Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs Viewbook 2024

Break through to what’s next.

Welcome to Brock.

We acknowledge the land on which Brock University was built is the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples, many of whom continue to live and work here today. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties and is within the land protected by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum agreement. Today this gathering place is home to many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples and acknowledging reminds us that our great standard of living is directly related to the resources and friendship of Indigenous people.

Table of contents

Who we are

Continue your education with one of over 50 program options in the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (FGSPA).

We are proud to be part of a thriving community of over 2,000 grad students, staff and faculty driving Brock’s reputation for research excellence.

Our team supports your academic and personal goals while removing barriers and ensuring an equitable, supportive environment. Our ultimate goal is to help you become an innovative critical thinker and ethical researcher who will contribute to the betterment of society.

1st IN CANADA FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

More than $930,000 IN AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

ONE OF CANADA'S TOP 50 research universities

Meet your leadership team + the FGSPA sidekick!

Dr. Suzanne Curtin, Vice-Provost and Dean

Suzanne joined the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (FGSPA) family in 2020 after a well-accomplished academic career and research background in psychology and linguistics. She was Associate Dean (students) in the Faculty of Graduate Studies at the University of Calgary for 15 years before coming to Brock. She enjoys traveling, VQA wines and catering to her dogs, Hudson and Cooper.

Dr. Brian Roy, Associate Dean

Brian joined FGSPA shortly after Suzanne in August 2020. He began his career at Brock 20 years ago as an Assistant Professor in Kinesiology and has held a wide array of research, teaching and administrative positions. Brian enjoys the outdoors, skiing and has even competed in the World Dragon Boat Championships!

Meet Wren, Certified Therapy Dog

Wren happens to be Associate Dean Brian’s fur baby as well as our Faculty’s therapy dog! When you’re a Brock grad student, you will see Wren roaming the halls ready for pets and ready to help you de-stress.

Explore Niagara

Welcome to St. Catharines

Brock’s main campus is located atop the Niagara Escarpment in the city of St. Catharines, the largest city in the Niagara region. Our dynamic city attracts world-class sporting events, engaging cultural experiences and major musical talent. You’ll enjoy our historic downtown, home to an eclectic mix of trend-setting shops, cafés, restaurants and pubs. The University’s central location is also close to the U.S. border and just an hour’s drive from Toronto.

Brock is located in the heart of Niagara —

an amazing destination to live, study, work and play. We are one of Canada’s most diverse regions, with a unique mix of world-famous attractions, natural beauty and amazing history. It is no wonder Niagara’s tourism industry is booming, with millions of visitors each year.

The great outdoors

Love the outdoors? There is no better place than Niagara. The region attracts people from around the globe for our four-season appeal and world-renowned natural wonders, such as Niagara Falls. Enjoy the view next to the thundering waterfalls; lace up your hiking boots and explore the Bruce Trail; cycle through vineyards, challenging trails or along the waterfront; or soak up the sun on one of our many picturesque beaches.

A cultural hub

Niagara is rich in history and experiences, with art galleries proudly showcasing local talent, captivating live theatre companies performing classic and new productions, and annual food and wine festivals that celebrate a vibrant culinary scene. The region is also well-equipped to help you settle into your home away from home and hosts a huge selection of boutique retailers as well as Canada’s largest open-air outlet mall, the Outlet Collection at Niagara.

Campus tours

Can’t

Sports and Recreation

Where champions are born

The Brock Badgers have enjoyed a long history of success. The 2022-23 season was no exception with championship titles in men’s rowing, women’s volleyball, and men’s and women’s wrestling. The Badgers captured individual medals in curling, fencing, figure skating and track and field.

Diverse athletics

Diversity and inclusion in the ‘Badger Family’ are the hallmarks of Brock Sports. We work as one to achieve a meaningful difference within the lives of our student-athletes with collaboration and equity to eliminate disparities in sport and education.

Become a leader

As the largest student employer on campus, Brock Recreation offers hundreds of student jobs. You can teach a fitness class, organize intramurals, lifeguard, supervise facilities or join one of our camp programs.

