M.Sc. Thesis-Based Timeline

The following timeline describes what students are expected to accomplish each academic term while in the program. (Shift terms accordingly for a Winter start.) Deviations from the timeline must be approved by the supervisor and/or by the department.

  • Residency requirement: You must be present (in the Department at the U of A) for at least 2 terms of full-time study
  • Program length: You are expected to finish your Master's program within 2 years. At most, you could take up to 4 years - continuation after this time requires a Program Extension that must be approved by both the department and FGSR
Year Timeframe Tasks

Year 1
Course Work

September
(Fall - Term 1)

  • CMPUT 603
  • 2 other courses

January
(Winter - Term 2)

  • 2 courses

March

  • Identify supervisor
  • Choose MSc topic

May - August

Year 2
Research & Completion

September - ...

At least 9 weeks (45 business days)
prior to Defense

1 week (5 business days)
prior to Defense

Defense date

Within 2 weeks
after Defense

April
for Spring Convocation

September
for Fall Convocation