Civil Engineering - MASc – Faculty of Engineering

Length: 2 years
Degree: Master of Applied Science (Co-op Available)
Type: Thesis-based
Options: Co-op

Overview

The objective of the MASc program is to strengthen the knowledge gained at the undergraduate level and to provide a significant introduction to research involving original investigation in these areas. This research program requires the completion of the equivalent of four half graduate level courses plus presentation and defence of a thesis embodying results of an original investigation. This program is intended mainly for full-time candidates but may be taken on a part-time basis.

Useful Links

How to apply

Specializations

Bioelectrochemical systems
Bridge Engineering
Computational Mechanics and Finite Element Analysis
Construction Data Sensing and Fusion
Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics
Effective Design of Structures
Geomechanics
Geotechnical Engineering
Intelligent Construction Systems
Intelligent Transportation Systems
Material Durability and Service Life Modeling
Sustainable Communities
Wastewater Treatment Engineering
Water Resources/Environmental Information Systems

Academic Prerequisites

Honours Bachelor’s Degree (4 Year) in Engineering, Sciences, or equivalent.

Find English language requirements here.

Anticipated Admission Range

Min B (75%)

How to Apply Civil Engineering MASc degree requirements

Applicationdeadlines

Please refer to the McMaster University Graduate Studies application portal to view the program open dates and deadlines.

How to apply

Applicants are required to upload the following documents in the application system when applying to the Department of Civil Engineering. If a document is missing the application will not be considered. We do not accept hard copies of documentation, only PDF copies will be accepted.

Copies of all official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended (PDF)
One-page Statement of Interest
Proof of English-Language Proficiency, TOEFL or IELTS accepted (Exempted if applicant attended University in Canada, USA, UK, or Australia)
Two Academic References

Applicants are required to provide the names and contact information of two academic references. These references are to come from instructors most familiar with your academic work. Referees will be contacted via our electronic referencing system, references uploaded by the applicant will not be accepted. If a referee is unable to use the electronic referencing system they may email the reference form to civil@mcmaster.ca.

Visit the School of Graduate Studies website for information on the application process

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply now if I haven’t finished my degree?

You can apply for a graduate degree while you are finishing your current program. The Graduate Affairs Committee will review your in-progress transcripts that you submit at the time of your application.

Can I apply now if I don’t have an up to date TOEFL or IELTS test result?

Applicants whose results are not within the last two years should submit a new TOEFL or IELTS test result.

What if my degree was completed in English?

If you completed a 4 year degree in English, the department may accept this as proof of English language proficiency. You must include an official letter from your previous institution noting the language of instruction OR have this printed on your transcript. Please include these documents as a pdf file when you apply.

Is DuoLingo Accepted for Graduate Studies?

No. We only accept IELTS or TOEFL.

Do I apply to co-op when I submit my application?

Co-op options are only discussed once you are in the program. The Centre for Career Growth and Experience (the Centre) office will send information to all new students at the beginning of the degree and students must obtain permission from their supervisor to take a co-op term(s).

Can you waive the application fee?

The university does not waive application fees.

Can you consider my application for more than one degree?

Applicants will only be considered for the degree in which they applied. If an applicant wants to be considered for more than one degree, a separate application (including documents and referee submissions) must be submitted for each degree.

Do I need to send you official transcripts?

You do not need an official transcript to apply. However, if you are accepted into the program, you will be required to submit official transcripts at that time.

We do not accept hard copy transcripts for application documents. Only digital copies are required for application review. We do not require any official transcripts (hard copy or digital) unless an applicant is granted an offer of admission.

Do I need a supervisor?

Yes. The MEng, MASc and PhD programs all require students to have a supervisor.

Do I need to find a supervisor myself?

No, applicants are not required to find a supervisor themselves. If an applicant makes it to the final round of the admission competition then all faculty members will have access to review their application. If a faculty member is interested then an offer of admission will be granted.

If you would like to contact a faculty member about the possibility of gaining their admissions support as a potential supervisor and advocate for your application, please feel free to reach out to them by email. Contact information for faculty members is listed on the department website.

How much is tuition?

Tuition information can be found here: https://registrar.mcmaster.ca/fees/graduate/

Click on the Faculty of Engineering tab and then scroll down to the correct program tuition chart (The MEng program is course based, the MASc is research based and PhD is PhD). Also note, level is the same as the year e.g., level 1 is year 1 of study.

Will I receive a scholarship?

Full time MASc and PhD students receive funding from the department in the form of scholarships. MEng do not receive scholarships.

Do I need to submit GRE results?

No, we do not require or accept GRE results.

Can I use work or professional references for my application?

No, only academic references are accepted.

Can I apply if my degree is not in Civil Engineering? If so, do I need to take any prerequisites?

Yes, you can apply if your area is not in civil engineering but it is helpful if you do have this background. You don’t need to take any prerequisites to apply. If you gain admission, your supervisor will advise you on what courses you should take.

Co-op and Student Life

Graduate Co-op

Master’s and PhD students may complete 4 to 12 months of co-op experience in various types of organizations, including corporations, non-profit organizations, government agencies, startups and research institutions.

Explore Co-op
Engineering Graduate Society

The EGS actively supports engineering graduate students through events, workshops, bursaries, and collaboration with various campus organizations, focusing on representation, community building, and academic and professional development.

Visit the EGS site
Life in Hamilton

Hamilton, also known as The Hammer or Steeltown, is a thriving city close to the U.S. border and Toronto, with easy access for students commuting from the Greater Toronto Area via the on-campus GO Bus Terminal.

Discover Hamilton, ON