Alberta Campus Masters Programs | Graduate Schools
Many accredited universities and colleges offer masters programs in residential, or on-campus formats. Students choose to earn a master’s degree for many reasons including the education demands of certain fields[i], the potential for increase in earning[ii] and continued education. These factors may be why the number of master’s degrees conferred rose by 34% from the years 2003-4 to 2013-14.[iii]With the variety of master’s programs to choose from, there are different elements to consider when choosing a graduate school, as well as different types of master’s degree programs to acquaint yourself with.
Masters Programs: Essentials
Masters programs often require 1 to 2-years of study beyond the Bachelor’s degree, although some universities offer a blended Bachelor’s-Master’s which may affect the duration, and program lengths and course requirements vary by school. Considered ‘higher education’, earning a master’s degree may entail:
- Conducting research; learning research methodology
- Learning theory and practical applications of your subject
- Advanced problem-solving
- Critical analysis
- Writing a thesis paper
- Internship or supervised practicum
- Choosing a concentration area
DID YOU KNOW? Of the 754,500 master’s degrees conferred in 2013–14, nearly half were concentrated in two fields: business (25 %) and education (20 %). The three fields in which the next largest percentages of master’s degrees were conferred were health professions and related programs (13 %), public administration and social services (6 %), and engineering (6 %)[iv].
Why Earn Your Master’s Degree on Campus?
Choosing a university or college with a residential or campus masters program instead of opting for online may offer some great feautures:
- Access to student services (tutoring, library services, career counseling)
- Onsite facilities (laboratories,
- libraries, sports)
- Activities and Associations (join, participate)
- Quality of faculty may be experienced on campus than online
- Foster relationships, grow networks
- Face-to-face interactions with professors
- Human-centered fields may have in-person courses
- You may have more choices for courses
Choose a Master’s Degree Program: Subject Selection
Historically, the term “master” has meant “mastery”[v] and one can find masters programs in many academic subjects. One thing to consider is what your ideal career outcome (e.g. research or management?) is. You want to work towards a master’s degree that supports these goals, or is a platform to a doctorate degree. GradSchools.com has an extensive directory of sponsored listings. Look under the major headings for sub categories:
- Business Masters Programs (e.g. on campus MBA, Master of Taxation)
- Criminal Justice and Legal Masters Programs (e.g. on campus Master of Science in Criminal Justice)
- Education Masters Programs (e.g. on campus Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction, MA School Administration)
- Fine Arts and Design Masters Programs ( e.g. on campus MFA Film Production, Master of Music)
- Health and Medicine Masters Programs (e.g. on campus Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia, MSN, MA Biomedical Sciences)
- Liberal Arts and Humanities Masters Programs (e.g. on campus MS in Journalism, MA Liberal Arts)
- Math, Science and Engineering Masters Programs (eg. on campus Professional Science Master in Biotechnology, MS Systems Engineering, Master of Science in Mathematics)
- Public Affairs and Social Sciences (e.g. on campus Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling, MPA, Master of Social Work)
- Religious Studies Masters Programs (e.g. on campus Master of Religious Studies, Master of Divinity)
- Technology Masters Programs on campus (e.g. on campus Master of Science in Computer Science, Master of Science in Information Technology)
Types of Master’s Degree Options: MS-MA-MPS-MBA-MFA-MEd-MPA
Once you have a sense of your potential career path(s) and you are involved in your search, you may notice that different types of masters programs are offered. This will show up in the ‘type’ of master degree as each option tends to have a specific orientation which is going to be reflected in course content and curriculum as well as whether you have a thesis option or not. Once you know what you are looking for, you can filter your search for graduate schools even more. Broadly, a few of the main variations in masters programs are:
Master of Science Degree (MS)
A master of science is commonly awarded in the sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics fields; sometimes economics and social sciences are included. In some cases, the MS has a stronger research component and may involve more computer or statistics courses.
Master of Arts Degree (MA)
A master of arts is commonly awarded in the arts and social sciences such as education, languages, literature. Instruction is often via lectures and seminars.