Heathy minds and healthy bodies

go hand in hand. Stay active and get involved in Brock Sports and Recreation. Participate in programs, use the facilities in the Walker Sports Complex, or take on leadership roles through campus jobs and volunteer opportunities.

Intramurals and programs

More than 7,000 students participate each year in our intramural leagues – no experience necessary here! Take part in all your favourites, such as basketball, cricket, soccer and ultimate frisbee, or try something completely new like tchoukball or inner-tube water polo. You may also take part in programs; dance, yoga, fencing, kickboxing; or work towards getting your certification in First Aid or as a personal trainer.

Award-winning facilities

Brock University’s Walker Sports Complex is home to the Zone Fitness Centre, a 15,500-square-foot facility that was named the winner of the 2022 National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association Outstanding Facility Award. Brock Recreation facilities focus on accessibility throughout the Zone, the Aquatics and Rowing Centres, gymnasiums, indoor track, turf field and outdoor courts.

We are the Badgers

Brock Sports offers 46 teams at the high performance, varsity and club levels which are supported by Brock Sports Performance for high-level training and programming as well as the Sports Medicine clinic, which specializes in the assessment and rehabilitation of athletic injuries.

gobadgers.ca

94 PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

47 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Varsity Sports

Baseball (M)

Basketball (M/W)

Cross Country (M/W)

Curling (M/W)

Fencing (M/W)

Figure Skating (M/W)

Golf (M/W)

Ice Hockey (M/W)

Lacrosse (M/W)

Rowing (M/W)

Rugby (M/W)

Soccer (M/W)

Softball (W)

Tennis (M/W)

Track and Field (M/W)

Volleyball (M/W)

Wrestling (M/W)

Brock grad student highlights

Orientation with welcome events

Join us in September for Welcome Week events that include Brock’s famous grape stomp!

Onboarding Program

We have student ambassadors to help you get started and GRAD 101 workshops for academic refreshers.

Get involved and have fun

Participate in fun graduate events throughout the year like the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) Gala.

Apply for awards and scholarships

There are many scholarships and award opportunities for you to apply for!

Celebrate your accomplishments!

Convocation is the best way to celebrate the amazing accomplishments of our grad students.

Share, present, grow and learn with your peers

There are lots of opportunities throughout your time here to learn new skills, share your research and participate in creative research competitions.

Ways to study

Research-based

A research-based degree typically consists of some coursework, and a Major Research Paper (MRP) or Thesis.

• Work closely with a Faculty supervisor

• Research-intensive

• Can lead to future academic studies and careers

• Funded (more information on page 28)

Course-based/Professional

A course-based degree consists of choosing courses to fulfill your chosen degree’s requirements.

• Professional/Practical Degrees

• Part-time/flexible

• Great for working professionals

• Often include a practicum

• Not funded

Making your grad experience unique

Engage and explore development opportunities to enhance your degree like:

Academic writing supports

One-on-one consultations and workshops.

Knowledge Translation events

Enhance your skills with research and knowledge translation events like the Mapping the New Knowledges (MNK) Conference or the video competition, GRADflix!

Scholarship Prep Workshops

Let our team help you put your best award and scholarship applications forward.

180+ AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Study at state-of-the-art research facilities and centres

• Roy and Lois Cairns Health and Bioscience Research Complex

• Inniskillin Hall

• Goodman School of Business – Bloomberg Lab

• Brock University Design Studio (BUDS)

• Rankin Family Pavilion /Brock LINC

• Brock Learning Lab

• Brock Functional Inclusive Training (Bfit) Centre

And more!

Accessibility and inclusion

Brock prioritizes disability and accessibility as human rights issues. An inclusive lens is used to create and redevelop environments for all people to learn, work, lead and enjoy. brocku.ca/accessibility

Healing Garden

The Healing Garden symbolizes Brock’s commitment to Indigenous students and issues and is meant to be a focal point for positive discussion.

Brock Safety app

Brock Safety lets Brock University students, staff, and faculty quickly access campus and local safety resources 24/7. brocku.ca/apps

Faculty of Applied Health Sciences

The Faculty of Applied Health Sciences is dedicated to understanding health broadly to help gain, maintain and restore it. Through progressive teaching and research, our students and faculty examine topics that range from developing forward-thinking health policies benefiting specific groups, to revolutionary health-care delivery that treats the individual.

