Overview
Academic Advising
The Engineering Academic Advising Office Operations
The Engineering Academic Advising Office is open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Bookings with the Academic Advisors are available by appointment only.
The Engineering Chat Bot is available to help answer general questions 24/7 and the Virtual Helpdesk is available Monday – Friday from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Get In Touch With Us
We are happy to help you navigate your academic needs as quickly and as easily as possible. The Virtual Helpdesk is your first point of contact with the support team at the Academic Advising Office, Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Outside of these hours, a chat bot can assist you with any commonly asked questions. Our team can help you with general inquiries, access to resources and forms, and booking appointments with the Academic Advisors.
Getting Started with the Virtual Helpdesk
Our Virtual Helpdesk operates from Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Outside of these hours, a chatbot can assist you with any commonly asked questions.
The live “Chat Online” button is located at the bottom right corner of the Academic Advising website. If you have any issues accessing the chat, please try using a different browser (eg. Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.) and device. Make sure your browser allows pop-ups and turn off ad blockers to prevent interference with the chat.
Our Helpdesk team can help you with general inquiries, access to resources and forms, and booking appointments with our advisors.
The Engineering Helpdesk Support team is available to assist you with any problems or questions you may have. This includes course selections, changes to your enrolment, McMaster Student Absence Form (MSAF), exams, taking courses at another university (for credit at McMaster), Petitions for Special Consideration and much more. You can book an appointment with an academic advisor through the Virtual Helpdesk. During after-hours, please contact us via engserv@mcmaster.ca.
Your questions are important to us, and if we are not able to answer them, we may transfer your chat to a colleague with a different set of skills and knowledge. Please be patient, as it may take a couple of moments for the new team member to review the conversation and catch up on the important details.
Your privacy is one of our top priorities. When connecting with us, please do not share any personal information such as your date of birth or SIN. If we require your name or any other information, we will ask for it. It’s important to remember that we can only provide detailed information to you if you are the student, and unfortunately cannot provide information to family members or friends.
If your question requires a more in-depth investigation, we will ask you to connect with us through email and we will do our best to investigate and respond quickly. We can also book an appointment with your Academic Advisor.
You will be greeted by our Engineering chat bot who can help answer general questions. For more specific information you will be transfered to our Engineering Helpdesk team. Did you know that our online chat is managed by our Engineering Helpdesk team? There are four of us who take turns answering your questions during the morning and afternoon shifts. As a team, we strive to offer a friendly and positive service experience. We hope that you will engage in a similar approach when connecting with us.
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Book an Appointment
If you would like to book an appointment with your Academic Advisor please book through our Virtual Helpdesk, Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. or by emailing engserv@mcmaster.ca.
Please include your student number and the reason you are requesting an appointment in your email.
Address
Office of the Associate Dean
McMaster University
JHE-H301
1280 Main St. West
Hamilton, Ont., L8S 4L7
*Please note: In-person advising is by appointment only*
Academic Advisors
Engineering I Students:
To make an appointment or contact your Academic Advisor,
please email engserv@mcmaster.ca or using our Live Chat Monday – Friday 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Brennan Conry
- Engineering Physics
- Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences (iBioMed)

Darlene Hayward
- Software Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Materials Science & Engineering
Rupika Patil
- Biotechnology
- Automation Engineering Technology
- Civil Engineering Infrastrtucture Technology
- Power & Energy Engineering Technology

Janice Taylor
- Automotive & Vehicle Engineering Technology
- Software Engineering Technology
- Manufacturing Engieering Technology
Academic Forms and Procedures
For your convenience, below are some commonly used forms.
This information is protected and being collected under section 39 (2) and section 42 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act of Ontario.
For a list of department contacts click here.
Academic Policies, Procedures and Forms
The following courses have been accepted by the Faculty as meeting the definition of Complementary Studies outlined in the Faculty Academic Regulations in the Undergraduate Calendar. Check calendar descriptions for specific prerequisites. Substitutions, either taken at McMaster University or elsewhere on a Letter of Permission, require the approval of the Associate Dean (Academic) of Engineering.
The Faculty of Engineering has the responsibility to ensure that degree, program and course requirements are met in a manner that is equitable to all students. While the Faculty adheres strictly to all deadlines and academic regulations as stated in the University Calendar, it does wish to assist students with legitimate difficulties. Students who seek special consideration or who wish to request that the application of a particular University or Faculty regulation be waived because of compelling medical, personal or family reasons, may submit a Petition for Special Consideration to the Office of the Associate Dean. Supporting documentation will be required but will not ensure approval of the Petition. The authority to grant Petitions lies with the Faculty Associate Dean’s office and is discretionary. Students are responsible for submitting Petitions for Special Consideration in a prompt and timely manner.
iBioMed students, please complete the iBioMed Petition for Special Consideration
Please send your completed petitions to our Engineering Admin Team
McMaster recognizes that students may periodically require relief from academic work for medical or other personal circumstances.
