Admission Requirements
The minimum requirements for admission to the Master of Mathematics (MMath) program normally include:
- an Honours Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science with at least a B+ standing (78%)
- three letters of reference, at least two of which must be from academic sources
- proof of competency in English (if applicable)
A score of 600 is required on the paper version of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and 4.0 on the TWE. A minimum score of 100 is required on the Internet-based version of TOEFL. See the English Language Proficiency page for other acceptable tests of English. Most successful applicants have scores higher than these minima.
- The GRE General test is required of all applicants to the School of Computer Science, who have not completed a 4 year undergraduate degree at a North American University where English is the primary language of instruction. Students may upload unofficial copies of their GRE to their online application while waiting for Official copies to be sent by ETS. This requirement will not be waived under any circumstances. Canadian citizens and permanent residents are not exempt.
- David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science Supplementary Information Form, available during the on-line application procedure.
Students who do not meet the academic requirements outlined in the first item above may be considered for admission to a transitional, probationary or qualifying program depending on their academic background.
Degree Requirements
For the MMath degree, the student may choose either of three options
Research Paper option
- Seven one-term graduate courses (with a unit weight of .50)
- at least two of the courses must be at the 800 level
- at most three courses can be at the 600 level
- no more than three courses can be taken for degree credit in one area (See PhD Section - Table 1)
- Master's research paper
- Presentation of the research paper topic in a publicly announced seminar
- Four one-term graduate courses (with a unit weight of .50)
- at least one course must be at the 800 level
- at most one course can be at the 600 level
- no more than two courses can be taken for degree credit in one area. (See PhD section - Table 1)
- Master's thesis
- Presentation of the research topic in a publicly announced seminar
- Eight one-term graduate courses (with a unit weight of .50)
- at least two courses must be at the 800 level
- at most three courses can be at the 600 level
- no more than four courses can be taken for degree credit in one area. (See PhD section - Table 1)
MMath in Computer Science - Co-op Option
In Computer Science, a master's program may be undertaken on a co-operative basis enabling a student to combine graduate studies with some work experience. The program involves an initial study period, a work period and a final study period. It is fairly flexible in length, each period comprising one or more terms. The usual pattern of study and work consists of two academic terms in which the courses are completed, a two-term work placement, and a final academic term in which the thesis or research paper is completed. Students may apply for the Co-op Option during their second or third term in the standard Master's program.
The degree requirements are the same as for the regular MMath degree program in Computer Science. The work placement must be related to the student's research topic and requires the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies and the student's research supervisor.
The student will be required to do a two-term work placement at a suitable industrial location, to begin as soon as possible after the coursework has been completed. The student will also be expected to return to campus after the work placement in order to complete the final thesis or research paper. The student will need to supply a work term report along with a formal oral presentation when they return to campus.
Early Application to the PhD Program
The School offers excellent students an opportunity to transfer from the MMath program to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program. This transfer enables the student to begin doctoral research, bypassing the MMath thesis. To apply for this transfer, a student submits a letter of application to the Associate Chair for Graduate Studies, any time after the completion of the second term of registration in the MMath program or earlier in exceptional circumstances. The application must be strongly supported by the student's proposed PhD supervisor. A successful applicant would normally be in the thesis option and have an excellent academic record. Evidence must be available that the student has begun a viable research program. If accepted for transfer to the PhD program, the student is expected to meet the requirements for a PhD student entering directly from a Bachelor's degree.