Applied Gerontology (MAG)

• First of its kind to offer innovative lecture and seminar-based courses.

• 300+ hours of experiential education in gerontological practice.

Applied Health Sciences (MA/MSc)

Specializations - Master of Arts:

• Community Health

• Health and Physical Education

• Leisure, Health and Wellbeing

• Nursing

• Recreation, Sport and Community

• Sport Management

Specializations - Master of Science:

• Health Sciences

• Kinesiology

Applied Health Sciences (PhD)

Specializations:

• Behavioural and Population Health

• Health Biosciences

• Social and Cultural Health Studies

Nursing, and Master's Concurrent Degrees (BN/MN)

• Only program of its kind in Canada.

• Complete two nursing degrees in 20 months.

• Graduates are eligible to write the NCLEX-RN registration exam.

Professional Kinesiology (MPK)

• First graduate program of its kind designed to train students as leading practitioners in the health-care system.

• Course-based with 3 required practicum experiences.

Public Health (MPH)

• Fully online delivery.

• Full-time and part-time options.

• Accelerated MBA program option (complete in one year after the MPH).

RESEARCH TEAM HIGHLIGHT

To muscle recovery and beyond

The research: Investigating how to prevent space travelers from experiencing muscle loss and weakness, bone fragility and cognitive decline, and how this can be applied to health on Earth.

Faculty Lead: Val Fajardo (Assistant Professor of Kinesiology and Canada Research Chair).

Students: Briana Hockey (PhD), Sophie Hamstra (PhD), Bianca Marcella (MSc), Emily Copeland (PhD), Ryan Baranowski (MSc) and Luc Wasilewicz (PhD).

Highlights:

Jan 2020

Apr 2022

Oct 2022

Team selected for a NASA research program

Canadian Space Agency grants the team funding

Receives second batch of NASA samples

Faculty of Education

In the Faculty of Education, we see learning as a force of positive change that builds civil, progressive societies. Our programs are built on principles that respect differences, advance social justice, and expand global and community awareness. We give educators the skills they need to succeed by putting learning at the centre of everything we do.

Education (MEd)

• Full-time and part-time options.

• Online or in-person course options.

• Students have the option to choose up to two of five optional concentrations if they would like the opportunity to study a specific topic in depth.

Optional Concentrations:

• Administration, Leadership and Policy

• Adult and Postsecondary Education

• Curriculum and Pedagogy

• Educational Psychology: Teaching, Learning and Wellness

• Social Justice, Power and Politics in Education

Educational Studies (Joint PhD Program)

The PhD in Educational Studies is offered jointly by Brock University, Lakehead University and the University of Windsor.

Specializations:

• Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

• Social/Cultural/Political Contexts of Education

• Cognition and Learning

Investigating emotions through Theory of Mind

The research: Investigating the development of individual’s Theory of Mind (ToM), which is the ability to understand other people’s thoughts and emotions, and how it impacts social and emotional development.

Faculty Lead: Sandra Bosacki (Professor in the Department of Educational Studies).

Students: Meghan Maynard (PhD), Rakah Zabin (PhD), Valentina Sitnik (MEd), Jessica Yaguchi (MEd), Huma Khalid (PhD)

Zahra Karimi Valoojerdy (PhD), Breah Sovegjarto (MEd), Shanel Quenneville (undergraduate student).

Highlights:

2021 2022

2023

Received a large SSHRC grant to help fund the group’s research

Published a book chapter on ToM and peer relations

Began recruiting for a ToM, Kindness and Wellbeing Study

Brock experts contributing to impact of artificial intelligence (AI) for post-secondary institutions

Rahul Kumar and Michael Mindzak, researchers with AI expertise and Assistant Professors in the Department of Educational Studies, are representing Brock in the Canada-wide Artificial Intelligence and Academic Integrity Study (AIAI Study), which builds on a previous AI pilot study the pair completed in spring 2022.