- Students have ONE self-report MSAF and TWO Administrative MSAFs available to them per term.
- Students CANNOT EXCEED 35% MISSED WORK PER COURSE in a term; once the missed work submitted reaches 35% (prior to the exam period) for a course, MSAF requests will be denied
- The MSAF cannot be used for academic work that has already been completed or attempted.
- Attempting online work INCLUDES opening a test/quiz on Avenue to Learn or other platform.
- The MSAF cannot be used for academic work for which relief has already been requested
- The MSAF should not be used for absences as a result of religious obligation or to celebrate an important religious holiday. Please see the RISO Accommodation information.
- The MSAF cannot be used to apply for relief for any final examination or its equivalent.
Please see the Self Report and Administrative Sections Below for more information and specifics about each kind of MSAF submission
For the full McMaster Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines on Requests for Relief for Missed Academic Term Work, please visit the University Secretariate page for the full McMaster Student Absence Policy.
Self-Report
Self Reports are submitted by the student online through Mosaic: Student Centre>Academics>MSAF
This is available to Students ONCE per term:
- For missed academic work worth 24% or less of their final grade, lasting up to three calendar days.
- A Self Report applies only to work that is due within the consecutive three-day period for which relief is requested; however, all work due in that period can be covered by one MSAF.
- Students are encouraged to submit their MSAF at the end of the third calendar day of their original missed course work, in case they need to add additional missed works in that timeframe. All course work missed within that three-day period must be submitted at the same time, it cannot be submitted as multiple separate submissions.
- Example – first missed course work due on a Thursday. They can submit missed course work for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (inclusive) up to the Saturday before midnight.
- Supporting documentation is not required for a self-report.
An automated email will be sent to course instructor(s) who will determine the appropriate relief. Students MUST IMMEDIATELY follow up with their instructor(s). Failure to do so may negate the opportunity for relief.
NOTE: The Self-Report Feature Closes on the last day of classes for the term; the three calendar day window as mentioned above will not apply.
Administrative Report
Administrative MSAFs are required when a student:
- Has medical or personal situations lasting more than three calendar days, AND/OR
- Has missed academic work is worth 25% or more of the final grade, AND/OR
- has used the Self-Report previously in that Term.
Students are provided with TWO Administrative MSAFs per term. Additional MSAF requests will be denied.
- These MSAFs do not typically require supporting documentation, however, it may be requested should the Faculty Office deem it necessary to support the request.
- In instances supporting documentation is required, an MSAF applies only to work that is covered by the supporting documentation provided, however, all work due in that period can be covered by one MSAF.
The Faculty Office will let the student know if the MSAF was processed, if it was denied, or if it requires supporting documentation to be considered.
If processed, an automated email will be sent from Mosaic to course instructor(s), who will determine the appropriate relief. Students MUST immediately follow up with their instructor(s). Failure to do so may negate the opportunity for relief.
To submit an Administrative Report MSAF:
- Fill out the MSAF FORM with all details and FULL course codes
- please list each missed work as a separate item and provide all details requested. You can include as many pages as necessary
- Email required documents all in one message to engadmin@mcmaster.ca
- All Administrative MSAF forms must be submitted as early as possible, ideally within five calendar days of the missed academic work
PLEASE NOTE: Even if the Faculty Office processes the MSAF, it is ultimately up to the professor if they choose to accept it
Academic Conflicts
There may be instances where formal course assessments (eg. midterms and tests) may take place outside of regularly scheduled class time, resulting in a conflict with other formal assessments or mandatory, scheduled course components.
Students are required to connect with their professors and/or the Faculty Office offering the course to determine if an alternate write time is an option.
When this circumstance arises:
- Follow the process for submitting an Administrative MSAF (above)
- On the MSAF form, please indicate only the course work you plan not to attend/submit on the original date
- Academic Conflicts require supporting documentation – please provide the office with supporting documentation that confirms the conflict between the two academic requirements. It must show the full course code(s) and dates and times of the assessments.
NOTE: Should an alternate write time be offered and the assessment completed by the student, this will not count towards the 35% missed course work or the number of Administrative MSAFs per term.
Athletics
Students that are part of McMaster Varsity Athletics Teams may need to MSAF course work impacted by their team games.
Process:
- The student completes the Athlete Academic Conflict form
- Athletics processes and verifies the conflicting dates/times, and provides the Faculty Office with confirmation and approval as supporting documentation.
- Student submits an Administrative MSAF to engadmin@mcmaster.ca
Use the McMaster Student Health Certificate at medical appointments in order to obtain required information needed to validate absences.