Master of Professional Studies (PSM)
A professional master’s degree is usually an interdisciplinary type of master program with courses that could draw from technical, practical and industry-specific business courses.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
A master of business administration is designed to provide students with the broad training in core aspects of business and is often combined with a specialization to tailor the degree to a specific interest.
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
A master of public administration is a similar to the MBA but with a focus of public policy, the public sector, international administration and policy analysis. Related degrees are the Master of Public Policy (MPP), Master of Public Affairs (MPA), Master of Public Health (MPH).
Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
A master of fine arts is a professional master’s degree that is usually awarded in the visual, performing and studio arts such as creative writing, graphic design filmmaking and theatre.
Master of Education (MEd)
A master of education degree prepares students to pursue certification or provides already certified teachers with a graduate degree which may be necessary for specialized fields in education such as administration or special education.
Find a Graduate School with Masters Programs
Once you have found the type of masters programs you want to apply to – there may be more than one – you could look for a graduate school that might meet these academic preferences. You can find accredited universities and colleges by conducting a location search for campus programs by city, state or country. It is a good idea, if you are able, to visit your choice grad schools to get a sense of its community and see if it is a fit. Some campuses are in large urban areas and major cities, others in smaller towns.
Take the Next Step
We recommend that you contact the schools with the ‘request info’ setting. This starts a dialogue, and fills you in on some of the important details such as curriculum, enrollment requirements, and of course, deadlines. With masters programs available in many disciplines, concentration areas and locations, finding a master’s degree program that might take your forward personally and professionally is at your fingertips on GradSchools.com.
Sponsored Listings
- Athabasca University Athabasca, ABAthabasca, AB
Athabasca University
Master of Nursing (MN)
The Master of Nursing (MN) program contains two streams: Generalist and Advanced Nursing Practice. The Generalist stream prepares nurses to assume le...
- Athabasca, AB
- Athabasca, ABAthabasca, AB
Master of Health Studies (MHS)
The Master of Health Studies (MHS) is open to all health professionals with an undergraduate degree in a health field.
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- University of Calgary Calgary, AB
- Calgary, AB
- Calgary, AB
- Calgary, ABCalgary, AB
Law
The objectives of our Program go far beyond the education of our students to meet the identified standard of competence.
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Calgary, AB
- Calgary, AB
- Calgary, ABCalgary, AB
Structures
Concrete structures; Behaviour strength; Flat slabs and plates; Partial prestressing; Statisical aspects; Temperature effects and stresses; Structural...
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Calgary, ABCalgary, AB
Biomedical Technology
The Master of Biomedical Technology is a one-year course-based program (also offered as part-time program) in which students acquire essential knowled...
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Calgary, AB
- Calgary, AB
- Calgary, AB
- Calgary, ABCalgary, AB
Experimental Psychology
The Department of Psychology is a research-oriented Department with a balance between experimental and applied interests.
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Calgary, ABCalgary, AB
Neuroscience
The Department of Neuroscience at the University of Calgary offers graduate programs leading to MSc and PhD degrees. Students are placed with supervis...
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Calgary, ABCalgary, AB
Biomedical Engineering
The Biomedical Engineering Graduate Programme is a coordinated graduate programme in Biomedical Engineering for the Province of Alberta, offered jointly by the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta. This programme establishes a Western Can...
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Calgary, ABCalgary, AB
Higher Education Administration
This challenging program provide the knowlege and skills that will enable graudates to become community and educational leaders in a range of discipli...
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Calgary, AB
- Calgary, AB
- Calgary, ABCalgary, AB
English
Offers graduate work leading to the MA (course-based and thesis-based) and PhD degrees in the areas of British, American, Canadian and International l...
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Calgary, AB
- Calgary, AB
- Calgary, ABCalgary, AB
Political Science
The Department of Political Science offers graduate work leading the Master of Arts and the Doctor of Philosophy Degree.
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Calgary, ABCalgary, AB
Interdisciplinary Graduate Program
Previously known as the Resources and the Environment Program, the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program can trace its founding back to 1968.
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Calgary, AB
- Calgary, AB
- Calgary, AB
- Calgary, AB
- University of Lethbridge Lethbridge, ABLethbridge, AB
University of Lethbridge
Computer Science
The Master of Science program offers students in a wide range of disciplines the opportunity to earn a Master's degree by writing a thesis and successfully completing a limited number of courses.
