) + Master's Degree majors:

• Anthropology (BA) + Cultural Analysis and Social Theory (MA)
• Communication Studies (BA) + Communication Studies (MA)
• Cultural Studies (BA) + Cultural Analysis and Social Theory (MA)
• English or Film Studies (BA) + English and Film Studies (MA)
• Global Studies (BA) + Global Studies, Religion and Culture (MA) or Master of International Public Policy (MIPP)
• History (BA) + History (MA)
• Languages (BA) + Cultural Analysis and Social Theory (MA)
• Political Science (BA) + Applied Politics (MAP)
• Religion and Culture (BA) + Global Studies, Religion and Culture (MA)
• Women and Gender Studies (BA) + Cultural Analysis and Social Theory (MA)

Admissions

Format, Duration, and Start

• Format: Full-time
• Duration: Five years
• Start: September (fall term) or January (winter term)

How to Apply

1. Open the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website and find "Wilfrid Laurier University".
2. This program is offered on the Waterloo campus. Scroll to the program list titled "Laurier Waterloo".
3. Select Arts Degree (BA) and Master's Degree (MA, MAP or MIPP) from Laurier's program listing.
4. Select your subject of major interest.
5. Select your desired option from the available program enhancements.

Admission Requirements

Ontario High School Admission Requirements

• Average admission range: High 70s
• 4U English at 60%

Canadian Admission Requirements (Outside of Ontario)

Students applying from a Canadian province outside of Ontario should review the course equivalents by province chart.

International Admission Requirements

• Average admission range: High 70s
• Senior or grade 12 English at 60%

English-Proficiency Requirement

Laurier's language of instruction is English. Students may be required to provide evidence of English proficiency.

Academic Transition Pathway (ATP) Program

The ATP program is offered through Wilfrid Laurier International College and provides an option for meeting the English-proficiency requirement.

Transfer Admission Requirements

Students applying from another post-secondary institution should review the transfer-specific requirements.

Career Opportunities

Sample Career Options

• Advocacy research coordinator
• Communication and change management lead
• Cultural navigator consultant
• Digital marketing content writer
• Global learning programs coordinator
• Museum interpreter
• Policy analyst
• Portfolio coordinator
• Project manager
• Research and data analyst

Tuition and Scholarships

Wilfrid Laurier University offers various funding opportunities, including scholarships and bursaries, to support students throughout their degree.