Program Requirements

Program Length

The MSc program may be completed through full-time or part-time studies. The information on this page pertains to students registered full-time in the MSc program. NOTE: There are no scheduled breaks in any of the streams.

For information about part-time studies, see the graduate academic calendar.

Coursework Stream

The coursework stream is available in person or online. 

It is anticipated that students enrolled ini the full-time coursework stream will take four consecutive terms to complete the degree. The full-time coursework option is only available at the Brantford campus. The part-time online coursework option is completed in five to nine terms. 

Progression

Total of nine courses: two required plus six additional courses at the 600 level and CP683 (graduate project). 

Recommended progression over four terms: 

• Term 1 (fall): three courses (CP600 and two additional courses at the 600 level)
• Term 2 (winter): three courses (CP601 and two additional courses at the 600 level)
• Term 3 (spring): two additional courses at the 600 level 
• Term 4 (fall): CP683 graduate project

Co-op Stream

The co-op option is only available at the Waterloo campus. 

The co-op stream is five consecutive terms in length and includes two, four-month or one, eight-month co-op placement. 

Following their work term, students return to campus for one final academic term where they take part in a project-based course to help connect their work and academic experiences. 

There is no option to switch to the co-op stream after admission.

Thesis Stream

The thesis stream is five consecutive terms in length and includes coursework and a written thesis. 

Advisors and Supervisors

Once admitted to the thesis stream, each student will be assigned an advisor.

The advisor (for thesis students) is chosen through discussions and matching of research interests of faculty and students. The advisory committee for each student is formed shortly after the selection of the advisor/supervisor, in accordance with the rules in the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies calendar.

During their first term, most students concentrate on coursework. In addition to taking courses in their second term, students begin to work on their thesis that is then continued until completion of their program. Upon completion of their thesis, students must arrange with their advisory committee for its defence and then finally for their graduation.

Duties and Responsibilities of Advisors and Supervisors

The primary responsibility for the completion of a thesis within an acceptable length of time lies with the student. The role of an advisor or supervisor encompasses:

• Outlining the requirements of a thesis/project; indicating primary source material.
• Developing the scope of the research problem.
• Indicating primary source material.
• Developing a research plan that reflects the timelines outlined on the department’s graduate website.
• Giving guidance on the form of the presentation of the thesis or project.
• Following the progress of the student through appropriate meetings and evaluation of preliminary work.
• Helping to resolve problems the student encounters in the research.
• Giving guidance on the formatting of the thesis or project for presentation.
• Providing general mentoring of her/his graduate students.

The thesis advisor is a member of the student’s thesis advisory committee and the thesis examining committee. If issues arise between student and advisor/supervisor, they should be dealt with by the graduate officer. If the graduate officer is the advisor/supervisor, then the issue is addressed to the department chair or designate.

For more information, see  Regulations and Procedures Governing the Master's Thesis in the graduate academic calendar.