- Lethbridge, AB
- Lethbridge, ABLethbridge, AB
Agricultural Biotechnology
The Master of Science program offers students in a wide range of disciplines the opportunity to earn a Master's degree by writing a thesis and successfully completing a limited number of courses...
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Lethbridge, ABLethbridge, AB
Urban and Regional Studies
The Master of Arts program offers students in a wide range of disciplines the opportunity to earn a Master's degree by writing a thesis and successfully completing a limited number of courses.
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Lethbridge, ABLethbridge, AB
Kineseology
The Master of Arts and the Master of Science programs offer students in a wide range of disciplines the opportunity to earn a Master's degree by writing a Thesis and successfully completing a limited number of courses.
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Lethbridge, ABLethbridge, AB
Music
The Master of Music (M.Mus.) degree program offers students the opportunity to pursue graduate study in the Department of Music.
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Lethbridge, ABLethbridge, AB
Master of Science in Management
The MSc(Mgt) program attracts students with an interest in research and is designed for students with Bachelor degrees in Mgt.
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Lethbridge, ABLethbridge, AB
Anthropology
The Master of Arts program offers students in a wide range of disciplines the opportunity to earn a Master's degree by writing a thesis and successfully completing a limited number of courses.
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Lethbridge, ABLethbridge, AB
History
Students will engage in a discipline that examines evidence to reconstruct and understand the past in order to provide an explanation of the present .
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Lethbridge, ABLethbridge, AB
Addictions Counselling
The Master of Science program offers students in a wide range of disciplines the opportunity to earn a Master's degree by writing a thesis and successfully completing a limited number of courses...
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Lethbridge, ABLethbridge, AB
Neuroscience
The Master of Science program offers students in a wide range of disciplines the opportunity to earn a Master's degree by writing a thesis and success...
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Lethbridge, ABLethbridge, AB
Geography
The Master of Science program offers students in a wide range of disciplines the opportunity to earn a master’s degree by writing a thesis and successfully completing a limited number of courses.
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Lethbridge, ABLethbridge, AB
Environmental Science
The Master of Science program offers students in a wide range of disciplines the opportunity to earn a master’s degree by writing a thesis and successfully completing a limited number of courses.
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Lethbridge, ABLethbridge, AB
Theoretical and Computational Science
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)...
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Lethbridge, ABLethbridge, AB
Art
The Master of Arts program offers students in a wide range of disciplines the opportunity to earn a Master's degree by writing a thesis and successfully completing a limited number of courses.
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Lethbridge, ABLethbridge, AB
English
The Master of Arts program offers students in a wide range of disciplines the opportunity to earn a Master's degree by writing a thesis and completing limited number of courses.
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Lethbridge, ABLethbridge, AB
Philosophy
The Master of Arts program offers students in a wide range of disciplines the opportunity to earn a Master's degree by writing a thesis and successful...
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Lethbridge, ABLethbridge, AB
Biochemistry
The Master of Science program offers students in a wide range of disciplines the opportunity to earn a Master's degree by writing a thesis and successfully completing a limited number of courses.
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Lethbridge, ABLethbridge, AB
Individualized Multidisciplinary
The Master of Arts program majoring in Individualized Multidisciplinary allows students to do research and works to facilitate critical dialogues across academic disciplinary areas. ...
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Lethbridge, ABLethbridge, AB
Computer Science and Geographical Information Science
The Master of Science program offers students in a wide range of disciplines the opportunity to earn a Master's degree by writing a thesis and successfully completing a limited number of courses.
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Lethbridge, ABLethbridge, AB
Canadian Studies
The Master of Arts program offers students in a wide range of disciplines the opportunity to earn a Master's degree by writing a thesis and successfully completing a limited number of courses.
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Lethbridge, ABLethbridge, AB
Religious Studies
The Master of Arts program offers students in a wide range of disciplines the opportunity to earn a Master's degree by writing a thesis and successfully completing a limited number of courses.
