Engineering Physics - MASc – Faculty of Engineering

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

Program highlights

Engineering Physics at McMaster is at the cutting edge of modern physics, advancing technology to address grand challenges in energy, health, digital technology, and renewable resources, with research focused on biomedical engineering, nuclear and energy systems, nano- and micro-device engineering, and photonics.

Students working on machines in the shop

Cutting-edge research

Research in Engineering Physics includes:

Centre for Emerging Device Technologies
McMaster Nuclear Reactor
McMaster’s Biophotonics Facilities
Biointerfaces Institute
Centre for Advanced Nuclear Systems
McMaster Intense Positron Beam Facility
University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering (UNENE)

Areas of research:

Biomedical Engineering
Nuclear Engineering and Energy Systems
Nanotechnology, Nano- and Micro-Device Engineering
Photonics Engineering
Smart Systems

Useful Links

How to apply

Academic Prerequisites

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

Find English language requirements here.

Anticipated Admission Range

Min B (73-76%)

How to Apply Engineering Physics MASc degree requirements

Student working on machine. Hands-on experience.

Program structure

A candidate for the MASc degree is required to complete a minimum of three half courses and a thesis; one of the three half courses may be at the 600-level; another one may be a non-technical course with written approval from the Supervisor. In addition to the minimum of three half courses, M.A.Sc. candidates are required to complete the seminar half course ENG PHYS 702. A minimum grade of B− must be obtained for all courses. The thesis topic is chosen in consultation with the Supervisor and must result in a written thesis.

Advanced Credit Option

Students currently enrolled in the MASc program may request advance credit for one course based on courses taken in their undergraduate degree at McMaster. The Advanced Credit Option is open to students who were undergraduates in the Engineering Physics program at McMaster University who graduated with an overall average (CGPA) of at least B. The Advanced Credit Option allows graduate credit for one 600-level course taken in the final undergraduate year.

Accelerated Option

An Accelerated Option is also available to students currently enrolled at McMaster as undergraduate students in the Department of Engineering Physics. The accelerated credit and thesis-related research work completed under the Accelerated Option are expected to reduce time to completion of the MASc program. In exceptional circumstances, students from other Engineering departments in McMaster applying for entry into the MASc program in Engineering Physics may apply for the Accelerated Option with the permission of the Department Associate Chair (Graduate). Application for entry into the Accelerated Option occurs in the penultimate year of undergraduate studies. Applicants must have an overall average (CGPA) of at least B at the time they are applying for the option. The Accelerated Option requires students to complete the equivalent of at least one term of their thesis-related project with a Supervisor from the Department prior to completion of their undergraduate degree. For students enrolled in the Accelerated Option, research conducted in ENGPHYS 3H04, 4H04 or the equivalent may count towards the Accelerated Option and therefore towards partial fulfillment of the graduate MASc thesis work. A 600-level course offered by the Department is required under the Accelerated Option in the final undergraduate year for graduate credit. Students must enter into the MASc program under the Accelerated Option less than one year after they complete their undergraduate degree and they must meet the same requirements for admission as other candidates. The Advanced Credit Option may not be used in conjunction with the Accelerated Option.

Transfer to PhD program

After a minimum of one year in the MASc program, a student may transfer to the PhD program without completion of the Master’s, upon successful completion of a transfer examination. The transfer examination will be completed with the intended PhD Supervisory Committee. The transfer exam will count towards the requirement of the PhD thesis proposal.

A written report must be submitted prior to the transfer exam, which itself is oral and includes a presentation.

Salary information

Full-time graduate students admitted to the Master’s and PhD programs in Engineering Physics will receive financial support in the form of a teaching assistantship, a departmental scholarship, and a research scholarship. The minimum level of support varies from year to year. Students who are recipients of a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Scholarship or other external/internal scholarships will receive increased levels of support.

Completing your application

A complete application will consist of:

Official transcripts
Two academic references
English language proficiency test results
Statement of Interest
- Tell us which professor you are interested in.
- Do your homework – tell us which specific project you are interested in and with whom. Do some research in the area, read some of the professor’s papers, and present an interest in a specific project related to the professor’s research. Demonstrate that you have some initiative and provide the professor with some demonstration that you’ve actually read their work and thought about a project that interests you.
- Why should we hire you? What courses, skills, and experiences do you possess that are relevant to the project. Prove that you have the background to do well in a specific project.
- Ask any specific questions you may have about the professor’s work, based on what you’ve read in one of their papers or on their website. Show that you are curious about the subject you are proposing to work on for the next few years.

Admission deadlines

For September Admission:
- Domestic Students Deadline: July 31
- International/Visa Students Deadline: May 31

For January Admission:
- Domestic Students Deadline: November 30
- International/Visa Students Deadline: October 31

For May Admission:
- Domestic Students Deadline: March 31
- International/Visa Students Deadline: February 28

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