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Degree Options:

Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)

Engineering Physics

The M.Eng. degree is a course-based program where students are required to complete courses and an on-campus research project.

Current Student Inquiries:

Email:
Phone:
+1 905.525.9140 x 27925
Office:
JHE-A315
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Future Student Information

Overview

Engineering Physics at McMaster is pushing the forefront of modern physics to better the world through technological advancement. We are solving the grand challenges of the future such as energy supply, human health, digital information and communications technology, and renewable energy.

Engineering Physics at McMaster is engaged in leading edge research in biomedical engineering, nuclear and energy systems engineering, nano- and micro-device engineering, and photonics engineering. 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)

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Important information:

Degree Type

Graduate Degree

LENGTH

16 months

ACADEMIC Requirements

Minimum B standing (McMaster’s GPA – 8.0)

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

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Program Structure

A candidate for the M.Eng. 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.

Students currently enrolled in the M.Eng. 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

Transfer to the Ph.D.

After a minimum of one year in the M.Eng. program, a student may transfer to the Ph.D. program without completion of the Master’s, upon successful completion of a transfer examination. The transfer examination will be completed with the intended Ph.D. Supervisory Committee. The transfer exam will count towards the requirement of the Ph.D. 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 M.Eng. 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).

Areas of Research

Biomedical Engineering

  • Biosensors
  • Biophotonics

Nuclear Engineering and Energy Systems

  • Intense positron beam used to probe defects in materials
  • Investigation of irradiated materials from nuclear power reactors
  • Nuclear safety analysis, nuclear fuel and waste management, nuclear physics

Nanotechnology, Nano- and Micro-Device Engineering

  • Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS)
  • photovoltaics
  • organic electronics
  • optoelectronics
  • materials and devices

Photonics Engineering

  • Silicon photonics
  • displays
  • laser applications
  • sensors
  • ultrafast lasers

Smart Systems

  • Smart systems integrate various sensors and actuators to analyze and control a process.

Admission Requirements

For admission to the M.Eng. degree programme, a strong baccalaureate degree with at least a B standing (equivalent to McMaster’s GPA – 8.0) in engineering, mathematics or the physical sciences is required.

Entrance Scholarship

There are no scholarships available for this program.

Admission Deadlines

  • For September Admission:
    • Domestic Students Deadline: April 30
    • International/Visa Students Deadline: February 28

Requirements

  • GPA of B (73 – 76%)
  • TOEFL score minimum requirement is 550 paper based, 88 iBT and 213 computer based
  • IELTS minimum is 6.5
  • PTE Academic- 70 overall
  • CAEL - 70 overall
  • MELAB- 85 overall
  • Interim English Language Proficiency (ELP) Score Policy in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic:
    Duolingo English Proficiency test scores (Effective from March 13, 2020 to October 30, 2021):
    • Duolingo English Test minimum = 120
    • Test report forms must be completed/uploaded before submitting application, if applicable.
    • Test reports are also to be sent to: 
      Graduate Administrative Assistant
      Department of Engineering Physics
      John Hodgins Engineering Building (JHE) A315
      McMaster University
      1280 Main St. W.
      Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L7
    • The Duolingo scores will be accepted only for the purpose of review by the Graduate Admissions Committee and for making an initial offer to applicants. Enrollment in our graduate programs will be contingent on completing a satisfactory TOEFL or IELTS test. If an applicant is admitted to the program in Engineering Physics, the applicant has to complete a TOEFL or IELTS that meets the standards above no later than 30 days before the start of the admitted term. In the case of failure to clear the TOEFL/IELTS condition 30 days before the term, in additional to all other conditions as stated in the offer letter, the offer will be considered as a declined offer status.
    • Details on The Faculty of Engineering Website here.

Please note: McMaster is currently updating its admission application system.  As such, if you come across any errors in your application, or you find you are unable to submit your application, please email engphys@mcmaster.ca and we will contact you.

Admissions Questions? Click Here 

How to Apply

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. 

Please visit the School of Graduate Studies website, for more information and detailed instructions on How to Apply: http://graduate.mcmaster.ca/academic-services/how-apply

Advanced Credit

Students currently enrolled in their final year of an Engineering Physics undergraduate program at McMaster University may apply for an Advanced Credit Option. The Advanced Credit Option is open to undergraduates who have an overall average (CGPA) of at least B at the time they are applying for the option. The Advanced Credit Option allows undergraduate students to take one 600-level course during their final undergraduate year for graduate credit. 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 M.Eng. program. In exceptional circumstances, students from other Engineering departments in McMaster applying for entry into the M.Eng. program in Engineering Physics may apply for the Advanced Credit Option with the permission of the Department’s Associate Chair (Graduate). Entry into the M.Eng. 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.

Salary Information

Full-time graduate students admitted to the M.Eng. program in Engineering Physics do not receive financial support. Financial support is available for the M.A.Sc. and Ph.D. programs. 

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