McMaster University strives to be welcoming and inclusive of all its members and respectful of their differences. Students, staff and instructors come from a range of backgrounds, traditions and beliefs. The University recognizes that, on occasion, the timing of a student’s religious, Indigenous, or spiritual observances and that of their academic obligations may conflict. In such cases, the University will provide reasonable academic accommodation that is consistent with the Ontario Human Rights Code, through respectful, accessible and fair processes.
This Policy does not apply to the following: general course or program requirements; co-op, clinical and other experiential placements; residence; athletics; dietary restrictions; access to space; use of space; ablution; and employment matters, including teaching assistantships.
For more details, please review the Policy on Academic Accommodation for Religious, Indigenous and Spiritual Observances.
RISO Fact Sheet for Students (Please read this information fully before submitting your RISO Academic Accommodation Form)
RISO Fact Sheet for Instructors
For in-course work such as a midterm exam: Please send the form(s) to the Engineering Admin Team
For Final Exams: Please send the form(s) to The Exams Office
PERMISSIONS & PRE-REQUISITES: Required if you are wanting to enroll in a course for which you are missing the pre-requisites OR the course requires departmental permission.
CONFLICTS: Required if you are trying to enrol in courses with conflicting scheduled components (lectures, labs, tutorials)
OVERLOADS: Required if you are trying to enroll over your unit maximum for that term.
Please complete the required form version as indicated below. The department contact to follow up with if you have questions, or to send the form to if it is a PDF copy, is available below:
Permissions, Overloads, and Conflicts Department Contact List
Online Form Submissions
Permission/Prerequisites
Conflicts
PDF Form Submissions by Email
Please select the correct form by selecting the program you are in (or All Other Engineering Departments if you do not see yours listed)
Permissions/Pre-Requisites
Fill out the requested information and email it to the department offering the course
Overloads
Please email the form to your home department
Conflicts
Please email the completed form to your home department for review
McMaster University provides a Late Withdrawal option to assist students who have become irretrievably behind in a course. Students who have fallen behind with assignments and/or are not prepared to write final examinations (or equivalent) in one or more courses are encouraged to make use of this option and must contact their Academic Advisor in the Faculty/Program Office. Students will work with their Academic Advisor to discuss the situation and what steps they can take to prevent a recurrence.
The maximum number of units for which students may request a Late Withdrawal is 18 units throughout their undergraduate degree.
Students may request a Late Withdrawal, without petition, no later than the last day of classes in the relevant term. However, it is important to note that:
- Requests for Late Withdrawal cannot be made in courses for which the final exam (or equivalent) has been attempted or completed. This also includes courses where a final grade has been assigned (e.g. clinical courses).
- Such requests will be cancelled or revoked if it is determined that the student attempted or completed the final exam (or equivalent).
- Students cannot use the Late Withdrawal option for courses in which they are under investigation or for which they have been found guilty of academic dishonesty.
Course(s) approved for Late Withdrawal will be:
- Assigned a non-numeric grade of LWD, in lieu of an alpha/numerical grade
- Excluded from the calculation of the GPA
- Ineligible for tuition refund
Approval of a late withdrawal is final, and requests to be re-enrolled in the withdrawn course(s) will not be considered. A withdrawal will not preclude students from enrolling in the course(s) in a subsequent term.
Apply using the Request for Late Withdrawal Form.
The Faculty of Engineering begins accepting transfer request forms each April. Please fill out a Program Transfer Request Form and send the completed form to our Engineering Admin Team. You will be notified if your transfer is approved during the spring/summer term. If you would like to discuss planning for a transfer, please book an appointment with an academic advisor.
If you would like to transfer into the iBioMed program, please complete the Request to Transfer into the iBioMed Program Form.
Students must contact the Office of the Registrar to apply for reinstatement within the application deadlines. Reinstatement is not guaranteed.
If reinstatement is granted, the student is placed on academic probation and their Cumulative GPA is re-set to 0.0 on zero units. At the discretion of the Faculty, the student may retain credit for courses successfully completed. If at any academic standing review after reinstatement the student’s Cumulative GPA falls below 3.5, the student will be required to withdraw from the University.
The student must complete a minimum of 60 units of work after reinstatement to be eligible for Graduation With Distinction or other recognition based on the Cumulative GPA.
The Petition for Special Consideration: Request for Deferred Examination (Form B) is used when a student misses an examination because of compelling medical or personal reasons. Please review the information provided in the General Academic Regulations section of the Undergraduate Calendar.
Deferred Examination must be written as follows, and if not written cannot be deferred a second time:
- December exams will be written during Winter Reading Week (in February)
- April exams will be written in late June
- Spring/Summer exams will be written during the Fall Mid-Term Recess Period
Students who defer of more than one examination may be required to reduce their course load during the term in which the Deferred Examinations are being written. The decision regarding a reduced load will be communicated by email.
Completed Request for Deferred Exam Privileges forms can be sent to your Academic Advisor.
If you are an iBioMed student: please complete the iBioMed Request for Deferred Exam Privileges form.
