Students proceed through the MA with MRP or Thesis on different timelines, according to their own interests and resources. The most common timelines are:
- One year (3 sessions, full time): coursework is completed during the Fall and Winter sessions and the MRP/thesis is written over the summer. As long as an MRP or thesis is approved and formally submitted by mid-September (check the Faculty of Arts & Science calendar for the exact date each year), the student does not have to pay fees for the second Fall session.
- One and half years (4 sessions, full time): coursework is completed during the Fall and Winter sessions and the MRP/thesis is written over the summer and second Fall session.
- Two years (6 sessions, full time): coursework is completed during the first year and the MRP/thesis is written in year two.
The minimum time required for the MA program is one year (3 sessions, full time) and the maximum time allowed is three years.