Engineering Physics, M.A.Sc.

A strong baccalaureate degree with an average of at least B (equivalent to a McMaster GPA of 8.0) in engineering, mathematics, or the physical sciences is normally required for admission to the M.A.Sc. program.

M.A.Sc. Degree

Course Requirements

A candidate for the M.A.Sc. degree is required to complete a minimum of three half courses, and a thesis; one of the three half courses may be at the 600-level, another one may be a non-technical course with written approval from the Supervisor. In addition to the minimum of three half courses, M.A.Sc. candidates are required to complete the seminar half course ENG PHYS 702 . A minimum grade of B− must be obtained for all courses. The thesis topic is chosen in consultation with the Supervisor and must result in a written thesis.

Students currently enrolled in the M.A.Sc. program may request advance credit for one course based on courses taken in their undergraduate degree at McMaster. The Advanced Credit Option is open to students who were undergraduates in the Engineering Physics program at McMaster University who graduated with an overall average (CGPA) of at least B. The Advanced Credit Option allows graduate credit for one 600-level course taken during their final undergraduate year.

An Accelerated Option is also available to students currently enrolled at McMaster as undergraduate students in the Department of Engineering Physics. The accelerated credit and thesis-related research work completed under the Accelerated Option are expected to reduce time to completion of the M.A.Sc. program. In exceptional circumstances, students from other Engineering departments in McMaster applying for entry into the M.A.Sc. program in Engineering Physics may apply for the Accelerated Option with the permission of the Department Associate Chair (Graduate). Application for entry into the Accelerated Option occurs in the penultimate year of undergraduate studies. Applicants must have an overall average (CGPA) of at least B at the time they are applying for the option. The Accelerated Option requires students to complete the equivalent of at least one term of their thesis-related project with a Supervisor from the Department prior to completion of their undergraduate degree. For students enrolled in the Accelerated Option, research conducted in ENGPHYS 3H04, 4H04 or the equivalent may count towards the Accelerated Option and therefore towards partial fulfillment of the graduate M.A.Sc. thesis work. A 600-level course offered by the Department is required under the Accelerated Option in the final undergraduate year for graduate credit. Students must enter into the M.A.Sc. program under the Accelerated Option less than one year after they complete their undergraduate degree and they must meet the same requirements for admission as other candidates. The Advanced Credit Option may not be used in conjunction with the Accelerated Option.

Transfer to the Ph.D.

After a minimum of one year in the M.A.Sc. or M.Eng. program, a student may transfer to the Ph.D. program without completion of the Master’s, upon successful completion of a transfer examination. The transfer examination will be completed with the intended Ph.D. Supervisory Committee. The transfer exam will count towards the requirement of the PhD thesis proposal.

A written report must be submitted prior to the transfer exam, which itself is oral and includes a presentation.