Master's Degrees
A student's program of study for the Master's degree may be either a research intensive program (MASc) or a coursework intensive program (MEng). Note that a thesis-based research Master's degree is normally required to gain admission into the PhD program.
MASTER OF APPLIED SCIENCE (MASc)
Admissions Requirements
A candidate to be considered for the Master of Applied Science research program must have obtained, with a high scholastic standing, an undergraduate degree in engineering or a degree in science with honours, or the equivalent, from a recognized university.
Candidates must also be recommended for admission by a faculty member in the Program in order for their application to proceed. Please note a recommendation for admission is not a formal acceptance.
Candidates for the above degree may be required to take additional undergraduate subjects as a preparation for advanced courses or to give the candidate a suitable engineering background. Such subjects are seldom considered as part of the graduate program.
Academic Regulations
Program Requirements
A MASc graduate program consists of not less than 12 credit hours of coursework, the graduate seminar and thesis selected upon the advice of the thesis supervisor. Not more than one senior level undergraduate course may be taken as part of the 12-credit hour requirement.
Graduate Seminar
The seminar requirement involves attending, and participating in, all Graduate Seminars held in the department throughout the duration of the student’s residency period, as well as making at least one seminar presentation.
Supervisor and Supervisory Committee
The Supervisory Committee will consist of the thesis supervisor (and co-supervisor), at least one other member of the department, and at least one other member from outside the department with special interests in the proposed area of study. The supervisor will be the chair of the Supervisory Committee.
Examination Requirement
All courses required to meet the degree requirements are considered essential courses and will be so designated by the Supervisory Committee. Essential courses can include any required undergraduate or prerequisite courses.
Any courses taken in excess of the requirements are subject to approval by the supervisor. These courses will appear on the student’s transcript as regular courses.
All Master’s degree candidates must pass all graduate-level courses and any approved undergraduate course, with a grade of at least B-. Graduate students are permitted to repeat only one course during their program in the Faculty of Engineering. Graduate students are not eligible to write supplementary examinations. Transfer credits from other universities will be considered on a case by case basis.
As well, all Master’s degree candidates must pass an oral examination of their thesis or project after it has been submitted in satisfactory form.
In addition to meeting the grade requirements, failure to maintain an acceptable academic standing will result in a student being asked to withdraw from the program. Failure to achieve the minimum mark as noted above shall be considered grounds for dismissal.
Time Requirement
The minimum time required for completing a Master’s program is twelve months. All students are required to register each term to maintain eligibility to continue a program of studies. Students are required to be on campus for at least two terms in the first year of their program. See Faculty of Graduate Studies Regulations, Section 7, for policies regarding the maximum length of time for degree completion and extensions.
MASTER OF ENGINEERING (MEng)
Admission Requirements
A candidate to be considered for the Master of Engineering course work program must have obtained an undergraduate degree in engineering or its equivalent with high scholastic standing from a recognized university.
Candidates must also be recommended for admission by a faculty member in the Program in order for their application to proceed. Please note a recommendation for admission is not a formal acceptance.
Academic Regulations
Program Requirements
A MEng graduate program consists of not less than 21 credit hours coursework, the graduate seminar, and the 6 credit hours project. Undergraduate courses, in the area of a student’s interest, not taken by the student for previous credit, may be included in the program, subject to prior approval. Not more than 6 credit hours may be undergraduate credit hours.
A project is required as a part of the program (six credit hours out of the required 27 credit hours). Projects require the appointment of a supervisor and one supervisory committee member.
Graduate Seminar
The seminar requirement involves attending, and participating in, all Graduate Seminars held in the department throughout the duration of the student’s residency period, as well as making at least one seminar presentation.
Supervisor and Supervisory Committee
The Supervisory Committee will consist of the project supervisor (and co-supervisor) and at least one other member with special interests in the proposed area of study. The supervisor will be the chair of the Supervisory Committee.
Examination Requirement
All courses required to meet the degree requirements are considered essential courses. Essential courses can include any required undergraduate or prerequisite courses. Any courses taken in excess of the requirements are subject to approval by the supervisor. These courses will appear on the student’s transcript as regular courses.
All Master’s degree candidates must pass all graduate level courses, and any approved undergraduate courses, with a grade of at least B-. Graduate students are permitted to repeat only one course during their program in the Faculty of Engineering. Graduate students are not eligible to write supplementary examinations. Transfer credits from other universities will be considered on a case by case basis.
As well, all MEng degree candidates must pass an oral examination of their project after it has been submitted in satisfactory form.
In addition to meeting the grade requirements, failure to maintain an acceptable academic standing will result in a student being asked to withdraw from the program. Failure to achieve the minimum mark as noted above shall be considered grounds for dismissal.
Time Requirement
The minimum time required for completing a Master’s program is twelve months. All students are required to register each term to maintain eligibility to continue a program of studies. Students are required to be on campus for at least two terms in the first year of their program. See Faculty of Graduate Studies Regulations, Section 7, for policies regarding the maximum length of time for degree completion and extensions.
Procedures and Guidelines for Master’s Theses and Projects
1. The thesis/project report is to be prepared to conform with the standards of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
2. To initiate the thesis/project defence, the form “Appointment for an Oral Examination & Thesis Submission Form – Master’s Programs” must be submitted to the departmental Office at least 10 business days prior to the date of the oral defence. The department will coordinate the scheduling of the presentation and examination and assign a chair/moderator. The oral presentation and examination will not be scheduled until the following requirements for the student’s program of studies have been met:
i) Course work completed;
ii) Seminar completed;
iii) Supervisory committee approved.