FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

Globalization

A group of students sitting outside on the grass discussing globalization at McMaster campus.

MA in Globalization - Frequently Asked Questions

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What do Globalization MA students do after they graduate?

The MA in Globalization program is an interdisciplinary program, so our graduates have gone on to pursue a wide variety of work and educational opportunities.

 

To name a few, some have pursued careers as a professor, lawyer, naturopathic doctor, secondary school teacher, writer, documentary filmmaker, and news journalist.

 

Others have continued their education by completing a Ph.D. in a wide variety of topics, including International Relations, Communication Studies, Immigrants & Employment, Women & Work, African Political Economy, Idea & Practice of (Post)Colonial Development, Decoloniality, and Palliative care.

 

Many graduates hold various positions in insurance agencies, media/news companies, NGOs, political parties, religious organizations, municipal governments, and non-profit organizations. Some have even started their own companies.

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Will a Master’s in Globalization Studies allow me to pursue further graduate work in a specific discipline?

Many of our students have gone on to PhDs in specific disciplines, including Political Science, Global Studies, History and English/Cultural Studies. In allowing students to pursue two electives in whatever subjects they choose, along with one Globalization course that is cross-listed with a specific discipline, the program is designed to allow students to pursue a PhD or other graduate program in their chosen discipline.

 

As requirements for PhD programs vary from institution to institution, it is a good idea to check with any program you may wish to apply to following your MA in Globalization Studies to determine specific course requirements.

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How long is the program? What are the requirements?

The MA in Globalization program is a one-year long program for full-time studies. From September to April, students take six 3-unit (single semester) courses (or equivalent) at the graduate level, including two core courses (GLOBALST 710 in fall, GLOBALST 709 in winter), two other Globalization courses, at least one of which should be offered by IGHC, and two electives (which students may concentrate in a single discipline).

 

In addition, each student is required to complete a 40-page Major Research Paper (MRP, GLOBALST 708). Students need to prepare a proposal for their MRP and identify a potential supervisor and second reader during the winter term. The MRPs will be submitted in early-August and will be graded as a pass or fail by both the supervisor and the second reader.

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Are students expected to identify their prospective supervisors prior to applying for admissions?

No. Students start to approach the potential supervisors after they have started the program here.

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Is it possible to travel during the summer to conduct research? Is there any funding available for this purpose?

Some students conduct fieldwork in the summer months, subject to prior consultation with their supervisor. Students must remain in communication with their supervisors during the summer months while they complete their MRPs.

 

The Institute has some limited funds available to students to support their field work. The Graduate Student Association and School of Graduate Studies also have competitions for travel scholarships. Apply early!

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English is not my native language. Can I still apply?

Yes, you can apply. If English is not your native language, you need to provide an official copy of your TOEFL score, or other evidence of competency in English. A minimum TOEFL (iBT) score of 92 or IELTS overall academic score of 6.5, or MELAB score of 90 is required for admission to the Social Sciences.

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What are the costs of the program? Are there any scholarships or bursaries available?

For information on tuition and supplementary fees, you can consult the School of Graduate Studies.

 

All full-time students admitted to the program receive an offer of financial support that includes a graduate scholarship ranging from $2000.00 to $5000.00. In addition, the majority of the students will also be awarded teaching assistantships that involve 130 or 260 hours of work over the academic year, valued at $5760.00 or $11520.00.

 

All eligible students are also considered for OGS, SSHRC Master’s and other internal awards. Top international students will be nominated to compete for International Excellent Award and Tuition Bursaries of up to $5000.00 each.

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I do not have the B+ minimum average requirement, however, I have a lot of relevant experience. Should I still apply?

In exceptional cases we make offers to students whose grades fall just below the B+ minimum based on other considerations, such as work experience, volunteer experience and overseas experience.

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Is there any information on living in Hamilton?

Explore life in Hamilton on the Discover McMaster website.