The results of Kumar and Mindzak’s pilot study, in combination with the AIAI Study, will provide valuable insight to Canadian post-secondary institutions in assessing next steps in the AI conversation as it relates educational environments.

Pictured right: Breah Sovegjrito (top left), Zahra Karimi Valoojerdy (top right), Rakah Zabin (bottom left), Jessica Yaguchi (bottom right).

Pictured right: Rahul Kumar (top), Michael Mindzak (bottom).

Goodman School of Business

Goodman is a globally oriented and community business school. Our students gain academic knowledge, real-world experience and the confidence to use their skills to create change.

Studying at Goodman is characterized by small class sizes and interactive lectures with scholars who are passionate experts in their field. In-class experiential education opportunities give students a chance to act as consultants for local organizations gaining valuable experience.

Accountancy (Diploma or MAcc)

• Pathway to the Common Final Exam (CFE) and your CPA designation.

• 8-month program.

Business Administration (Diploma, MBA or MBA ISP)

• Nationally recognized for its comprehensive curriculum, real-world approach and exceptional student support.

Specializations (for MBA programs only):

• Accounting (CPA accredited)

• Business Analytics

• Finance

• Human Resource Management

• Marketing

• Operations Management

Our programs are AACSB accredited which only the top 5% of business schools worldwide achieve

Management (MSc)

• Research-based program explicitly highlights the role of the specialization areas in managerial and organizational contexts.

Specializations:

• Accounting

• Finance

• Marketing

• Operations and Information Systems Management

• Organization Studies

Professional Accounting ISP (MPAcc)

• Designed for international accounting undergraduate students.

• Combines an intensive Business English program with Canadian accounting knowledge.

2023 3M National Teaching Fellow

Dr. Kai-Yu Wang, Professor

of Marketing

“Goodman’s use of experiential education helps students apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real problems. These opportunities give students the chance to connect textbook knowledge to day-to-day business activities. Our grads enter the job market confidently because they already have experience in their field, which sets them ahead.”

Faculty of Humanities

Explore cultural, intellectual, and artistic ideas from ancient times and worlds to the present, and in the process, watch as your critical thinking, problem-solving and communications skills flourish. Learn what makes us human and how to become better humans.

Classics (MA)

• Excavation opportunities in the Mediterranean.

• Holistic approach to the Greek and Roman worlds.

• Program-specific funding opportunities (range from $5,000 to $10,000).

Specializations

• Art and Archaeology

• Text and Culture

English (MA)

• Entry point to a variety of fields like publishing, law, advertising, communications, professional writing, journalism.

• Every year, the English MA students organize and host a colloquium showcasing their MRP research.

Game Studies (MA)

• Canada’s first MA program dedicated to games.

• Open to all areas of games research and development.

• Two pathways: Thesis (textual document) or MRP (may be an applied project, like a game).

Brock University Design Studio (BUDS)

BUDS provides students with course-based opportunities to complete a portion of their studies within a real-world, collaborative, project-based production studio context that incorporates a service-learning orientation. The space includes a production studio which features a collaborative s pace and workstations equipped for design and production work.

History (MA)

• Broad learning in coursework.

o Themes include Imperialism; Gender History; Intellectual History; Revolutions; Labour Systems; Migration/Ethnicity/Identity; History of Medicine/Science; History and Computing.

• Program-specific funding opportunities (range from $5,000 to $10,000).

Interdisciplinary Humanities (PhD)

Specializations:

• Ways of Knowing

• Critique and Social Transformation

• Culture and Aesthetics

• Technology and Digital Humanities

Philosophy (MA)

• Only program in Canada where students may study Eastern philosophy and contemporary continental thought.

Specializations:

• Contemporary Continental Philosophy

• Eastern Philosophy

• Comparative Philosophy

Studies in Comparative Literatures and Arts (MA)

• Provides opportunities to negotiate different languages (Literature, Visual Arts, Music, Dramatic Arts) and theoretical perspectives.

• Participate in research clusters, conferences, and publication opportunities.

Capturing Canada Games history

The research: As part of the Sport Oral History Archive (SOHA), a team worked on campus to capture the stories of athletes and volunteers participating in the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games to add them to their growing online collection.