Students may request to take a course at another institution for credit towards their McMaster degree by applying through Mosaic, as follows:
Mosaic Student Centre > My Academics > Student LOP App > Apply for Letter of Permission
- Students can search course equivalencies, by University, for LOP credit through Mosaic
- If the course has not been previously reviewed/approved for course equivalency credit, it can be submitted for consideration through the Request Additional Courses step. Additional information, including the course description will be required as part of the request submission.
- Once you have applied, please send an email to your academic advisor to let them know so that they can review your request. If you are in Engineering 1, please send your email to engserv@mcmaster.ca.
- The status of the LOP application can be monitored in Mosaic, as follows:
Mosaic > Student Centre > My Academics > Student LOP App
- Students are responsible for making a formal application to the institution where they intend to study. Review the other University (Host Institution) website to ensure the course you wish to take is offered in the appropriate term. Follow the host institution’s application procedures (being mindful of dates and deadlines).
- Once the LOP course work had been deemed ‘Approved’, the student MUST print the Letter of Permission available in the Mosaic Student Centre and send it to the host university.
Completing a Letter of Permission:
- Students are responsible for ensuring official transcripts for courses taken at another institution are sent directly from the host institution to the Office of the Associate Dean, Faculty of Engineering to ensure their record is updated with the result of the course. Transcripts are NOT to be sent to the Office of the Registrar.
- Students must achieve a minimum grade of C- (60%) for transfer of credit. The transcript designation reads T, indicating Transfer, when a grade of C- or better is attained. These units will count towards your degree and to satisfy requisites, however, will not be calculated in your cumulative or sessional averages.
- For courses with grades of less than C- (60%) a grade of NC (no credit) will appear on your McMaster transcript. These units will not count towards your degree or satisfy requisites, nor will they be included in the calculation of your cumulative or sessional averages.
- If you complete the Letter of Permission application, but decide not to register in (or complete) the course, you MUST provide proof of this to the Office of the Associate Dean, Faculty of Engineering. Please request that a transcript, letter, or e-mail be sent from the host institution to our office confirming your registration status (i.e. course dropped/cancelled/not even enrolled).
- Final Year Students expecting to graduate: transcripts for LOP courses must be received in the
Office of the Associate Dean, Faculty of Engineering no later than:
Spring Convocations: May 15th
Fall Convocations: October 15th
Please note that students in the Computer Science Second Degree program CANNOT take LOP’s, all courses must be taken at the university.
For information about the Engineering Co-Op Program, please visit the McMaster Engineering Co-Op page
To join the Co-Op program, please complete the Request to Opt-in for Co-op Program form.
Academic Advising – Our Team

Maria White
Assistant Dean (Studies) – JHE-H322
Karen Winger
Administrative Assistant, Associate Dean (Academic) – JHE-H301Academic Advisors
Engineering I Students:
To make an appointment or contact your Academic Advisor,
please email engserv@mcmaster.ca or using our Live Chat Monday – Friday 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Brennan Conry
- Engineering Physics
- Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences (iBioMed)

Darlene Hayward
- Software Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Materials Science & Engineering
Rupika Patil
- Biotechnology
- Automation Engineering Technology
- Civil Engineering Infrastrtucture Technology
- Power & Energy Engineering Technology

Janice Taylor
- Automotive & Vehicle Engineering Technology
- Software Engineering Technology
- Manufacturing Engieering Technology
Academic Advising – Your First Year
Congratulations and Welcome to Mac Eng First Years!
You’ve put in years of hard work, countless late night study sessions, hours spent volunteering in your community, and endless team meetings. And it’s led you to McMaster Engineering… congratulations and welcome! As you embark on an exciting new chapter ahead, know that you will be supported by the McMaster Engineering Academic Advising Office! Our team of advisors are here to provide any guidance or support throughout your undergraduate experience.
Your First Year
Learn everything you need to know about mapping out your first year in each of our four programs! This is highly encouraged reading for all incoming first-year students.
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First Year Academic Advising Information Session - VIRTUAL
Attention future incoming MacEng students! Join us on Wednesday, June 21st, to learn all about the Academic Advising office, supports available and more!
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FAQs
Here is a list of hot topics and links to the top questions to help prepare you for your first year!
Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Visit our Virtual Helpdesk, Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. or by emailing engserv@mcmaster.ca for further support!
Academic Advising
To book an appointment, please email engserv@mcmaster.ca or visit our Virtual Helpdesk Monday – Friday 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Be sure to include your full name, McMaster Student number and program in that email. To directly email your Academic Advisor with questions you may have, please see the “Get In Touch With Us” tab at the top of the page.
Admissions
After you enrol for courses in July, you will be able to generate a verification/proof of enrolment letter.
Incoming first year students are unable to take any courses prior to starting in September. However, you will have access to take spring/summer courses the summer after your first year.
