Why choose the Department of Mechanical & Industrial
From Artificial Intelligence and Optimization to Robotics, Information Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing, our researchers are on the cutting edge of the latest technologies that are revolutionizing our world. As an MIE graduate student, you will collaborate with exceptional researchers and industry leaders while gaining the expertise and experience to accelerate your career.
Our department offers graduate students a wealth of opportunity and support. Many of our students benefit from teaching assistantships, external fellowships and travel grants.
Advance knowledge. Drive innovation. Engineer the future.
Degree Programs
The Master of Engineering (MEng) program is highly flexible and allows you to customize your selection of coursework from 100+ courses to advance your professional skills to stand out for competitive industry jobs.
Students can specialize through MEng emphases in some of today’s most sought-after topics, like data analytics and machine learning, financial engineering, robotics, and Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Innovation & Technology in Engineering (ELITE), or advanced manufacturing.
MEng applicants have the option of applying for a co-op (paid professional work experience) and the option of completing a project (practical or research) with a supervisor. During application, you can personalize the duration of their program which can range from 12 months to 36 months.
In this full-time, two-year program, Master of Applied Science (MASc) students complete a thesis supervised by an MIE professor.
MASc students receive funding during the program and can apply for various scholarships.
The MASc is ideal for students who aspire to a rewarding career in research, whether in academia or industry, and can be a stepping stone to a doctoral degree.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students work with faculty members to gain the knowledge and competencies needed for a career in research or industry leadership.
The keystone of the doctoral program is a thesis of original work, supervised by a professor.
PhD students receive funding during the program and can apply for various scholarships.
A flex-time PhD option is available for students who wish to pursue a PhD while continuing to work.
Degrees at a Glance
| Professional Stream | Research Stream | |
|---|---|---|
| Degree | Master of Engineering (MEng) | Master of Applied Science (MASc); Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) |
| Candidates | Interested in standing out for competitive industry jobs through a customizable selection of 10 courses from 100+ courses. | Motivated by advanced research and academic collaboration; gateway to diverse careers including academia, government and industry |
| Program focus | Course-based with specialization through MEng Emphases. Many students pursue a faculty-supervised project and/or gain professional experience through an optional co-op or practicum. | Research-intensive training in a laboratory setting under the guidance of a supervisor. MASc is often a stepping stone to a PhD. |
| Supervisor | Not required | Required |
| Length | Full-time (12 months) Extended full-time (16 months to 24 months) Part-time (28 months to 36 months) | MASc (2 years) PhD (4 years) Direct-entry PhD (5 years) Flex-time PhD (6 years) |
| Funding | Self-funded | Funded (except flex-time PhD) |
NEW - limited spaces available
MEng Co-op for students starting in Fall 2026
Gain paid professional work experience in industry while earning your Master of Engineering degree
Research Areas
Robotics
Applied Machine Learning
Artificial Intelligence
Data Science
Materials
Thermofluids
Human Factors
Information Engineering
Operations Research
Mechanics & Design
Important Dates
Application Deadlines
Professional Stream
| MEng Program | Application Type | Deadline Date |
|---|---|---|
| Application deadline for MEng (Part Time, Full Time or Extended Full Time) for January 2027 start | International & Domestic | September 15, 2026 & November 15, 2026 |
| Application deadline for MEng Co-op for September 2027 start | International & Domestic | Feb 8, 2027 |
| Application deadline for MEng (Part Time, Full Time or Extended Full Time) for September 2027 start | International & Domestic | April 15, 2027 & May 31, 2027 |
Research Stream
| MASc and PhD Programs | Application Type | Deadline Date |
|---|---|---|
| Application deadline for January 2027 start | International & Domestic | October 1, 2026 |
| Application deadline for September 2027 start | International & Domestic | TBA |
Upcoming Events
Grad Student Experience
Student Life: Make the most of your graduate experience
Graduate Engineering Council of Students (GECoS)
A student-led forum for cross-departmental collaboration on academic, social and professional events.
Grad Student Resources
Learn more about grad resources including career exploration, alumni networking opportunities and more.
“The MEng program allowed me the flexibility to take a range of classes, dabbling in mechanical engineering, artificial intelligence, and many other areas. It has enriched my knowledge, especially in the areas of system design and integration and machine learning. It prepared me well for getting my first job. The courses broadened my horizons and fulfilled my academic background for my future career.”
“My supervisor has supported and encouraged my research endeavours on clean energy topics since the start. Any big idea I had was met with enthusiasm, guidance and support. He has built and fostered a lab with brilliant scientists who are willing to help and lift each other up when needed.”
PhD candidate LaShawn Murray is exploring how digital tools can improve health care delivery in First Nations communities, with a focus on reducing administrative burdens for nurses. She is collaborating with an Alberta-based public health informatics social enterprise with a focus on improving Indigenous health systems. Read more.
Message from the Associate Chairs
Whether you are drawn to our research‑intensive PhD and MASc programs or our course‑based MEng degree, you will find a supportive, dynamic community here in the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering. We foster innovation, collaboration and real‑world problem solving through extensive industry connections and interdisciplinary opportunities. Join MIE for your graduate degree to expand your expertise, shape the future and advance your career. Your ideas and talent have a place here, and we can’t wait to see you start your journey with us.
Professor Samin Aref
Associate Chair, Professional Programs
Professor Aref is an industrial engineer and a computer scientist. He's an AI and data science expert who teaches courses in the MEng Data Analytics & Machine Learning emphasis.
Professor Eric Diller
Associate Chair, Graduate Studies
Professor Diller is a mechanical engineer and roboticist. His Microrobotics Lab is developing the next generation of tiny robots that can be wirelessly piloted.
Finances
Funding
The PhD and MASc programs are fully funded (except flex-time PhD). This means that PhD and MASc applicants who are admitted receive funding alongside their admission letters. Read more about scholarship and funding opportunities within MIE.
The MEng program is self-funded. This means that MEng applicants who are admitted are expected to have sufficient funds for covering tuition and living expenses during their program.
All full-time graduate students are eligible to apply for Teaching Assistant paid positions at MIE.