Social Practice and Innovation (Master's program)
Overview
In the Master of Arts in Social Practice and Innovation (MSPI), students hone and combine theory and methods from political science, legal studies, and communication and digital media studies and put them into practice by designing an innovative community engagement project that addresses a social problem. The Master of Arts in Social Practice and Innovation (MSPI) is an interdisciplinary program at the intersections of legal studies, communication and digital media, and political science. Each of these disciplines provides different tools with which to identify, analyze, and initiate action on the complex challenges of our contemporary social world. Graduate students in the MSPI program will take courses across the three disciplines to conceptualize practices which address social problems and build collaborations with diverse communities. Addressing social problems through social innovation involving the creation, development, adoption, and integration of new and renewed concepts, systems, and practices are core elements of this approach.
The MSPI program culminates in a Major Research Project (MRP) aimed at public and community engagement. Through the MRP, MSPI graduates will be trained to formulate, develop and deploy effective and creative solutions to challenging and often systemic social and political issues in ways that can support social progress.
Admissions
Admissions
- Hold a undergraduate degree in Communication, Legal Studies, Political Science or a related field, with a minimum overall academic standing of a B (GPA: 3.0 on a 4.3 scale or 73 to 76 per cent). Prospective applicants will be asked to demonstrate engagement with social innovation in their applications (e.g., through previous academic work, volunteer work, or work experience).
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Prospective applicants with undergraduate degrees from other fields who are able to demonstrate an impressive level of social engagement (e.g., Health Science) will also be considered, such as applicants whose professional work experience as managers or policy analysts demonstrates aptitude for social policy-oriented work.
All applicants to graduate programs at Ontario Tech University must submit the required documents outlined in the checklist of required documents.
Additional required supporting documents for MSPI applicants:
- A resume or curriculum vitae (CV) including the applicant's education, employment history, volunteer experience, publications if applicable, and other notable achievements;
- A sample of scholarly writing from an undergraduate course, or any other form of public communication (report, poster, video, performance, etc.) that was created for either an academic or other organizational audience;
- Two Letters of Recommendation: One recommendation from a faculty member from a previous degree-conferring program is preferable; alternatively, a letter from an employer/professional leader who can speak to the candidate’s analytical and communication skills will be accepted. The second recommendation may be from an academic or non-academic referee and should demonstrate the candidate’s commitment to community engagement. The second recommendation should reflect the candidate’s commitment to addressing social issues and may reference academic, work, or volunteer experiences; and
- A two-page, double-spaced (approximately 500-word) statement of interest in the MSPI program and its Major Research Project (MRP) requirement. The statement should demonstrate commitment to the social engagement goals of the program and should set out the potential focus of the candidate’s MRP. The statement should address academic, work, volunteer, or other experience that would contribute to the candidate’s ability to successfully complete such a project.
Required test scores for English language proficiency:
See English language proficiency for the minimum required test scores for this program.
The application deadline for the MSPI program has been extended from February 1 to May 1. Please note, however, that applications will start to be reviewed by the Faculty on February 1. Applications will be reviewed and offers will be released until the program reaches capacity. Once program capacity is reached, applications will no longer be accepted. Applications will not be reviewed after May 1.
It is highly recommended that you start the application process well in advance of the deadline. Applicants are encouraged to complete their application and submit all required documents as soon as possible, to ensure the best chance of securing an offer.
Note: The university reserves the right to amend application deadlines and/or close applications without prior notice.
Please see application deadlines for specific dates. Note that the application deadlines listed are for both the online application and all supporting documentation.
Applications for admission to all graduate studies programs are submitted online. There are five steps you must go through to complete the application process. See application process and requirements for step-by-step instructions.
Many of our graduate programs are extremely competitive; the number of qualified applicants normally exceeds the number of seats available for each intake. Satisfaction of minimum entry requirements does not ensure admission.
Research areas
Students in the MSPI program will have opportunities to develop research projects on topics related to social justice, communication, law, and politics, to address issues such as:
- Affordable housing and homelessness
- Indigenous worldviews, reconciliation and rights
- Human rights violations
- Ethics and law related to AI, social media, or communication technologies
- Anti-racism, colonialism
- Food Insecurity
- Healthcare accessibility
- Social Service accessibility
- Socio-ecological systems and sustainability
- Inequality
- Decolonizing/reimagining higher education
Learn more about the research areas within this program and find research experts by visiting the faculty’s website and the university's Expert Centre.
Additional Information
Master of Arts in Social Practice and Innovation (MSPI) Program Map:
Year 1:
Fall Semester:
- MSPI 5010G Interdisciplinary Theory and Practice I (3 credits)
- MSPI 5030G Foundations for Social Practice and Innovation (6 credits)
Winter Semester:
- MSPI 5020G Interdisciplinary Theory and Practice II (3 credits)
- Two of:
- MSPI 5040G Advocacy, Change and Social Practices (3 credits)
- MSPI 5050G Communicating Law and Politics in Everyday Life (3 credits)
- MSPI 5060G Information, Power, and Democracy: Constraints, Freedoms, and Ethics (3 credits)
- MSPI 5070G Special Topics in Interdisciplinary Studies (3 credits)
- MSPI 5080G Directed Studies (3 credits)
- Approved cross-listed 4000U level courses
Spring/Summer Semester:
- MSPI 5001G Major Research Project I (6 credits)
Year 2:
Fall Semester
- MSPI 5002G Major Research Project II (6 credits)
For specific course descriptions, go to the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities MSPI Program page.
Internal awards and funding
Applicants to research-based graduate programs who are studying full-time are automatically considered for some types of funding at the time of admission.
Types of funding that do not require an application:
- Entrance scholarships
- Minimum funding packages
- Teaching assistantships, research assistantships and graduate research assistantships
For more details on the above funding opportunities, see graduate student awards and funding.
Please note: Part-time students are not eligible for the above funding opportunities.
External awards and funding
Graduate program applicants are encouraged to apply for external awards to help finance their education. The application process differs for each competition, so review the information carefully to determine where and when you must apply. Please note: The majority of these awards are for domestic or permanent residents only.
Tuition fees for graduate programs are charged on a flat-fee or fee-per-credit basis and vary by program and student status.
For current, specific fees and details on flat-fee versus fee-per-credit programs, please see tuition and fees.
Contact the program:
Faculty of Social Science and Humanities
905.721.3234
SSHgrad@ontariotechu.ca
Contact the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies:
905.721.8668 ext. 6209
gradstudies@ontariotechu.ca