Summer school courses that are taken during the summer immediately prior to the September a student intends to commence studies at McMaster cannot be used for admission purposes.
Free Choice is granted to incoming Engineering and iBioMed students with a high admissions average. With Free Choice, you are guaranteed your first choice of program after first year. Exceptions to the free choice are: Chemical & Bioengineering, as well as the Management and Society options.
iBioMed students with Free Choice can select both their second year degree (Heath, Engineering Science and Entrepreneurship or Biomedical Engineering) and their second year engineering discipline, if choosing Biomedical Engineering.
Please note that even without Free Choice, many of our students are admitted into their first choice of program after first year.
Co-op
The Engineering Co-op Program provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to gain valuable engineering work experiences before they graduate. Co-op gives students an opportunity to apply academic knowledge outside the classroom, enhance their academic experience through paid employment and gain a competitive edge for the workforce.
The co-op program combines academic study with flexible work terms of durations from four to 16-months in length. Our co-op structure means you can complete work terms when and where it makes sense for you. Please visit the co-op website for further details.
If you are hoping to do co-op but did not apply through OUAC, you’ll need to apply to co-op now. Please fill out this opt-in form and once you complete it, email it to engserv@mcmaster.ca.
If you are in the Bachelor of Technology program, you do not need to apply as co-op is a program requirement for all students.
Getting a co-op job interview requires a high-quality resume and cover letter. Beginning in your first year of academic studies, Engineering Co-op & Career Services (ECCS) will work with you to perfect these documents. For personalized support, be sure to book an appointment with the ECCS office to get expert advice and tips on optimizing your cover letter and resume. Click here to find cover letter/resume samples for your program.
This course is a pass or fail course and does not affect your GPA. It cannot be counted as an elective course.
The course runs for five weeks and gives you the skills you will need to be a successful co-op student (e.g. how to write a cover letter, how to answer interview questions, where to search for positions, etc.).
If you chose the co-op stream when you applied or are in the Bachelor of Technology program, you are automatically enrolled in the online co-op course for the Fall term. You can also choose to take the course in the Winter term.
However, if you are a Computer Science student, you will have to register for ENGINEER 1EE0 during course enrolment.
Course Enrolment
Every student will have a specific enrolment appointment, which is the designated time you’re allowed to go into Mosaic and enrol into each of your courses. You can find your enrolment appointment in the Student Centre on the right-hand side. Click on “open enrolment dates” to find your specific enrolment appointment.
You may enrol any time after your enrolment appointment date/time opens. You will be unable to change your enrolment time.
Please visit Dates and Deadlines from the Office of the Registrar for more information.
It’s important to note that courses are filled on a first-come, first-served basis after your enrolment appointment.
Your Shopping Cart is where you’ll put classes before you enrol into them. It’s just like buying the things you love, but for your brain. You can add or remove courses from your Shopping Cart as you plan your timetable. Access it in ‘Create My Timetable’ and in your ‘Student Centre’.
For more information about course enrolment, please visit the Registrar’s Office ‘MyTimetable’ page.
For Engineering, BTech, and iBioMed:
- Students are automatically enroled in required courses (classes, labs, tutorials)
- Your conflict-free timetable will be given to you
- You will have a well-balanced schedule with all your required courses
- Due to the complexity of the schedules, students are unable to make any adjustments
For Computer Science:
Students will have to create their own timetable
Please refer to the Dates and Deadlines from the Office of the Registrar.
You can access MyTimetable before your enrolment begins. However, all Engineering 1, BTech and iBioMed students will have their timetable automatically generated for their required courses.
Please refer to the Dates and Deadlines from the Office of the Registrar.
Every student will have a specific enrolment appointment, which is the designated time you’re allowed to go into Mosaic and enrol into each of your courses. We suggest you are prepared with a couple of options for your electives as it is not guaranteed that you will be given a seat for those courses.
You will be selecting courses for the entire year.
EMBER & Transition
We highly recommend that you consider enrolling in EMBER which is our 3-week free online summer bridging program that will cover topics in Physics, Chemistry, and Math. Please visit the EMBER web page for full details.
Each course is approximately 55 minutes in length, and there are three courses (math, physics and chemistry) from which to choose.
You would have received a McMaster Student number on your initial acknowledgement email from McMaster when you applied. Your Student number can also be found on your conditional offer letter.
We do not have a section dedicated to waves, but we will cover oscillatory motion and simple harmonic motion.
You can register for EMBER on the EMBER web page.
EMBER is focused on helping students get caught up to speed for the required courses in Physics, Math, Computing and Chemistry. No new information beyond high school curriculum will be taught.
All incoming first-year students will automatically be admitted to the Archway Program. Archway is a support team at McMaster that works with all incoming first-year students from the day they are accepted and right up until second year. You will be connected with an Archway Coach and Mentor who will take the time to understand your goals and what you want out of your McMaster experience. This professional team will partner with you throughout the year to make sure you are connected to the right information, people and fellow students to make your year a success.
