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The University of Winnipeg

Graduate Programs

The University of Winnipeg’s graduate programs develop students' in-depth subject matter expertise and engage them in cutting-edge research. Guided by world-class faculty in small, collaborative cohorts, students benefit from exceptional mentorship and networking. Our programs are interdisciplinary and prepare graduates for high-impact careers across a wide range of industries.

Below is a complete list of graduate programs available at the University of Winnipeg. Under each program you will find a link to its program listing ("factsheet") — which contains information about admissions, program length, and program requirements — the program's website (if applicable), and contact information.

For more information about a program you may complete the Graduate Programs Inquiry Form.

Applied Computer Science and Society (MSc)

Two Years Full-Time
✔Thesis-Based ✔Course-Based

The Master of Science in Applied Computer Science and Society focuses on issues of technology and the ethical, human, and social aspects of computing. The program offers courses in four clusters representing the frontiers of the discipline: Information Representation, Search and Management, Intelligent Systems, and Systems Development and Social Issues.

Students have the opportunity to work with outstanding faculty who have a wide range of research interests including: Algorithms and Complexity, Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, Complex Adaptive Systems, Digital Agriculture, Digital Forensics, Health Informatics, Image Processing, Internet of Things, Wireless Sensor Networks, Web and Document Databases.

Check out a recent info session about the MSc in Applied Computer Science and Society with Dr. Chris Henry, 2022 Graduate Program Chair:

Applied Economics (MA)

One Year Full-Time
✔Course-Based

The Master of Arts in Applied Economics program trains students to use the tools of economics to address pressing socio-economic concerns in a variety of fields including health care, the environment, poverty, and labour issues. Students become proficient in economic analysis and learn to apply their knowledge to contemporary issues worldwide.

Students complete a total of 24 credit hours, including 12 from core courses. The additional credit hours may be completed from electives in economics and related fields, or from a combination of economics courses and a faculty-supervised research project. Students may choose to complete a concentration in either Policy Analysis or Environmental, Resource and Development Economics.

Check out the MAE Spotlight video:

Bioscience, Technology, and Public Policy (MSc)

Two Years Full-Time
✔Thesis-Based

The Master of Science in Bioscience, Technology and Public Policy is designed to provide advanced, applied training in life sciences for success in academia and industry. Students develop theoretical background and technical skill in the field of biology, and learn to understand and communicate the implications of bioscience research for policy development.

Students spend the bulk of their time working with a faculty supervisor on a Master of Science thesis project. In addition to the thesis, students complete 12 credit hours of courses which provide training in policy application and development, communication to scientists and non-scientists, and develop technical skills in bioscience.

Check out a recent info session about the MSc in Bioscience, Technology, and Public Policy featuring Dr. Craig Willis:

Bioscience and Policy (PhD)

Four Years Full-Time
✔Thesis-Based 

The PhD in Bioscience and Policy is a research-intensive degree that provides advanced training in the life sciences.

Students acquire theoretical background and technical skills, an understanding of the implications of bioscience research for policy development, and the ability to communicate their research to a range of audiences. Students are trained in science and ethics, science and public policy, and science in the context of national and international issues.

Students work with a faculty supervisor on a thesis project designed to make a novel scientific contribution in a range of fields such as genetics and genomics, bioinformatics, cell biology, physiology, behavioural ecology, and natural resource management.

Minimum program length is 3 years. Expected time to completion is 4 years, with a maximum of 7 years.

Criminal Justice (MA)

Two Years Full-Time
✔Thesis-Based ✔Course-Based

The Master of Arts (MA) in Criminal Justice provides training in theory, methods, and research. Topics include, but are not limited to, policing, corrections, social services, and policy development. Students gain an in-depth understanding of the criminal justice system, and advanced skills in research methodology, study design and application, and policy development.

In addition to coursework, students choose between completing an MA thesis, or writing a knowledge synthesis project.

The degree may be completed on a full- or part-time basis. Because of its flexibility and options for practical and applied studies, the program is a strong option for traditional students pursuing advanced studies as well as in-service professionals.

Check out the 2024 MA in Criminal Justice Info Session with 2024-2025 Graduate Program Chair, Dr. Michelle Bertrand:

Cultural Studies: Curatorial Practices (MA)

One Year Full-Time
✔Course-Based ✔Practicum

The only graduate program in Cultural Studies in Western Canada, the University of Winnipeg's multidisciplinary Master of Arts in Cultural Studies offers specializations in Curatorial Practices and Texts and Cultures.

