Social Practice And Innovation (master's Program) at Ontario Tech University - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-10-01

Program overview

The Master of Arts in Social Practice and Innovation (MSPI) is an interdisciplinary program that integrates theory and methods from political science, legal studies, and communication and digital media studies. Students engage in practical applications by designing innovative community engagement projects that address pressing social issues. This program emphasizes the importance of social innovation, focusing on the creation, development, and integration of new concepts and practices to tackle complex challenges in society. The culmination of the program is a Major Research Project (MRP) that aims to foster public and community engagement, equipping graduates with the skills to develop effective solutions for systemic social and political issues.

Program structure

The Master of Arts in Social Practice and Innovation (MSPI) is designed to be completed in approximately 16 months of full-time study. The program structure includes:

Coursework across three disciplines: political science, legal studies, and communication and digital media.
A Major Research Project (MRP) that focuses on public and community engagement.
Full-time program load, ensuring an immersive educational experience.

Students will explore various topics related to social justice, communication, law, and politics, allowing them to conceptualize practices that address social problems and build collaborations with diverse communities. The program format is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of social innovation and its application in real-world scenarios.

Featured Experiences

The MSPI program offers several unique features that enhance the learning experience:

Interdisciplinary approach combining political science, legal studies, and communication.
Opportunities to engage in community-based projects that address social issues.
Major Research Project (MRP) that emphasizes public engagement and practical application of knowledge.
Research opportunities on topics such as affordable housing, human rights, and healthcare accessibility.
Collaboration with diverse communities to foster social innovation.

Career Options

Graduates of the Master of Arts in Social Practice and Innovation (MSPI) can pursue various career paths in Canada, including:

Social Policy Analyst: Analyze and develop policies that address social issues, working with government agencies or non-profits.
Community Engagement Coordinator: Facilitate community programs and initiatives that promote social change and community development.
Advocacy Specialist: Work with organizations to advocate for social justice and policy reform on issues such as human rights and environmental sustainability.
Researcher in Social Innovation: Conduct research on social issues and innovative solutions, contributing to academic or policy-oriented publications.
Program Manager for Non-Profit Organizations: Oversee programs aimed at addressing social challenges, ensuring effective implementation and community impact.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Ontario Tech University official website

Last updated on 2026-10-01

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For the Social Practice and Innovation master's program, the following academic requirements apply:

Minimum GPA: The specific minimum GPA requirement is not mentioned on the website.

International Students: International applicants, including those from Vietnam and other Asian countries, must meet the following requirements:

Upper Secondary School Graduation Diploma – Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Phổ Thông Trung Học for Vietnamese students.
Applicants are required to submit both their academic transcript indicating all subjects taken and grades achieved, along with an official copy of their diploma or graduation certificate.
If documents are issued in a language other than English, notarized literal English translations must be provided.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

Prerequisite Courses: The website does not specify any prerequisite courses for this program.

For any clarification and support regarding the application process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

All applicants to the Master's program in Social Practice and Innovation are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English. This requirement can be satisfied through one of the following accepted English language tests:

CAEL: Minimum score of 70 overall, with all sub-scores at least 60.
Duolingo:
- 120 overall for MBAI, MFDA, MITS, and Master of Engineering (MEng).
- 130 overall for Master of Education (MEd), Doctorate of Education (EdD), and Master of Health Science (MHSc) course-based only.
IELTS:
- 6.5 overall for most programs.
- 7.0 overall for MBAI, MFDA, Master of Arts in Education, Doctorate of Education (EdD), and Master of Health Science (MHSc).
Please note that only the IELTS Academic test is accepted.
TOEFL (Internet-based):
- For tests written after January 21, 2026: Overall 4.5, no section score below 4.0 for most programs; Overall 5.0, no section score below 4.0 for Master of Arts in Education, Doctorate of Education (EdD), Master of Health Science (MHSc), MBAI, and MFDA.
- For tests written before January 21, 2026: Overall 83 and minimum Listening: 20; Reading: 20; Speaking: 19; Writing: 20 for most programs; Overall 92 and minimum Listening: 20; Reading: 20; Speaking: 19; Writing: 20 for Master of Arts in Education, Doctorate of Education (EdD), and Master of Health Science (MHSc); Overall 100 and minimum Listening: 20; Reading: 20; Speaking: 19; Writing: 20 for MBAI and MFDA.
MyBest scores or super-scoring are not acceptable.
TOEFL (paper-based):
- 560 for most programs; 580 for Master of Arts in Education, Doctorate of Education (EdD), and Master of Health Science (MHSc).
The university's TOEFL code is 7178.

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!