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
Admission requirements for students admitted to the Master 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). See Academic Regulations - English Language Proficiency Certification.
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)
Deadlines for Application. Please apply and submit all documentation by:
- Domestic Students four (4) months prior to the preferred start term
- International Students eight (8) months prior to the preferred start term
Degree Requirements
Thesis Option (Regular)
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.
Thesis Option (Co-operative)
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.
Part-Time Coursework Based Option
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.