The Master of Arts (MA) in Cultural Studies: Curatorial Practices offers a mixture of theoretical and practical courses that introduce students to critical issues in the study of visual cultures. Historical and contemporary curatorial principles are studied in a seminar format. Students also engage in a hands-on practicum course with individual placements in partnered art institutions.

Check out our Fireside Chat with Dr. Peter Ives, faculty member and 2025-2026 Graduate Program Chair of the MA in Cultural Studies:

Cultural Studies: Texts and Cultures (MA)

One Year Full-Time
✔Course-Based

The only graduate program in Cultural Studies in Western Canada, the University of Winnipeg's multidisciplinary Master of Arts in Cultural Studies offers specializations in Curatorial Practices and Texts and Cultures.

The Master of Arts (MA) in Cultural Studies: Texts and Cultures specialization offers a variety of courses that provide students an excellent grounding to critical issues in the study of literary and textual cultures. Topics, studied in a seminar format, include questions central to the field: What constitutes a text? How do some texts come to be valued over others? How do questions of value relate to the distribution of power and authority?

Check out our Fireside Chat with Dr. Peter Ives, faculty member and 2025-2026 Graduate Program Chair of the MA in Cultural Studies:

Development Practice: Indigenous Development (MDP)

Two Years Full-Time
✔Course-Based ✔Practicum

The Master’s in Development Practice (MDP): Indigenous Development teaches the skills required to be a successful practitioner of sustainable development in Canada and abroad. Indigenous knowledge and experience are at the core of an innovative curriculum that cuts across health, management, and natural and social sciences.

With two three-month field placements, students have the opportunity to put their learning into practice, gain important development experience, and establish important connections with organizations engaged in Indigenous development across the globe.

Students complete several required courses and two field placements; they choose additional coursework from a list of approved electives or opt to complete a major research project.

Check out the MDP Spotlight video:

Environmental and Social Change (MA, MEnv, MSc)

Two Years Full-Time
✔Thesis-Based

The Master in Environmental and Social Change (MESC) program is an interdisciplinary research-intensive program focused on human roles in the environment. Students learn applied analytical techniques, critical thinking, and best practices for sustainable ecosystems, policies, and societies.

A cohesive scholarly community encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration and provides students access to diverse faculty and areas of specialization. The interdisciplinary curriculum develops common contextual knowledge and professional competencies essential for addressing complex problems. Specialized training at the nexus of human geography, environmental sciences, and environmental studies, builds problem-focused, disciplinary knowledge and research skills. Throughout, students develop the customized knowledge and skills needed to address complex human-environmental issues.

History (MA)

One or Two Years Full-Time
✔Thesis-Based ✔Course-Based ✔Practicum

The Master of Arts in History is a Joint Master’s Program offered by the History Departments of The University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba. The program prepares students to undertake independent research and place their findings within their historical context.

Students in the program choose one of four streams: a major research paper MA (one year), a course MA (one year), a thesis MA (two years), or an Archival Studies MA (two years).  Faculty specializations include: Indigenous North America, Canada, Asia, Africa, Medieval and Early Modern Europe, Modern Europe, the United States, Latin America, the History of Science and Medicine, and Archival Studies.

This is a Joint Master's Program (JMP) offered together with the University of Manitoba. JMP students are granted access to each university’s courses and research facilities, and receive a joint parchment upon graduation. The University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Graduate Studies is primarily responsible for admissions and student files related to the Joint Master’s Programs. Interested students should refer to information on the University of Manitoba’s admissions and applications procedures at University of Manitoba Graduate Studies. 

Indigenous Governance (MA)

Two Years Full-Time
✔Thesis-Based ✔Course-Based ✔Practicum ✔Comprehensive Exam

The Master of Arts (MA) in Indigenous Governance is an interdisciplinary program that provides students with theoretical and practical skills to examine and address Indigenous governance in political, social, economic, and cultural contexts. The focus is on Indigenous nations in North and South America, but the international context is discussed.

An MA in Indigenous Governance prepares students to take leadership positions in the private and public sectors, to create and influence policy, to creatively approach development and governance from an Indigenous perspective, to promote the visibility and recognition of sovereign Indigenous peoples and communities in Canada and abroad, and to pursue further education in PhD programs.