Faculty Lead: Elizabeth Vlossak (Associate Professor of History) and Julie Stevens (Professor of Sport Management).

Students: Paige Groot (MA), Kat Rice (MA), Kirsten Koop (fourth year), Mike Storms (undergraduate student).

Pictured below: Kirsten Koop, Mike Storms and Paige Groot look through some of the more than 6,000 Canada Games slides, photos and images being digitized for Brock’s Sport Oral History Archive. The trio are part of a team that will be collecting stories from athletes and volunteers about Niagara 2022 during the Games.

Faculty of Mathematics and Science

The Faculty of Mathematics and Science at Brock encourages collaboration between its different programs. You can see the groundbreaking results in our interdisciplinary courses and centres for biotechnology and neuroscience.

Biological Sciences (MSc and PhD)

Specializations:

• Cell and Molecular Biology

• Ecology and Evolution

• Neurobiology and Physiology

• Plant Sciences and Oenology and Viticulture

Biotechnology (MSc and PhD)

Specializations:

• Chemical Biotechnology

• Gene Biotechnology

Chemistry (MSc and PhD)

Specializations:

• Organic Chemistry

• Inorganic Chemistry

• Physical and Computational Methods

Inniskillin Hall

Inniskillin Hall (named after Inniskillin Winery) houses Brock’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI), which is dedicated to the advancement of the Canadian grape and wine industry, as well as other cool climate grape and wine regions of the world.

Making international headlines defining new epoch

Faculty members (part of international team): Professors of Earth Sciences Francine McCarthy and Martin Head, along with Geography and Tourism Studies Professor Michael Pisaric.

The research: international efforts to define the Anthropocene formally as a new epoch in geologic time, in recognition of a major shift in Earth’s response to overwhelming human impacts in the mid-20th century.

Computer Science (MSc)

• Small department with wide range of research interests.

• Research topics include computational logic and algebra, artificial intelligence and machine learning, natural language processing, bioinformatics and more.

Earth Sciences (MSc)

Work with internationally recognized faculty who contribute to a wide variety of geoscientific fields.

Specializations:

• Geology

• Earth Sciences

Intelligent Systems and Data Science (PhD)

• Tackle challenges in artificial intelligence and machine learning, integrated smart systems, big data infrastructure and more.

• Gain experience in the development and application of advanced AI algorithms, complex software systems, data analytics tools, and statistical models.

Materials Physics ISP (MSc)

• Catered to international students with an intensive English preparation program.

• Provides hands-on graduate training in advanced experimental, theoretical and computational techniques of modern materials science.

Mathematics and Statistics (MSc)

• Department is ranked in the top three in its category among Ontario universities by Canadian University Publications.

• 15+ specializations include predictive biology/ecology, graph theory and algorithmic game theory, high-performance parallel computing, cryptography, cellular automata, discrete dynamical systems and complex networks , and many more!

Physics (MSc and PhD)

Specializations:

• Biophysics

• Theoretical Physics

• Experimental Condensed Matter Physics and Materials Science

Pictured right: Members of the research team remove layers of sediment that have frozen onto a metal hollow tube, filled with dry ice and ethanol, that is dropped into the lake’s muddy floor.

Faculty of Social Sciences

In order to change the world, you need to understand it. Programs across Brock’s Faculty of Social Sciences examine key aspects of human behaviour and interaction through different lenses to develop a full picture. We train you to think critically about the biggest issues facing our society today, from the psychological effects of isolation to the sociological effects of mass protests, from discrimination and equity to sustainability and environmental impact, why words matter, why actions matter, and everything in between.

Applied Behaviour Analysis (PhD)

• Fosters a practical expertise in behaviour analysis as well as knowledge and practice in the application of behaviour analytic assessment and intervention.

• Designed for students interested in pursuing an academic or a research-focused career.

Applied Disability Studies (MA, MADS or Diploma)

• Only University in Ontario offering a Master of Arts (MA) in Applied Disability Studies.

