Graduate Programs

Graduate Programs

The Department offers Master of Applied Science (MASc), Master of Engineering (MEng), Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs for those wishing to further their studies.

Degree Program Comparison

Below is a table that summarizes the difference between our various programs. For more detailed information about each program please see the program description, which can be found under this table.

Master of Engineering (MEng) Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL) Master of Applied Science (MASc) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Type of Program Professional Professional Research Research
Duration 12 months 12 months 24 months 48 months
Specialization Options
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Mechatronics Design
  • Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
    • Computational Modeling & Simulation
    • Design & Product Development
    • Microsystems & Nanotechnology
    • Energy & Environment
  • Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering
  • Clean Energy Engineering
  • Biomedical
  • Design & Applied Mechanics
  • Mechatronics & Manufacturing
  • Thermofluids
  • Biomedical
  • Design & Applied Mechanics
  • Mechatronics & Manufacturing
  • Thermofluids
Program Components
  • Coursework
  • Design Project
  • Co-op (NAME only)
  • Coursework
  • Business and leadership training
  • Co-op (NAME only)
  • Coursework
  • Graduate Seminar
  • Thesis
  • Coursework
  • Graduate Seminar
  • Dissertation
Eligibility for Financial Assistance May apply for Teaching Assistantships Scholarships are available based upon submitted program application Normally from their thesis supervisors and may apply for Teaching Assistantships, graduate awards and scholarships Normally from their thesis supervisors and may apply for Teaching Assistantships, graduate awards and scholarships
Cooperative Education Co-op options available. Approximately 4-8 month terms (Credits not applicable to master’s requirements, with the exception of NAME) Co-op options available for Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering. *12-week terms included in the 12 month program duration Co-op options available. Approximately 4-8 month terms (Credits not applicable to master’s requirements) N/A

Master of Applied Science (MASc)

The Master of Applied Science program is suitable for students wishing to pursue a traditional thesis-based Masters. All MASc courses are administered by Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

A MASc degree is expected to take around 24 months to complete. Your thesis is prepared with the guidance of your Research Supervisor, and typically falls under one of the Department’s Research Areas (biomedical†, design and applied mechanics, mechatronics and manufacturing, thermofluids). MASc students are eligible to complete in the engineering co-op program.

For application instructions, see MASc/PhD Applications.

Master of Engineering (MEng)

The Master of Engineering is a course-based program designed for engineers wishing to upgrade their training. During this 12-16 month program students take a prescribed set of courses designed to advance their skills. MEng students are allowed to enroll in the engineering co-op program.

Students interested in the MEng can apply to one of the following areas:

Mechatronics Design combines the fields of mechanical and electrical engineering in the study of integrated modelling, analysis, design and manufacture of electromechanical and mechatronic systems. These principles can be applied in the following industries: transportation; manufacturing and production engineering; biomedical and healthcare technologies; energy; aviation and aerospace; automated office and household technologies; and computer systems.

Students must have a Bachelor of Applied Science or equivalent, as well as some prior education in mechatronics design, to be eligible for the Mechatronics Design MEng program.

For application instructions, see Mechatronics Design (MEng)

The Master of Engineering in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering (MEng NAME) involves 8 months of intensive coursework followed by a 4-month internship or project. Students in this program take a specialized set of courses that draw material from Mechanical, Civil, and Materials Engineering, and that focus specifically on the design, construction, maintenance and operation of waterborne vehicles. This interdisciplinary, industry-focused program offers students an innovative education that will enable them to design and construct ships and other structures in the marine environment, and therefore prepare them for immediate and stimulating work in a vital and growing industry.

Students must have a Bachelor of Applied Science or equivalent to be eligible for the MEng NAME program.

Find out more: Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (MEng)

NOTE: The MEng in Biomedical Engineering is administered directly through the Faculty of Applied Science. All enquiries should be directed to the BME Office.

The Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering is a 16-month program aimed at students who wish to enhance their professional skills in biomedical engineering. Students engage in a combination of course work and internship or co-op work experience. The program emphasizes the clinical and industrial aspects of biomedical engineering and prepares students for careers in hospitals and private industry. Many students find employment as clinical engineers.†

Find out more: Biomedical Engineering

The Masters of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering is aimed at students interested in pursuing an accelerated technical degree in an area not covered by our other MEng programs.  The normal time for completion is 12-16 months, including a capstone project.  Many of the MEng projects will be more translational in nature and may be combined with opportunities for internship or co-op with a partnering company or startup.  This program is intended for academically strong students with well-articulated educational objectives.  Coursework is flexible but will normally have a concentration in one of these areas:

  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
    • This program of coursework focuses on fundamental computational methods and their applications in engineering modeling and simulation.
  • Design and Product Development
    • This program of coursework focuses on technical product design.
  • Energy and Environment
    • This program of coursework focuses on the technical aspects of energy conversion systems and their relation to environmental and health impacts.
  • Micro and Nano Mechanical Engineering
    • This program of coursework focuses on the fundamentals of micro- and nanoscale phenomena and their application to engineering systems.

Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL)

The Master of Engineering Leadership is a one-year professional degree program for practicing professionals who want to excel in their careers, broaden their technical perspectives and gain new business and leadership skills. Students undergo cross-disciplinary technical instruction and personal leadership development.

The Mechanical Engineering department offers MEL degrees in the following areas:

The Master of Engineering Leadership in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (MEL NAME) is intended for engineers who are three to five years or more into their careers. This program combines the engineering and physics of ship design with broad business and leadership training. Students leave the program with the ability to manage complex shipbuilding design and procurement programs, and the qualifications to work in the field of ship project management.

Students must have a Bachelor of Applied Science or equivalent, as well as 3 or more years of professional experience, to be eligible for the MEL NAME program

Find out more: Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (MEL)

The Master of Engineering Leadership in Clean Energy Engineering (MEL CEEN) is designed for engineers and environmental science graduates who want to make their sustainable vision a reality and advance their careers in the field of clean energy. The program offers leadership courses on project management, business and communication, while deepening students’ knowledge of sustainable energy systems, energy distribution networks, energy efficiency and energy policy.

Students must have a Bachelor of Applied Science or equivalent, as well as 3 or more years of professional experience, to be eligible for the MEL CEEN program.

Find out more: Clean Energy Engineering

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The Doctor of Philosophy Program is for students who wish to pursue independent research. As with the MASc, the PhD Program is administered by Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. The expected duration of the PhD program is 4 years, though it varies depending on a student’s circumstances. The Department’s research areas are as follows: biomedical†, design and applied mechanics, mechatronics and manufacturing, thermofluids.

For application instructions, see MASc/PhD Applications.

 

†

The Biomedical Engineering Program (BME) vs the Biomedical Engineering Research Group

What is the difference between selecting the Biomedical Engineering Program compared to the Biomedical Engineering Research Group within the Mechanical Engineering Department?

There are several factors which might convince a student to complete a degree in Biomedical Engineering vs. one in Mechanical Engineering in the Biomedical Engineering Research Group, or vice versa. They are briefly summarised in the table below.

The main differences between the two are the presence of core courses and the degree you graduate with. The Biomedical Engineering Program requires students complete a number of core courses, while Mechanical Engineering does not have that built-in structure. Students who enrol in the Biomedical Engineering Program get a MASc/PhD in Biomedical Engineering, while students who enrol in the Biomedical Engineering Research Group under Mechanical Engineering receive a MASc/PhD in Mechanical Engineering.

Summary of the differences between the BME Program and the Biomedical Engineering Research Group

BME Program Biomedical Engineering Research Group
Mandatory Core Courses: Yes No
Degree: MASc/PhD in Biomedical Engineering MASc/PhD in Mechanical Engineering
Admissions: BME Office MECH Student Services
Program to select on online applications: Biomedical – Mechanical Mechanical Engineering
Applications: BME Office MECH Student Services
Home Department: Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering