Thinking about the accelerated MASc option? This FAQ will tell you everything you need to know!
What is the Accelerated MASc program?
The accelerated MASc program allows iBioMed students to receive their MASc in Biomedical Engineering within one year of full-time study instead of two.
When do I apply for the MASc program?
Application to the Accelerated MASc program requires planning within a student’s undergraduate degree starting in their penultimate year:
- Application for entry into the accelerated option occurs in the penultimate year of undergraduate studies.
- Applicants must have an annual sessional average of 9.0 at the time of contacting the Director of the School of Biomedical Engineering to express their intention to apply for the accelerated MASc option (annual sessional average of 9.0 at the end of their 3rd year).
- Applicants must find a supervisor within the Fall/Winter terms of their penultimate year.
- Students will be expected to begin their first term of their research project with their proposed supervisor at the end of their 4th year (i.e. during May through August), prior to completion of their undergraduate degree.
- Students must formally apply to Graduate Studies by the end of their final year of their undergraduate program and are expected to begin in May of the year they graduate.
- Applicants will need to follow the normal application procedures of Graduate Studies and must meet the requirements of both the School of Biomedical Engineering and the School of Graduate Studies.
- Entry into the MASc program under the accelerated option must occur less than one year upon completion of one’s undergraduate degree and must meet the same requirement for admissions as other candidates.
What are the admission requirements?
- Applicants must have a sessional average of 9.0 at the time they are applying for this option.
- At the end of their 4th year, students will need to complete the first term of their research project with their proposed supervisor (i.e. during May through August), prior to completion of their undergraduate degree.
- The accelerated option also requires students to complete one of either IBEHS 4F04 (Biomedical Instrumentation and Measurement) or IBEHS 4QZ3 (Modelling of Biological Systems) in their penultimate or final year. These courses must be taken as 600-level courses.
When would I start my accelerated MASc program?
Students will officially start their accelerated MASc in May (after completion of their 5th year, and once they have been cleared to graduate) and pursue research throughout the summer.
What are the requirements for receiving my MASc?
The Accelerated MASc option is administered through the School of Biomedical Engineering at McMaster. Please review the School of Graduate Studies Calendar https://academiccalendars.romcmaster.ca/index.php for all details. All detailed questions should be directed to biomedg@mcmaster.ca.
- Students would take either core course Biomed 701 (required by HESE students) in the Fall or Biomed 706 (required for Engineering students) in the Winter.
- Students would be required to take a third course, at the 700 level, which would be decided upon between them and their supervisor.
Is there an Accelerated Direct to PhD option?
Yes. Applicants must have a sessional average of 11.0 at the time they are applying for this option. They would follow the same schedule as above. However, they would extend the degree by at least 2 extra years (for a total of 3 years, post-undergraduate studies). Such students would need an additional three 700 level courses beyond the one 600 level and on core course (total of 5 courses). This option would be available only to McMaster undergraduate students. Other students already possessing an accelerated Master’s degree, or any other type of Master’s degree, would not be accepted into this program.
