Students may earn the MSc degree by satisfying the requirements for either the thesis option, through its regular or co-operative stream, or the part-time coursework based option.
Admission requirements for students admitted to the master's of science program are as follows:
- an Honours Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Science with at least a minimum overall standing of 75% in the last two years;
- three letters of recommendation, at least two of which must be from academic sources;
- proof of competency in English (if applicable). A score of at least 580 is required in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and 4.0 on the TWE. A score of at least 237 is required on the computer version of the TOEFL. (See Academic Regulations - English Language Proficiency Certification for other acceptable tests of English)
- GRE scores for all applicants who have completed their post-secondary education outside of Canada or the United States
Students who do not meet the requirements outlined above may be considered for admission to a probationary or qualifying program depending on their academic background. (See Graduate Studies Calendar - Academic Regulations - Categories of Admission to the Master's Program)
Although there is no set deadline for application, it is recommended that domestic students apply at least six weeks and international students apply at least six months prior to the beginning of their expected term of entry.
Students must successfully complete at least four one-term graduate courses (0.5 unit weights), one of which is the Master's Seminar, and submit and defend an acceptable Master's Thesis.
The academic requirements are the same as in the Regular Thesis Option MSc, but at least two of the required four one-term courses including the Master's Seminar must be completed during the first two terms in residence. Then the student will spend the following two terms (8 months) working in an industrial or government laboratory, upon completion of which (s)he must present an acceptable work report. Returning to the campus, the student will complete his/her coursework and research, and prepare the Master's Thesis.
Students who elect this option must successfully complete eight one-term courses (with a unit weight of 0.5 per course). These must include an experimental project (Master's Research Paper) and the Master's Seminar. This option is designed for students whose employment or family responsibilities allow free time for study only in the evening.