Management (MiM)

One Year Full-Time
✔Course-Based

The Master in Management degree (MiM) provides in-depth training and development in two specializations: technology, innovation, and operations management; and data analytics.

Designed through a partnership between industry and academia, the degree addresses the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing organizations in all industries.

The MiM degree attracts career-driven individuals with an undergraduate degree and work experience who are seeking additional management credentials. The program welcomes individuals in a variety of disciplines and this environment is conducive to innovation and building a broader personal network.  In this course-based program, the offerings are flexible and include interactive asynchronous online courses and face-to-face interactions. 

Check out the Master in Management Panel Discussion with Dr. Sylvie Albert and MiM alumna Amanda Bibeau:

Marriage and Family Therapy (MMFT)

Six Years Part-Time (Three Years Full-Time)
✔Course-Based ✔Practicum

The Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MMFT) program prepares students to become ethical, effective, and competent marriage and family therapists who work within a systemic/relational framework. The program is accredited by the Canadian Association for Couple and Family Therapy.

The program has a strong clinical focus. Students receive rigorous clinical training under close supervision by qualified clinical supervisors. Graduates demonstrate an understanding of and appreciation for diversity in clinical settings as they serve the community.

The MMFT program is structured to meet the needs of part-time students, with a few full-time spots available every year. Most courses are offered in the evening and meet weekly.

Peace and Conflict Studies (MA)

Two Years Full-Time
✔Thesis-Based  ✔Comprehensive Exam

The Master of Arts (MA) in Peace and Conflict Studies is a Joint Master’s Program offered by the University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba. The program trains students in strategies to analyze and resolve social conflicts; to examine the structural roots of social conflicts, divisions and inequalities; and to build community and promote social justice.

The program uses holistic and interdisciplinary approaches to prepare students to pursue independent research and practice in local, national and global conflict dynamics and issues. The degree is offered with either a thesis option or a comprehensive examination.

Check out a student's perspective on the MA in Peace and Conflict Studies:

This is a Joint Master's Program (JMP) offered together with the University of Manitoba. JMP students are granted access to each university’s courses and research facilities, and receive a joint parchment upon graduation. The University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Graduate Studies is primarily responsible for admissions and student files related to the Joint Master’s Programs. Interested students should refer to information on the University of Manitoba’s admissions and applications procedures at University of Manitoba Graduate Studies. 

Public Administration (MPA)

Two Years Full-Time
✔Course-Based  ✔Practicum

The Master of Public Administration is a Joint Master’s Program (JMP) offered by The University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba. Through a combination of course work and experiential learning, students acquire in-depth knowledge of the theory and the practice of government organizations, including knowledge of the political, economic, and social contexts in which they operate.

All students take a set of courses designed to encourage innovative and integrative perspectives. Students also have the opportunity to take a range of courses in the areas of health care, public finance, aboriginal government, and organizational change. For experiential and practical learning, the program includes to paid co-operative work placements.

This is a Joint Master's Program (JMP) offered together with the University of Manitoba. JMP students are granted access to each university’s courses and research facilities, and receive a joint parchment upon graduation. The University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Graduate Studies is primarily responsible for admissions and student files related to the Joint Master’s Programs. Interested students should refer to information on the University of Manitoba’s admissions and applications procedures at University of Manitoba Graduate Studies. 

Religion (MA)

Two Years Full-Time
✔Course-Based  ✔Thesis-Based

The Master of Arts (MA) in Religion is a Joint Master’s Program (JMP) offered by The University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba. Students explore advanced topics in religion and culture such as biblical studies, the history of Christianity, world religions, women and religion, and hermeneutics.

Students learn to think critically about how religion has shaped the way individuals understand themselves, their communities, and the world. It sensitizes students to the variety of traditions, commitments, and cultures which exist in our world. The program provides an environment to reflect upon one’s own experiences with religion, and to consider the dilemmas of modern life from a variety of perspectives.

This is a Joint Master's Program (JMP) offered together with the University of Manitoba. JMP students are granted access to each university’s courses and research facilities, and receive a joint parchment upon graduation. The University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Graduate Studies is primarily responsible for admissions and student files related to the Joint Master’s Programs. Interested students should refer to information on the University of Manitoba’s admissions and applications procedures at University of Manitoba Graduate Studies. 

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