Specializations:

• Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)

• Leadership, Diversity, Community, and Culture

Applied Linguistics (General MA or

Two pathways to choose from:

• Applied Linguistics General (thesis only)

TESL MA)

• TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) (thesis, MRP, and course-based routes)

Business Economics (MBE)

• Joint interdisciplinary program offered by the Department of Economics and the Goodman School of Business.

• 12 months in duration with no co-op, 20 months with 2 co-op terms.

Child and Youth Studies (MA

(MA or PhD)

and PhD)

• Unique multi-disciplinary approach which draws on psychology, education, critical disability studies, and criminology — among other disciplines — to understand young people and support their perspectives.

Geography (MA)

• Offers students an advanced education in geographical approaches to understanding social and human /environment relations.

Political Science (MA)

Concentrations:

• Canadian Politics

• Comparative Politics

• International Relations

• Political Philosophy

• Public Policy

The power of puppy love

Psychology (MA and PhD)

Specializations:

• Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience

• Lifespan Development

• Social / Personality

Social Justice and Equity Studies (MA)

• Innovative transdisciplinary program that responds to the increasing need for individuals to be trained in the field of social justice and equity scholarship and activism.

Sociology (Critical) (MA)

• Focuses on the critique of power structures and practices in society.

• Over 20 faculty members with range of research and teaching interests.

Sustainability (MS)

• Students do not require a background in environmental sustainability.

• Three unique schemes of study, allowing students to tailor their experience to their career and research interests.

Sustainability Science (PhD)

• Offers a state-of-the-art education that integrates rigorous scientific practice with an understanding of the unique linkages between humans and the environment.

The research: Studying interactions between people and dogs.

The details: How young dog owners cope with difficult situations, such as frequent barking or aggression. The research team’s work included strategies young dog owners use, but also how the difficult situations affect the relationship between the dog and the owner. It was found that inexperienced dog owners coped well with challenging behaviours among their dogs, favouring positive reinforcement over punishment.

Research team: Renata Roma, PhD student in Child and Youth Studies (CHYS), Christine Tardif-Williams, Associate Professor in CHYS, Shannon Moore, Professor in CHYS and Professor Patricia Pendry of Washington State University.

Financial information

We realize the importance of financial support for our graduate students. Financial assistance opportunities are available to our students in several forms, including grants, scholarships, funding packages, etc.

Fellowship

Students in a full-time, research-based program typically receive an annual fellowship for the defined length of their graduate program.

Assistantship

The optional paid assistantship can include a Teaching Assistant (TA) or Research Assistant (RA) position. Students need to be eligible to work in Canada to receive assistantship positions.

Tuition and ancillary fees

Tuition and ancillary fees differ based on your year of study, degree type and international status. Some popular degree types are provided as examples below.

Looking for scholarships?

Eligible incoming students can keep an eye out for our $5,000 Horizon Graduate Scholarship. Incoming students can also fill out a one-page application and automatically be considered for other scholarships. *Fees displayed are for 2023-24 and are subject to change.

To view all fees, please visit brocku.ca/safa/tuition-and-fees/overview/graduate

Ready to apply? Great! Here’s how:

1. Select you preferred programs

Select which program would best suit your passion and academic goals.

2. Review admission requirements

Admission requirements vary by program. Some research-based programs even require you to have a supervisor arranged before applying. Check out brocku.ca/gradstudies for individual program requirements.

3. Prepare application documents

Several documents are required as part of your application, including transcripts and degree certificates, referee emails (no letters required), statement of intent, resume/CV and language test scores (if applicable).

4. Complete the OUAC online application

Follow the online application procedure through Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). A non-refundable fee is required.

5. Upload supporting documents to your BrockU account

Within one week of submitting your OUAC application, you will receive an email with your Brock campus ID and instructions on how to log in and submit required documents.

6. Monitor your BrockU account

Monitor your BrockU account (my.brocku.ca) for updates, document status and admission decisions. Admission decisions are typically made 6 to 8 weeks after the program’s application deadline.

Find your preferred program’s info session here.

Brock University

Niagara Region

1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way

St. Catharines, ON

L2S 3A1

905 688 5550 x4490

graduatestudies@brocku.ca

brocku.ca/gradstudies

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