Please refer to the EMBER website for more information.
First-Year Classes, Labs and Exams
Incoming first year students are unable to take any courses prior to starting in September. However, you will have access to take spring/summer courses the summer after your first year.
Textbooks can be obtained from the Campus Store. Please visit their Textbook FAQs page for more information.
Any exams and labs will be at the discretion of your professor. Please contact your professor for more details.
Professors and TAs will communicate with students through McMaster’s learning platform, Avenue to Learn, about how and when they can be reached.
Students should book an appointment with the Student Accessibility Office in the summer to set up their accommodations.
International
Please continue to apply for your study permit as normal.
For assistance with study permits and visas, please contact immigration@mcmaster.ca. Additionally, please visit the Student Success Centre website for detailed information on the study permit application process.
For more information on how and when you will have to pay, please visit Registrar’s Office tuition page
For more information on the supports available to International students, please visit International Student Services.
All information and updates related to COVID-19 and travel and quarantine measures are posted on the International Student Services home page. The ISS team updates this page regularly.
Our iCent app is required for all new and returning international students. Signing up for iCent ensures that McMaster has the necessary information to best support and enable you to make the most of your time at McMaster. Visit International Student Services to learn more and sign up.
Level 2
Admission to Level 2 Engineering programs requires completion of all 31 units of required Engineering 1 courses. Students must maintain a Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.0 out of a 12.0.
All programs have limited enrolment; should there be more applicants than the limiting number in any program, admission to that program will be based on the students Cumulative Grade Point Average. A student in Engineering 1 whose Grade Point Average (GPA) is less than 4.0 out of 12.0 can no longer continue in Engineering.
Your experience in Engineering 1 will allow you to explore different engineering disciplines so that you can make a more informed decision of what upper-year discipline you would like to study.
At the end of your first year, you will choose one of 10 program disciplines.
Students can also choose one of the five-year programs by selecting the Engineering & Management or Engineering & Society options.
Bachelor of Technology and Computer Science students have direct entry into Level 2.
Academic Advisors will work with Faculty of Engineering students to come up with a course load that works best for them. Some students choose to complete summer school courses after their first year to reduce their Fall and Winter course load.
For Engineering 1 & iBioMed 1: a minimum of 31 units of the Engineering 1 required coursework and 34 for units of the iBioMed 1 required coursework is required to move to Level 2. Some of these required courses, as well as electives, are available in the Spring/Summer session. Courses taken in the Spring/Summer session will not change your program eligibility for Level 2 Engineering (this applies only to those who will be progressing to Level 2 in the following academic year).
Students have the option to withdraw from courses during the Fall or Winter term without academic penalty. Tuition reimbursements vary depending on the timing of the withdrawal. Visit Registrar’s Office course cancellation schedule for details.
Students should reach out to their Advisor before withdrawing from courses.
Minors & Electives
You don’t have to register for a minor. However, minors do consist of at least 24 units of course work. We encourage you to see the specific course requirements for minors in the Undergraduate Academic Calendar. Please speak with your academic advisor for assistance with course planning.
You cannot do a double degree in two Faculty of Engineering programs. However, there may be an option of pursuing a double degree with a second degree in a different faculty. Please speak with your Academic Advisor for details.
Engineering students can, however, choose one of the five-year programs by selecting the Engineering & Management or Engineering & Society options. The Management option combines the requirements of McMaster’s four-year Engineering program in your chosen discipline with the core requirements of a Commerce degree. The Society option adds study in areas focusing on social implications of engineering and non-technical electives.
You cannot do a dual degree in both Software Engineering and Computer Science. They are separate programs covering similar content, but have different degree requirements. Please note that you also cannot do a minor in Computer Science if enrolled in the Software Engineering program.
Engineering is an accredited program which requires students to obtain a certain amount of courses outside of technical courses.
If you wish to enrol in Econ 1B03 so you can be eligible for consideration for Level 2 Engineering & Management and the course is full or if you receive a reserve capacity error, please contact your Academic Advisor.
If a student wishes to use a course towards their complementary studies elective requirements, then it must be from the approved Complementary Elective list.
There is a maximum of 21 units per term for Engineering 1 and iBioMed, and 15 units per term for Computer Science 1 and Bachelor of Technology 1 programs.
Engineering 1 students are required to complete two Level 1 elective courses whereas iBioMed students are required to complete one Level 1 elective course. Please visit the academic calendar elective course page for the official list. However, students should note that courses with a § are not acceptable for the six-unit complementary studies elective required in Engineering 1 or the three-unit complementary studies elective required in Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences 1.
Bachelor of Technology students follow a set schedule from day one. Electives are not a required part of the program.
Computer Science students are required to complete two Level 1 elective courses.
