Engineering Physics - MEng – Faculty of Engineering

Length: 16 months
Degree: Master of Engineering (Co-op Available)
Type: Course-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 MEng degree requirements

Student working on machine. Hands-on experience.

Program structure

Candidacy

A candidate for the MEng degree is required to complete a minimum of eight half courses (the equivalent of five half courses must be at the 700-level). The candidate must attain a grade of at least B− in each of the selected courses. At least three of these half courses must be from Engineering Physics; The remaining half courses must be technical courses for which the candidate must obtain permission from the Department Associate Chair (Graduate). In addition, the candidate must complete the course ENG PHYS 733 (six units), an on-campus research project of four months duration to be pursued under the supervision of a faculty member in the Department. The subject area is to be chosen in consultation with the Department Associate Chair (Graduate) and the supervising faculty member. The project requires full-time attention and as such the student is expected not to take any other courses while undertaking the project. The project will normally take place during the summer term. The total unit count required for completion of the program is 30.

Advanced Credit Option

Students currently enrolled in the MEng 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.

The Advanced Credit Option may not be used in conjunction with the Accelerated Option which similarly allows an undergraduate student to count one 600-level course taken during their final year towards their degree requirements of the MEng program. In exceptional circumstances, students from other Engineering departments in McMaster applying for entry into the MEng program in Engineering Physics may apply for the Advanced Credit Option with the permission of the Department’s Associate Chair (Graduate). Entry into the MEng program under the Advanced Credit Option must occur less than one year upon completing one’s undergraduate degree and must meet the same requirements for admission as other candidates.

Transfer to PhD program

After a minimum of one year in the MEng 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.

Specialization in Integrated Systems and Devices for Next Generation Applications

The Department offers the opportunity to pursue a specialized MEng program in the topic of Integrated Systems and Devices for Next Generation Applications. The aim of this specialization is to provide students with theoretical and practical insights and experience into the application of modern materials and devices in emerging industries and areas of global importance (for example: Data communications, Web 2.0, the Internet of Things, and Clean Energy). To obtain maximum alignment with this specialization, the Department has selected specific courses for consideration by the student:

The Department recommends the candidate complete the following level 600 courses:

ENG PHYS 6S03- Lasers and Electro-Optics

ENG PHYS 6X03- Introduction to Photovoltaics

ENG PHYS 6I03- Introduction to Biophotonics

Plus three level 700 courses, chosen from the following list:

ENG PHYS 705- III-V Materials and Devices

ENG PHYS 708- Quantum Materials, Devices, and Systems

ENG PHYS 726- Optoelectronic Device Physics

ENG PHYS 729- Thin Film Growth and Deposition

ENG PHYS 730- Thin Film Characterization

ENG PHYS 752- Advanced MEMS fabrication and Microfluidics

ENG PHYS 782- Solid-State Electronics

Plus, two level 700 course of the student’s choice, offered by the Faculty of Engineering (in agreement with the Department Chair).

In addition, the candidate must complete ENG PHYS 733- Research Project in Engineering Physics (six units).

Salary information

Full-time graduate students admitted to the MEng program in Engineering Physics do not receive financial support. Financial support is available for the MASc and PhD programs.

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

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