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Lethbridge, ABLethbridge, AB
Nursing
The Master of Nursing program has been designed to meet the needs of degree-holders who are regulated members in good standing in a Canadian jurisdiction on the Registered Nurse, Psychiatric Nurse, Graduate Nursing Practitioner, or Nurse Practitioner Regi...
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Lethbridge, ABLethbridge, AB
Health Sciences
The Master of Science program offers students in a wide range of disciplines the opportunity to earn a Master's degree by writing a thesis and successfully completing a limited number of courses. ...
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Lethbridge, ABLethbridge, AB
Accounting
Examines the factors influencing the design, provision, quality, use, and impact of financial and non-financial information on a variety of stakeholders, including investors, managers, auditors, creditors, and organizations.
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Lethbridge, ABLethbridge, AB
Cultural, Social and Political Thought, M.A.
The Cultural, Social, and Political Thought major in the Master of Arts (M.A.) program is interdisciplinary in nature and is based on a cohort learning model.
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Calgary, AB
- Calgary, ABCalgary, AB
Policy and Strategy
Master of Science (Management) Policy and Strategy major...
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Calgary, ABCalgary, AB
Accounting
Examines the factors influencing the design, provision, quality, use, and impact of financial and non-financial information on a variety of stakeholders, including investors, managers, auditors, creditors, and organizations.
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Calgary, ABCalgary, AB
International Management
The program is designed to develop the conceptual and analytical skills needed to formulate effective international management strategies and policies to benefit all of an organization’s constituents in today’s globally competitive environment.
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Calgary, ABCalgary, AB
Marketing
Marketing involves creating, communicating, delivering, and exchanging offerings that have value for customers, clients, partners, and society at large.
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Calgary, ABCalgary, AB
Master of Science in Management
The MSc(Mgt) program attracts students with an interest in research and is designed for students with Bachelor degrees in Mgt.
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Cross Cancer Institute Edmonton, ABEdmonton, AB
Cross Cancer Institute
University of Alberta Medical Physics Graduate Teaching Program
For the MSc Program, in addition to an MSc thesis, students must take the following courses: Medical Radiation Physics; Health Physics; Medical Electronics/Computers in Medicine; Theory of Medical Imaging; Radiation Biophysics; Fundamentals of Applied D...
- Concordia Lutheran Seminary (AB) Edmonton, ABEdmonton, AB
Concordia Lutheran Seminary (AB)
Master of Divinity
The Master of Divinity program is a four-year full-time course of study designed for candidates who seek to serve in the pastoral ministry of Lutheran...
- City University of Seattle Edmonton, ABEdmonton, AB
City University of Seattle
Master of Counselling (BC, Canada)
If you wish to qualify as a counsellor or therapist and seek registration with the B.C.A.C.C. our Master of Counselling program is designed for you.
- Edmonton, AB
- Edmonton, ABEdmonton, AB
Master of Education- Leadership (BC, Canada)
Our British Columbia M.Ed. in Leadership program is designed for Canadian educators who wish to personally and professionally advance their career opp...
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Calgary, AB
- Calgary, ABCalgary, AB
Master of Education- Leadership (BC, Canada)
Our British Columbia M.Ed. in Leadership program is designed for Canadian educators who wish to personally and professionally advance their career opp...
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Calgary, ABCalgary, AB
Master of Counselling (BC, Canada)
If you wish to qualify as a counsellor or therapist and seek registration with the B.C.A.C.C. our Master of Counselling program is designed for you.
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Canadian Theological Seminary Calgary, ABCalgary, AB
Canadian Theological Seminary
The Master of Divinity Program
The Master of Divinity degree (MDiv) seeks to prepare students for professional church ministries including those of pastor, associate pastor, youth p...
- University of Alberta Edmonton, ABEdmonton, AB
University of Alberta
MLIS ProgramML
A graduate program preparing students for carreers in all kind of libraries and information centres and in the information industry.
- Edmonton, AB
- Edmonton, AB
- Edmonton, ABEdmonton, AB
Elementary Education
The Department of Elementary Education offers graduate programs leading to the degrees of MEd, EdD,and PhD, in the following areas: Art; Computer Applications; Curriculum Studies; Early Childhood Education; Instructional Studies; Language Arts; Mathemat...
