Program Routes

There are several program routes available to master’s students. The thesis and some project programs emphasize research, while others are based mainly on formal courses.

Thesis

The thesis-based master’s program provides the introduction to scholarly activities and research, and is generally critical to students intending further study at the doctoral level. Students complete a coherent program that is designed to assure mastery of specified knowledge and provide intellectual growth beyond the bachelor’s degree.

The thesis is an intellectual document that presents the author’s research and findings and is submitted in partial fulfillment for a master’s degree. The thesis is normally the culmination of a candidate’s research. Students in thesis-based programs are required to successfully defend their thesis.

Students in thesis-based programs and project-based students who have federal funding must provide an annual report of their progress by completing the FGSR Annual Progress Report form. The form is also used to provide information required by the Tri-Council granting agencies.

Course-based

The course-based master’s program is intended to broaden the perspective and expand advanced knowledge in a particular discipline or professional field. Courses are complex and designed to extend the knowledge and intellectual maturity of students beyond the bachelor’s degree.

Project

Project options are categorized as informal evaluations, and informal defenses are not vetted through the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. Project options in many units are treated in a similar fashion as other credit hour courses and are monitored by individual faculties and departments.

Each work semester will be graded on a Pass/Fail basis.

Practica/Internship

Practica are designed to provide the student with a practical experience in the field as opposed to a theoretical or research based study. Students complete a summary report analyzing the practicum experience.

Co-operative Education

At the master's level there are two ways that a student can participate in a co-operative education experience. The first way is to register in one of the co-operative education programs offered at the University of Regina. Alternately, some units offer Graduate Co-operative Education courses, outside of a co-operative education program. Students who complete either a Co-operative Education Program, or complete an approved Graduate Co-op Work Term Course will have a Co-operative Education Designation added to their degree.

Any graduate student in good standing in an academic unit supporting either option is eligible to apply. The student's academic unit and FGSR must approve each a particular candidate in the co-op program or course. Approval may be needed for each placement as well.

Remuneration provided to the student during the course of the placements is expected to be consistent with pay provided to regular employees undertaking similar responsibilities. Students are not guaranteed placements.

You can find more details on the Co-op web-page.

Exhibition/Recital

An exhibition or recital route is more appropriate to the fine and applied arts. These routes vary in credit value and the student is encouraged to contact the graduate coordinator for clarification.

All routes are grounded in a discipline and should demonstrate mastery of the subject.