Please visit the Academic Calendar for the required courses for your first-year program. In addition, you will find descriptions about these courses.
It depends on your specific program requirements. Please connect with your Academic Advisor for further support.
Mosaic, Mac ID & Email
As a new student, you need a McMaster Student Photo ID card. Your student card is an important piece of photo identification that is required for writing exams.
Please upload your photo by July 20th in order to create your student card. Please visit your Mosaic Student Centre (Personal Information > Demographic Data) to upload your photo. More information can be found on the Registrar’s Office ‘What’s Next’ page.
If you have any further questions please contact the Registrar’s Office using their online chat.
Once you have your MAC ID set up and have enrolled in your courses, your McMaster email will become active. A link to your McMaster email will be sent to your applicant email address. Please continue to monitor your applicant email address in the meantime. More details can be found on the Registrar’s Office ‘What’s Next’ page.
You will gain further access to your Mosaic once you enrol in your courses, and additionally once you begin your courses in the fall.
Student Life
Please visit the following for more information:
- McMaster Student Union
- McMaster Engineering Society
- The Faculty of Engineering’s Clubs, Groups & Teams page
Visit the Student Success Welcome Week page to learn more.
Technology & Internet
In terms of technical specifications for a laptop, an i5 processor and 8 GB of RAM should be sufficient. Additionally, ensuring that your computer has enough storage is essential – if it doesn’t, then investing in an external hard drive can help with creating additional space.
The University Library has many services that can be accessed to support your research and learning needs. Please visit the library website for more information.
Transfer Credit
Engineering, iBioMed, and Computer Science students may receive transfer credit for AP, IB, and GCE courses, but it is Faculty of Engineering policy that no math or science courses are eligible. Therefore, you may apply to receive transfer credit for electives only, and only a select number of units. Unfortunately BTech students are unable to receive transfer credit, as they have no electives in their first-year curriculum.
We suggest you connect with your Academic Advisor in July/August to be reviewed for transfer credit.
Please refer to the Future Students website for further information on transfer credit policy.
Transferring Programs
Switching programs as a McMaster student may be possible, but not guaranteed depending on your academics and space in the program. We recommend getting in touch with your current Academic Advisor to discuss the process of transferring.
Applications to transfer into another first-year program would only happen once per year (i.e. for September every year).
You’ll work with your Academic Advisor to come up with a plan.
Tuition
For further questions regarding tuition please contact the Office of the Registrar.
Please explore McMaster work programs, McMaster scholarships and bursaries, and information listed on the Registrar’s Office Aid & Awards hub once you’re officially a student at McMaster.
The Registrar’s Office fees & payment page is a great resource for learning more about overall tuition costs. You can also use the Cost Estimator for more information.
Your total fee will populate in Mosaic after you enrol in your courses. Please visit the Registrar’s Office fees & payment page.
You will not be required to have paid anything prior to registering for EMBER. Please note that registration for EMBER is free of charge. Please visit the EMBER web page for more information.
For more information on how and when you will have to pay, please visit the Registrar’s Office tuition page.
Academic Advising – Beyond First Year
Level 2 Allocation
Advisement Reports
How to Enroll
You’re officially ready to enrol! Here’s what you need to do:
- Navigate to the Mosaic website and login.
- Click the “Create my Timetable” tile
For more information, visit the website: How to enrol in classes
For more information, visit the website: How to enrol in classes
Course Cancellation
Please visit the Registrar’s Office course cancellation schedule for information on dropping a course vs cancelling a course (withdrawing).
After the last date to withdraw without failure by default, you are eligible to apply for a late withdrawal. If you want to apply for a late withdrawal please contact your academic advisor.
If you withdraw from a course prior to the withdrawal deadline you may be eligible for a refund. Please visit the course cancelation schedule on the right side of the Registrar’s Office page.
Policies and Procedures
Requests for Relief for Missed Academic Term Work (MSAF).
MSAF is now available in MOSAIC Student Center (in the drop down menu under Other Academics).
If you cannot write your exam due to illness, or other reasons, you can submit an exam deferral request. Please contact your academic advisor for more information.
Grades from every attempt will appear on the academic transcript. The Cumulative GPA will include only the grade earned on the most recent attempt. Units earned will be counted once toward the student’s program requirements, regardless of the number of times the course is repeated. Prior to September 1, 2018 the grades from all attempts are included in the GPA calculation. For more information, please refer to the Registrar’s Office repeat policy.
The Personal Interest Course (PIC) option is designed to encourage students to explore interests outside of their program without affecting their Cumulative GPA. Engineering students are only eligible to use this option above Level 1 for courses outside of their degree requirements or complementary studies electives. Consult with your academic advisor for further clarification.
Academic Advising – FAQs
Here is a list of hot topics and links to the top questions!
Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Email engserv@mcmaster.ca or using our Virtual Help Desk Monday – Friday 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. for further support!
