Master of Applied Science (M.A.Sc.)

The M.A.Sc. program is research-focused: the primary component is the thesis, which reports the results of an independent research investigation carried out by a student under the supervision of a professor. The M.A.Sc. program is most appropriate for those students who may wish to subsequently enter a Ph.D. program. M.A.Sc. students are funded for up to two years to complete their program. Students must register as full-time, and complete the requirements of the program in no more than three years.

M.A.Sc. Program Requirements

M.A.Sc. students must complete five graduate half-courses and successfully defend a thesis at an M.A.Sc. oral exam; more detailed information on these requirements is presented below. M.A.Sc. students must also:

1. attend 70% of the MIE Seminar Series lectures during their first year of registration; students will receive credit for SRM3333Y - Master's Seminar Series;
2. attend the non-credit seminar course JDE1000H - Ethics in Research, preferably during their first year of registration.

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Coursework Requirement

The M.A.Sc. program requires successful completion of five graduate-level (500- and 1000-level) half-courses, selected in consultation with the supervisor, and subject to the following:

• three of the courses must be from MIE;
• one of the five courses may be a reading course, usually directed by the student's supervisor;
• one of the five courses may be an APS course; additional APS courses will be marked as extra (EXT).

Transfer credit may be requested for up to two half-courses (minimum grade of A-) taken at another institution, that were not used for credit towards a degree. The Graduate Studies Committee will decide whether the courses are at least equivalent to MIE graduate courses, and relevant to a degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering.

Two course failures will result in an automatic recommendation to SGS to terminate a student's program.

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Thesis Requirement

The M.A.Sc. program culminates in the preparation of a thesis, that reports the results of an independent research investigation that may be fundamental in nature, or applied, incorporating creative design. Students are expected to give evidence of competence in research, and a sound understanding of the area of specialization.

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Oral Examination

Before the Exam

Once the coursework and other requirements have been met, and a thesis written, normally within 24 months from the start date of the program, an M.A.Sc. oral examination can be scheduled. Arrangements for the exam will be made by the thesis supervisor, in consultation with the Graduate Coordinator. An exam committee will consist of the supervisor(s) and two other graduate faculty, at least one from MIE. The supervisor will serve as Chair of the exam.

An Exam Request Form must be submitted by the supervisor to the MIE Graduate Studies Office at least ten business days before the exam is to take place. Upon approval, the MIE Graduate Studies Office will issue an exam announcement. Unbound copies of the thesis must be distributed to the committee members at least ten business days before the exam.

During the Exam

All M.A.Sc. exams are open to the public, unless otherwise requested by the student.

At the beginning of the exam, the committee briefly reviews the student's file in a closed-door session. The student is then asked to summarize the thesis in a presentation of no more than 20 minutes. This is followed by questions from the committee members. The supervisor(s) may not respond or comment on behalf of the student during the presentation and questions.

Closed-door voting is by signed ballot, on the acceptability or not of the thesis and the oral defence. If a candidate has more than one supervisor, only one supervisor may vote. After the exam, the votes are recorded by the exam Chair and the results are returned immediately to the MIE Graduate Studies Office.

The members of the committee vote on whether to pass or fail a student; the decision requires a simple majority. If the vote is to pass the student, then the committee also votes on the following:

• thesis accepted as is;
• thesis requires minor corrections, that can be completed in one week or less, that the supervisor will oversee;
• thesis requires major corrections, that must be completed within three months; a sub-committee (two members of the exam committee) will confirm completion of the corrections.

If the committee votes unanimously to fail the student on a first exam, then the supervisor will write the student a letter explaining the vote, submit a copy of the letter to the Graduate Studies Office, and the Graduate Coordinator will immediately submit a recommendation to SGS to terminate the student's program.

If the committee votes 2 to 1 in favour of failing the student on a first exam, then the exam is adjourned and a second exam is scheduled for within 12 weeks. The supervisor will write the student a letter explaining the reasons for adjournment, and submit a copy of the letter to the Graduate Studies Office. The format of the second (reconvened) exam is the same as the first, except that the committee can only vote to pass or fail, as determined by a simple majority of the votes.

After the Exam

Following a successful oral exam, the M.A.Sc. student must submit a final thesis before a degree recommendation can be forwarded to SGS.

Students are also required to submit a complete and signed Clearance Form to the Graduate Studies Office.

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