COURSE CURRICULUM

Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Communication Design requires students to complete a total of eight courses, beginning with foundational classes ENGL 700 Rhetorical Studies and ENGL 702 Rhetorical Research Methods. In addition, students must take three courses specifically designated as Rhetoric and Communication Design, and one course designated as Literature to ensure a well-rounded academic experience. The remaining two courses are electives, which may be chosen from within or outside the Department to tailor the program to individual interests and career goals. Students are allowed to include one extra-departmental graduate course in their degree, but such courses require approval from the Graduate Committee. For courses outside the University of Waterloo, an Ontario Visiting Graduate Student (OVGS) form must be completed, while internal courses need approval from the Departmental Graduate Studies Committee. A syllabus must be submitted electronically for all extra-departmental courses before the start of the term. If necessary, students may petition for an independent directed reading course, designed collaboratively by the instructor and student, but only one such reading course is permitted, and it must meet specific approval criteria, including avoiding overlap with existing courses or research projects. This structure ensures a flexible yet rigorous pathway for students pursuing advanced study in rhetoric and communication design.