M.A.Sc. to Ph.D. Transfers

There are two ways by which an M.A.Sc. student may apply for a transfer to the Ph.D. program before completing the M.A.Sc. program requirements.

Fast-Track Transfer

Exceptional M.A.Sc. students may apply to transfer to the Ph.D. program before completing all of the M.A.Sc. degree requirements. Such a transfer must be approved by the MIE Graduate Studies Committee and by SGS.

The fast-track transfer is one-way, and so students cannot request a subsequent transfer back to the M.A.Sc. program. If a student who was permitted to transfer subsequently fails the Ph.D. qualifying exam, or is later deemed no longer in good academic standing due to a lack of progress, the student must withdraw from the Ph.D. program and will receive neither an M.A.Sc. nor a Ph.D. degree.

An applicant who is permitted to transfer must complete a total of eight graduate courses (including those completed while registered as an M.A.Sc. student). Although Ph.D. students may not take more than one course at the 500-level, if a fast-track Ph.D. student has taken more than one such course as a M.A.Sc. student, he/she retains credit for all of them. The Ph.D. Qualifying exam must be held within nine months of the date that the transfer is approved. Students will be guaranteed financial support for up to five years from initial registration as an M.A.Sc. student, and are strongly encouraged to complete the Ph.D. program within that time.

To be eligible, the applicant will:

• normally have completed at least two terms of the M.A.Sc. program, but usually no more than three;
• have completed at least four graduate courses with a minimum average of A- and no grade lower than a B+;
• have demonstrated strength in research, as evidenced by at least two strong letters of recommendation from the supervisor and other faculty, and perhaps by high quality conference and journal publications.

To apply to fast-track:

• the student submits a letter to the Graduate Coordinator requesting a fast-track transfer; the letter will include a summary of evidence of research ability, a summary of progress in the M.A.Sc. program and a research plan for the Ph.D., and a clear statement that the student understands that the transfer is one-way;
• the student's supervisor and at least one other faculty submit letters of recommendation to the MIE Graduate Studies Committee.

The MIE Graduate Studies Committee decides on the application. The Committee has the right to solicit additional information from any source, and has the right to deny an application even if the student meets the minimum academic standard. The Committee will only grant a fast-track transfer if it is convinced that the student will excel in the Ph.D. program.

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Retroactive Transfer

The retroactive M.A.Sc. to Ph.D. transfer is only available to M.A.Sc. students who have already completed another Master's degree, but whose research ability could not be evaluated prior to admission to the Department of MIE.

Students may only apply for a retroactive transfer if they were admitted to the "M.A.Sc. program with a possible upgrade to Ph.D.".

An applicant who is permitted to transfer must complete a total of five graduate courses (including those completed while registered as an M.A.Sc. student). No more than one 500-level course is allowed. The Ph.D. Qualifying exam must be held within nine months of the date that the transfer is approved. Students will be guaranteed financial support for up to four years from initial registration as an M.A.Sc. student, and are strongly encouraged to complete the Ph.D. program within that time.

To be eligible, the applicant will:

• normally have completed one term of study, but usually no more than three;
• have completed at least two 1000-level graduate courses with a minimum average of A- and no grade lower than a B+;
• have demonstrated strength in research, as evidenced by at least two strong letters of recommendation from the supervisor and other faculty, and perhaps by high quality conference and journal publications.

To apply for a retroactive transfer:

• the student submits a letter to the Graduate Coordinator requesting a retroactive transfer; the letter will include a summary of evidence of research ability, a summary of progress in the M.A.Sc. program and a research plan for the Ph.D., and a clear statement that the student understands that the transfer is one-way;
• the student's supervisor and at least one other faculty submit letters of recommendation to the MIE Graduate Studies Committee.

The MIE Graduate Studies Committee decides on the application. The Committee has the right to solicit additional information from any source, and has the right to deny an application even if a student meets the minimum academic standard. The Committee will only grant a retroactive transfer if it is convinced that the student will excel in the Ph.D. program.

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