Level 1 Student FAQs
Please see the “Your First Year” tab at the top of the page for Level 1 Frequently Asked Questions.
FAQs for All Levels
The McMaster Student Wellness Centre (SWC) is operational, primarily through online and phone appointments. Students are encouraged to visit the SWC website for more information on how to connect.
Your Academic Advisor is available to provide assistance over email, or you can book meeting by emailing engserv@mcmaster.ca or using our Live Chat Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Your Academic Advisor information can be found on the ‘Get in Touch with Us’ tab.
Your first MSAF of the term can be submitted through Mosaic > Student Center > Academics > MSAF.
Relief for missed academic work worth less than 25% of the final grade resulting from medical or personal situations lasting up to three calendar days:
- Use the MSAF (McMaster Student Absence Form) online self-reporting tool (no further documentation is required).
- Students may submit requests for relief using the MSAF once per term.
- An automated email will be sent to the course instructor, who will determine the appropriate relief. Students must immediately follow up with their instructors. Failure to do so may negate the opportunity for relief.
- The MSAF cannot be used to meet a religious obligation or to celebrate an important religious holiday.
- The MSAF cannot be used for academic work that has already been completed or attempted. Attempting online work INCLUDES opening a test/quiz on Avenue to Learn or other platform.
- Students experiencing technical difficulties at the time of the test should contact their instructor or designate and should not submit an MSAF.
- An MSAF applies only to work that is due within the period for which the MSAF applies, i.e. the 3-day period that is specified in the MSAF; however, all work due in that period can be covered by one MSAF.
- The MSAF cannot be used to apply for relief for any final examination or its equivalent. See Petitions for Special Consideration in the Undergraduate Calendar.
- For Fall 2022 term, the MSAF will cover missed work for up to 3 days.
You cannot submit an MSAF to our office if any of the following apply:
- The course work is worth 25% or more
- 3 days has passed since the missed work
- You have already submitted one MSAF this term in Mosaic via the MSAF page
Please complete a Petition for Special Consideration, and be sure to include the reason for your MSAF on page 2.
In addition to the petition form, please fill out the MSAF form in full.
Once both forms are completed, please send the forms to Engineering Admin Team.
If you’re looking for strategies to excel in online learning, we recommend checking out the Student Success Centre’s (SSC) website. The SSC office is working virtually, and are still holding online workshops to help with studying, online exams and more.
The University Library has many services that can be accessed to support your research and learning needs. Please visit the library website for more information.
Departments and schools can be found on our Faculty website. On your appropriate department page, navigate to the “People” tab on the main menu, then “Staff” to find your department Undergraduate Administrative Assistant.
Enrollment
Every student will have a specific enrolment appointment, which is the designated time you’re allowed to go into Mosaic and enrol into each of your courses. You can find your enrolment appointment in the Student Centre on the right-hand side. Click on “open enrolment dates” to find your specific enrolment appointment.
You may enrol any time after your enrolment appointment date/time opens. You will be unable to change your enrolment time.
It’s important to note that courses are filled on a first-come, first-served basis after your enrolment appointment.
Some courses do fill up fast so it is best to try and enrol to avoid disappointment.
Create My Timetable is an easy system to use to enrol in courses. There are two “How to videos” to help you, “Creating a Preferred Schedule” and “Enrolling in Courses.”
You can also find a step-by-step process on the Registrar’s Office ‘MyTimetable’ page.
You will be selecting courses for the entire year for Fall and Winter enrolment. The Spring and Summer terms will have a set enrolment schedule.
All programs are different. Students are advised to check the Undergraduate Calendar for their specific requirements.
Minors and Electives
You don’t have to register for a minor. However, minors do consist of at least 24 units of course work. We encourage you to see the specific course requirements for minors in the Undergraduate Academic Calendar. Please speak with your academic advisor for assistance with course planning.
You will declare your minor when you apply for graduation!
You cannot do a double degree in two Faculty of Engineering programs. However, there may be an option of pursuing a double degree with a second degree in a different faculty. Please speak with your Academic Advisor for details.
Engineering students can, however, choose one of the five-year programs by selecting the Engineering & Management or Engineering & Society options. The Management option combines the requirements of McMaster’s four-year Engineering program in your chosen discipline with the core requirements of a Commerce degree. The Society option adds study in areas focusing on social implications of engineering and non-technical electives.
Engineering is an accredited program which requires students to obtain a certain amount of courses outside of technical courses.
Please refer to the list of approved electives.
Academic Advising – Calculate Your GPA
Academic Advising – TalkSpot
Sometimes you just need a safe spot to talk.
TalkSpot is a mental health service exclusively for McMaster University Faculty of Engineering students. TalkSpot offers informal, confidential consultations with a counsellor through drop-in hours.
Information Box Group

Talking about what’s on your mind can help you::
- spot the problem
- spot skills & solutions
- spot campus and community supports