The program information below was valid for the winter 2020 term (January 1, 2020 - April 30, 2020). This is the archived version; the most up-to-date program information is available through the current Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.

The Graduate Studies Academic Calendar is updated 3 times per year, at the start of each academic term (January 1, May 1, September 1). Graduate Studies Academic Calendars from previous terms can be found in the archives.

Students are responsible for reviewing the general information and regulations section of the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.

Graduate research fields

  • Applied Operations Research
  • Information Systems
  • Management of Technology
  • Admit term(s) 
    • Fall
  • Delivery mode 
    • On-campus
  • Program type 
    • Master's
    • Professional
  • Registration option(s) 
    • Full-time
    • Part-time
  • Study option(s) 
  • Minimum requirements 
    • The Department of Management Sciences requires either (i) a 75% overall standing in the last two years, or equivalent, in a relevant four-year Honours Bachelor's degree or equivalent; or (ii) a 75% overall standing or equivalent, in a relevant four-year Honours Bachelor's degree or equivalent, as the minimum requirement for admission to a Master's program for applicants educated at a Canadian institution. A 75% overall standing or equivalent, in a relevant four-year Honours Bachelor's degree or equivalent is the minimum requirement for admission to a Master's program for applicants educated outside of Canada.
    • Background in quantitative methods (e.g., Calculus, Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics).
    • All applicants must submit a "Statement of Purpose" - a one page statement addressing their academic background and future goals.
    • Applicants who fall slightly below the minimum academic requirements may be considered for admission as transitional or probationary students.
  • Application materials 
    • Résumé/Curriculum vitae
    • Supplementary information form
    • Transcript(s)
  • References 
    • Number of references:  3
    • Type of references: 

      if the applicant has been working for several years, 1 business reference will be accepted along with 2 academic references.

  • English language proficiency (ELP) (if applicable)

    Coursework option:

  • Graduate Academic Integrity Module (Graduate AIM)
  • Courses 
    • Students must successfully complete the following 4 General Requirement courses (0.50 unit weight per course/4 units):
      • MSCI 603 Principles of Operations Research [this course may be replaced with MSCI 634 if a student has a strong background in Operations Research]
      • MSCI 605 Organizational Theory & Behaviour
      • MSCI 607 Economic Concepts for Management
      • MSCI 609 Quantitative Data Analysis for Management Sciences
    • In addition to the 4 General Requirement courses (MSCI 603, MSCI 605, MSCI 607, MSCI 609), students must take at least 4 additional courses, totaling a minimum requirement of 8 courses overall (0.50 unit weight per course/4 units). These courses may include at most 2 500-level courses approved by the Associate Chair for Graduate Studies. All other courses must be at the 600 and 700 level. Students must maintain an overall average of at least 73% at the end of each term, with no more than 2 failed courses overall.
    • No more than 1 course (0.50 unit weight per course) may be taken outside of the Management Sciences Department. This course will require the approval of the Associate Chair for Graduate Studies.
    • Students who have completed their BASc degree in Management Engineering at the University of Waterloo are required to choose their courses in consultation with the Associate Chair for Graduate Studies
  • Link(s) to courses