WINNIPEG, MB – The University of Winnipeg took a major step forward today in its development as a university as the Province of Manitoba announced its approval for the University to offer graduate studies programs. As a result, The University of Winnipeg plans to introduce four new graduate level programs, with the first of these beginning in the Fall of 2008.
“The Manitoba government strongly supports The University of Winnipeg’s goal to remain innovative, competitive and capable of meeting the academic needs of graduate students in Canada,” said Manitoba Advanced Education and Literacy Minister Diane McGifford at a news conference held at The University of Winnipeg today. “These new graduate programs will help the province attract and retain talented researchers and scholars whose knowledge and skills will help us thrive in today’s knowledge-based global economy.”
The Council on Post-Secondary Education has approved four graduate program proposals submitted by The University of Winnipeg including:
- Master of Arts in Aboriginal Governance
- Master of Science in Applied Computer Science and Society
- Master of Science in Bioscience, Technology and Public Policy
- Master of Arts in English with a focus on Cultural Studies
The Council also approved funding for the M.A. in Aboriginal Governance providing a total of $856,400 over the next four years, and the University may submit funding requests for the other programs in future years or proceed if funds can be identified from with existing resources.
These innovative graduate-level programs will be exclusive to The University of Winnipeg, will not duplicate any programs in the province and, in many cases, will be unique in Canada. They will be integrated with the existing undergraduate programs at the institution and will strengthen UWinnipeg’s research capacity, supporting the Province of Manitoba’s priorities for expanding innovation and graduate studies.
“This major policy decision is an exciting one for The University of Winnipeg,” said Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, President & Vice-Chancellor of The University of Winnipeg. “These programs are all interdisciplinary in nature and will integrate well with The University of Winnipeg’s vision as a leader in Aboriginal education and innovative scientific research, particularly through our new Richardson College for the Environment and Science Complex. They are current and relevant to our changing world. In addition, a faculty of graduate studies will help retain and attract top students as well as recruit a competitive faculty that will enhance research, development and enrich our student’s learning experience.”
The University of Winnipeg already offers a specialized Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy; Masters degrees in Arts, Divinity and Sacred Theology through the Faculty of Theology and joint programs in partnership with the University of Manitoba in History, Public Administration and Religious Studies. However, today’s announcements marks the first time UWinnipeg will offer a full range of Master of Arts and Master of Science programs, and the establishment of a Faculty of Graduate Studies, to be led by Dr. Sandra Kirby, Acting Associate Vice President (Research & Graduate Studies).
Applications will be accepted during the Fall term for all programs with classes set to begin in September 2008. For more information, please visit http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/grad-studies-programs or call 786-9740.
Further details of each of the four programs are available here.
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Located in the heart of downtown, The University of Winnipeg is a compact, diverse, multi-cultural academic community committed to access and excellence. Home to more than 9,200 full- and part-time students, UWinnipeg has been ranked by our graduates in the Top-10 of all Canadian universities when asked about their “Entire Educational Experience” (MacLean’s Graduate Survey, June 2006). The Globe & Mail Report Card 2006 gives the University of Winnipeg an overall “A” grade in the areas of quality of education, teaching quality, class sizes, faculty-student interaction and the availability of faculty outside of classroom hours. Find out why. Visit www.uwinnipeg.ca.
