Master of Science (MSc)
Advance your knowledge and skills. Pursue a thesis in one of nine specialty areas or a general degree combining multiple research areas.
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About The Program
What is the MSc Program?
The master of science (MSc) offered by the department is a research-based degree with no residency requirement. All students must defend their thesis before a panel of three or more academic staff members, including the thesis supervisors. The time required to complete the MSc program will vary according to the previous training of the student and the nature of the research undertaken. However, two years is normally the minimum time required, with a maximum of four years to complete the program from the date of first registration.
Why choose the MSc program
The MSc program provides students with an exceptional experience where they can learn from some of the top minds in their fields and train in their internationally renowned facilities. MSc students work alongside world-class researchers and industry partners on projects that tackle engineering challenges from Alberta to the global stage, preparing them for success in research, industry and beyond.
Application Deadlines
Fall (September) Admission
- International students: April 15
- Canadian and Permanent Resident Students: July 15
Winter (January) Admission
- International students: July 15
- Canadian and Permanent Resident Students: October 15
Program Information
Faculty
Engineering
Delivery Mode
On campus
Program Type
Thesis-based
Degree Level
Master’s
2 - 4
years
Flexible timeline dependent on previous training and the nature of the research undertaken
9
areas of specialization
From construction to water resources
1
research thesis
under the guidance of your supervisor
Program Objectives
- Designed to prepare graduates for careers requiring specialized expertise, evidence-based judgment, personal responsibility and initiative in complex and unpredictable professional environments.
- Students will acquire knowledge and develop skills through a combination of:
- Directed learning;
- Formative experiences in writing;
- Formative experiences presenting a research project;
- Executing advanced research or creative work;
- Working with experts.
- Develop a foundation for research, developing knowledge of the field of study, ability to reason with new information and the quality of the thesis or thesis-equivalent at the final examination.
Learning Outcomes
- Foundation of Knowledge. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of knowledge, and critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, informed by the forefront of the student’s academic discipline or field of study;
- Refine Research Methods. Demonstrate awareness of the complexity of knowledge and of the potential contributions of other interpretations, methods and disciplines.
- Develop Research Competency. Critically evaluate existing research and scholarship within a discipline or field of study;
- Apply your Knowledge. Demonstrate development and support of a sustained argument or originality in the application of knowledge.
- Communicate Effectively. Communicate ideas, issues, and conclusions clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Build Professional Skills. Research, reflect upon, and take ownership of the development of skills and career goals;
- Critical Thinking. Demonstrate personal accountability, initiative, and decision-making in complex situations;
- Professional Development. Demonstrate the intellectual independence required for continuing professional development.
Application Steps
1. Ensure you meet the minimum requirements
Ensure you meet the minimum requirements as set by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research which include a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale on the most recent two-years of full-time study (or equivalent) and English language proficiency (ELP).
International applicants must be able to demonstrate English Language Proficiency at the time of application. Proficiency is demonstrated by:
- Possession of a degree or its academic equivalent from an institution recognized by the University of Alberta and where the language of instruction is English. Proof that the instruction for the degree was in English will be required (see Recognized English Language Countries/Institutions); or
- A satisfactory score on one of the approved English language examinations
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is NOT required nor is it used in the evaluation process.
Some institutions are exempt from the English language test, please refer to the English language exemption list.
2. Identify and contact a potential supervisor
All applications to thesis-based programs will not be processed without the expression of interest from a potential Supervisor. You will need to contact professors directly. It is recommended you provide a " letter of interest" and updated Curriculum Vitae to prospective Supervisors.
Once you have found a potential supervisor who has agreed to support your application, you may proceed to Step 2. The potential supervisor must send you an "Expression of Interest" letter or email to include as a supporting document in your application. Please review our Research Areas to learn more about our Faculty members and their research areas.
3. Apply online and pay the application fee
A $135 non-refundable application fee payment is required. The fee can not be waived. Apply through GPS SLATE application system, using the "Apply now" button at the bottom of the page.
4. Submit supporting documentation
When completing your application online, you will be required to upload the following supporting documentation directly to the system, following the GPS document preparation guidelines.
- Transcript(s)
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Three letters of reference are required; the reference may be academic or professional.
- Ensure that the referees are ready, willing and able to provide to provide a reference. The applicant will enter the names and email addresses of the referees on the application.
- Students who are graduating from the U of A do not have to provide the references.
- Official English Language Proficiency scores (if applicable). See GPS's ELP requirement. The GRE is NOT required nor is it used in the evaluation process.
International applicants
International applicants should refer to the International Admissions Protocol »
Canadian applicants
Canadian applicants should refer to the Canadian Admissions Protocol »
The department does not notify applicants with regard to missing documents, so please check the SLATE Portal on a regular basis.
5. Await a response from the department
The application will not be reviewed until it is complete and all supporting documents have been received. Once a decision has been reached the applicant will be notified through the GPS SLATE Portal with the decision. The review process can take several weeks, or longer during peak processing times.
Applicants will be notified of decision on a rolling basis.
6. Accept our offer
We ask that you accept or decline the offer of admission via the application portal as soon as possible. International students should visit International Student + Visitor Services for immigration resources.
Connect with us
If you have questions about the application process, reach out to engg.gradadm@ualberta.ca. Or reach out to the university’s graduate and postdoctoral studies (GPS) team.