Materials Science, M.Sc.

Requirements

Research Program (M.A.Sc.)
A candidate is required to complete successfully at least three half courses, at least two of which should be at the 700-level. Students are required to present a thesis, which constitutes an original contribution to engineering knowledge. The thesis must be defended in an oral examination, which is a public event. Completion of the M.A.Sc. thesis typically requires five terms of full-time study.

An Accelerated Option is available to students currently enrolled at McMaster as undergraduate engineering students in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering whereby the M.A.Sc. degree may be completed in 12-16 months of full-time study. In exceptional circumstances, students from other Engineering departments in McMaster may apply for entry into the accelerated option by contacting the department’s Associate Chair (Graduate). Application for entry into the Accelerated Option occurs in the penultimate year of undergraduate studies. Applicants must have a sessional average of 8.0 at the time they are applying for the option. The Accelerated Option requires students to complete at least one term of their research project with a supervisor from the department prior to completion of their undergraduate degree. A one-term 600 level course is required under the Accelerated Option in the final undergraduate year for graduate credit provided it is listed within the department. Entry into the M.A.Sc, program under the Accelerated Option must occur less than one year upon completing one’s undergraudate degree and must meet the same requirements for admissions as other candidates.

Transfer to Ph.D.

Students wishing to be transferred to the Ph.D. program prior to the completion of the Master’s degree (see section 2.1.2  of the General Regulations of the Graduate School) must submit a Transfer Report, embodying a statement of progress and achievement in the research to date and a proposal for Ph.D. research. The Transfer Report must be submitted to the Department Chair not later than the completion of five terms after initial registration in the Master’s program. Approval to transfer will be determined through an oral examination.