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Edmonton, AB
- Edmonton, ABEdmonton, AB
Rehabilitation Science
Rehabilitation Science is the systematic study of communication, musculoskeletal, neruological and psychosocial disorders in humans of all ages. The PhD - Rehab Science program trains students for teaching and research careers.
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Edmonton, ABEdmonton, AB
Music
The Department of Music offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Arts in Music, PhD in Music, Master of Music, and Doctor of Music.
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Edmonton, ABEdmonton, AB
Classics
The MA may be earned in Classics (Greek, Latin, and classical studies) where some concentration ispossible in classical literature or ancient history, or in Classical Archaeology, which offers an opportunityto pursue archaeological fieldwork. The PhD, w...
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Edmonton, ABEdmonton, AB
School of Public Health
The Department of Public Health Sciences has for a number of years worked towards focusing itsprograms into a single degree. The first of these is the Master of Public Health with specialization inHealth Policy Research and a Master of Public Health wit...
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Edmonton, AB
- Edmonton, AB
- Edmonton, ABEdmonton, AB
Biochemistry
The Department of Biochemistry offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor ofPhilosophy. Both require the completion of a r...
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Edmonton, ABEdmonton, AB
Chemistry
The Department of Chemistry has research laboratories and instructional facilities for at least 150 graduate students proceeding to the MSc and PhD degrees in chemistry.
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Edmonton, ABEdmonton, AB
Masters of Library and Information Studies
Two-year master's degree in library and information studies, accredited by the American Library Association.
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Edmonton, ABEdmonton, AB
Physical Therapy
A two-year program designed to prepare physical therapists to conduct research. A student is required to have a 4 year undergraduate degree or equival...
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Edmonton, AB
- Edmonton, AB
- Edmonton, ABEdmonton, AB
Physical Education
The Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation offers programs leading to the degrees of Master ofArts, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy. In addition the Faculty of Business, in conjunctionwith the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreati...
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Edmonton, ABEdmonton, AB
Oral Health Sciences
A limited number of graduate students for programs leading to the degrees of MSc and PhD in Medical Sciences (Oral Health Sciences) for post-DDS applicants or for those proceeding from a BSc or equivalent degree are accepted. Research may be carried out...
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Edmonton, ABEdmonton, AB
Political Science
The following fields of specialization are offered in the doctoral program: Canadian politics, politicalphilosophy, international relations, and compa...
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Edmonton, AB
- Edmonton, ABEdmonton, AB
Modern Languages and Cultural Studies
The Department of Modern Languages and Cultural Studies incorporates the former Departments of Germanic Languages; Romance Languages; and Slavic and East European Studies (Russian, Ukrainian). The Department offers programs leading to the degrees of Mas...
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Edmonton, ABEdmonton, AB
Wildlife Ecology and Management
Graduate studies in the Department of Renewable Resources encompass the broad spectrum of scientific and management applications regarding natural and managed landscapes. Areas of interest include: agroecosystem modelling, conservation biology, environm...
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Edmonton, ABEdmonton, AB
Educational Studies in Language and Culture
Facult#eacute; Saint-Jean offers a Master of Education degree specializing in educational studies in Language and Culture.
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Edmonton, AB
- Edmonton, ABEdmonton, AB
Speech-Language Pathology
The MSLP-B program is designed to provide students with the academic and clinical education required for S-LP certification by provinacial and nationa...
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Newman Theological College Edmonton, ABEdmonton, AB
Newman Theological College
Divinity
The Master of Divinity program is designed for the theological and professional preparation of students for both ordained and non-ordained ministry.
- Edmonton, AB
- Edmonton, ABEdmonton, AB
Religious Education Program
This program provides opportunities for religious educators to deepen their Christian faith and to explore ways for nurturing it in others.
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- Prairie Graduate School
- St. Stephen's Theological College Edmonton, ABEdmonton, AB
St. Stephen's Theological College
Graduate Theological Degrees
The College provides professional and personal growth for persons seeking to live with a faith perspective within a changing church and society. Students pursue professional and personal growth in spirituality, faith and practice through a variety of me...