Our program places the study of war, defence, and security issues within the context of past and present human experience.
MSS Course- based students taking the 2-year program (those admitted on or before Fall 2023) are expected to complete in two years. MSS Course-based students taking the 1-year program (those admitted on or after Fall 2024) will be expected to complete in one year
MSS Course-based students will complete 21 units of coursework consisting of:
12 units of core courses:
9 units of additional graduate courses. Please see the University of Calgary graduate calendar for a list eligible courses. These classes are subject to approval by the Graduate Program Director and the student's supervisor.
MSS, course-based students will complete 24 units of coursework consisting of:
15 units of core courses:
9 units of additional graduate courses. Please see the University of Calgary graduate calendar for a list eligible courses. These classes are subject to approval by the Graduate Program Director and the student's supervisor.
MSS Course-based students will also write a research paper in Spring semester after completing their Fall and Winter course work. Students will write this paper while enrolled in STST 653.
Students in the MSS Thesis program have a maximum of four years to complete their requirements but are expected to complete their programs in two years.
MSS, thesis-based students will complete 21 units of coursework consisting of:
12 units of core courses:
9 units of additional graduate courses. Please see the University of Calgary graduate calendar for a list eligible courses.These classes are subject to approval by the Graduate Program Director and the student's supervisor.
Each student may choose any other three half-courses that are pertinent to their program of studies. These classes are subject to approval by the Graduate Program Director and the student's supervisor.
MSS thesis-based students will complete 21 units of coursework consisting of:
12 units of core courses:
9 units of additional graduate courses. Please see the University of Calgary graduate calendar for a list eligible courses. These classes are subject to approval by the Graduate Program Director and the student's supervisor.
During your CMSS Master's degree, combine academic studies with real-world work experience by securing a co-op placement (also known as paid internships). Students may work in a co-op position for eight months from January to the end of August of their second year. Placements are not guaranteed.
(MSS 2-year Course-Based only; for students beginning Fall 2023 or earlier)
Upon completion of 18 units of required course work (above), students may complete their degree by participating in an 8-month paid work placement. This placement is worth (and it taken in lieu of) the final 3 units of the degree.
Students must complete all course work prior to the start of the work placement.
Please note: While CMSS will provide as much assistance as we can, students are solely responsible for finding their co-op work placement. CMSS does not guarantee that students will find a placement. Those students who do not obtain a work placement will be expected to take the remaining courses required for the course-based degree.
(for MSS Course-based and MSS Thesis-based students starting Fall 2024 onward)
This is an extra to degree option available to students in both the MSS Thesis-based and Course-based program upon completion of all degree requirements. This options in offered through the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Students may take a Transformative Talent Internship with an employer that is designed to explore career options and develop practical skills.
Please note: While CMSS will provide as much assistance as we can, students are solely responsible for finding an internship placement. CMSS does not guarantee that students will find an internship.