Engineering and Public Policy

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Deadlines

International applicants are encouraged to apply early as the visa application process may take 3 months.

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Application Checklist

Step 1: Click on the link above to open your application with McMaster University

Step 2: Pay the application fee ($110)

Step 3: Register for your online interview on Kira Talent along with payment ($60)

Step 3: Gather the required documents

• Your current resume or CV including academic and professional experience
• Your clearly written Statement of Interest (This is a letter explaining your interest in the program)
• Recent IELTS or TOEFL scores (within the last 2 years) required for international students. Minimum IELTS score 6.5 overall (minimum requirement 5.5 in reading and writing and 6 in listening and speaking). Minimum TOEFL score is 88. Note that if your medium of instruction was English and this is documented on your transcripts, you do not need to submit an ELP test.
• Transcripts from all post secondary institutions you have attended
• Complete Contact information for 2 Academic References (to be included in the on-line application). 
• Only submit your application once all the above documents have been uploaded and you have provided contact information for your references

Step 4: Complete your online interview on Kira Talent after you have submitted your application. (Step 3 must be completed in full.)

Step 5: You will be contacted if there are any issues with your application. Please do not email about the status of your application. You will be contacted with a decision whether your application is accepted or rejected.

Step 6: Once you receive an offer and have accepted it, you are required to pay a deposit of $500. (This is non-refundable if you withdraw your acceptance or do not attend.)

*No additional documents should be uploaded as they will not be reviewed*

**Please note that applications cannot be reviewed until all documents have been uploaded, the referees have responded and online interview has been completed. All applications must be completed before the international or domestic deadline to be considered.**

Tuition and Fees

Full-time Tuition & Fees (2019-2020)
Canadian: $3,240.00 CAD for each term *
International: $11,000 CAD for each term *

Full-time Tuition & Fees (2020-2021)
Canadian: $3,240.00 CAD for each term *
International: $11,550 CAD for each term *

*The program requires 3 terms of full-time study.

Part-time Tuition & Fees (2019-2020)
Canadian: $1,800.00 CAD for each term
International: $5,379.14 CAD for each term

Part-time Tuition & Fees (2020-2021)
Canadian: $1,800.00 CAD for each term
International: $5,648.09 CAD for each term

Students enrolled in multiple academic years ( e.g. January admission) pay the fees corresponding for the academic year the term is within. The University reserves the right to correct typographical errors or to adjust the Tuition and Fees schedule at any time it deems necessary.

Other Fees:

• Application Fee: $110.00
• Online Interview Fee (Kira Talent): $60.00
• Non-refundable deposit upon acceptance: $500.00

Admission Requirements

Prior degree: STEM Degree, B- average in last 10 technical courses (equivalent to a McMaster 7.0 GPA out of 12).

The Master of Engineering and Public Policy is aimed at highly motivated students seeking advanced training to guide, develop and interpret policy in fields including sustainability, technology, science and engineering. Application for admission to the program may be made through the W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology. The program accepts full-time and part-time students - see the Program Structure section for details.

In addition to the general requirements for entry into a graduate program in Engineering, students must hold an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or STEM discipline with at least a B- average (equivalent to a McMaster 7.0/12 GPA) in their final 10 courses.

Candidates may be enrolled on a full- or part-time basis. Full-time students will complete the degree in twelve consecutive months of study. Students are admitted for September. Part-time students will normally be expected to complete the program in 28 months.

McMaster students may receive advanced standing for up to two courses (note that a maximum of two 600-level courses can count towards a SEPT graduate program) with the approval of the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies.

Program Structure

Full-time students are expected to complete the program in 16 months.  The actual duration of studies may be shorter (not less than 12 months) or longer (not more than 24 months), for students who work faster or slower.

A total of 8 courses and policy research project (30 units) must be completed by candidates joining the program in September 2021. For candidates beginning in September 2020, the requirement remains 27 units (7 courses and policy research project).

• Five (5) core half-courses (or equivalent) provide the content and methodological skills that allow you to understand and analyze societal issues in order to contribute to public policy solutions
• Three (3) focus elective half-courses (or equivalent) allow the opportunity to deepen your knowledge in a range of engineering, science and social science realms
• Up to two (2) optional graduate engineering half-courses (or equivalent) from any department within the Faculty of Engineering.  You can also enroll in courses from other departments and Faculties with the approval of a faculty member
• Two-term project course in which students prepare a substantive research paper exploring a problem at the interface of engineering, science and public policy

For more details please refer to the Graduate Calendar.

Domestic students (Canadian citizens or permanent residents) may complete their MEPP degree on a part-time basis and establish their schedule according to how much time they can devote to studies. It is recommended that part-time students complete the program in 32 to 40 months.

Research Project - Inquiry/Thesis in Engineering and Public Policy

Early in the program, students select a research topic that intersects with engineering, science and public policy. As the student progresses through the program, they conduct inquiry-driven research on the topic to complete a formal research paper and publish their results for broad dissemination. Examples of previous research projects can be found under the “Projects to Inspire Change” tab. 

Candidates for the MEPP degree will follow a program consisting of the following unique courses:

Five half-courses required for the program:

• SEP 701 - Theory and Practice of Policy Analysis: Frameworks and Models (3 units)
• SEP 702 - Systems Engineering and Public Policy (3 units)
• SEP 709 - Emerging Issues, Technology and Public Policy (3 units)
• SEP 772 - Innovation Studio (3 units)
• SEP 773 - Leadership for Innovation (3 units)

Required project course:

• SEP 704 - Public Policy Research Project, Part I (3 units)
• SEP 704 - Public Policy Research Project, Part II (3 units)

All full-time students in W Booth School programs are required to attend the following 0-unit components:

• SEP 771 / W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology Practitioner's Forum, Part I (Seminar series)
• SEP 771 / W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology Practitioner's Forum, Part II (Seminar series)

Three half-courses are required for electives. Recommended electives include but are not limited to:

• SEP 6I03 - Sustainable Manufacturing Processes (3 units)
• SEP 6X03 - Liveable Cities, the Built and Natural Environment (3 units)
• SEP 705 - Green Engineering, Sustainability and Public Policy (3 units)
• SEP 706 - Energy and Public Policy (3 units)
• SEP 708 - Special Topics in Engineering and Public Policy (3 units)
• SEP 710 - International Governance and Environmental Sustainability (3 units)
• POL SCI 784 - Quantitative Political and Policy Analysis (3 units)
• POL SCI 785 - Public Sector Management (3 units)
• POL SCI 786 - Organizational Theory and the Public Sector (3 units)
• POL SCI 790 - The Politics of Economic Policy in Market Economies (3 units)
• POL SCI 792 - Public Choice (3 units)
• Other courses across campus with faculty approval

Students may take up to two additional graduate engineering half courses, selected from any department within the Faculty of Engineering. Students can also enroll in other courses in other departments and Faculties with the approval of a faculty member.

W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology strives to offer a full complement of courses every academic year; some of the course listed here are currently being reviewed. Their offering is subject to the pending internal approval.

MEPP Handbook

The MEPP Handbook will help you get started in the program with information about:

• Important Terminology
• Inquiry Guidelines and Logistics
• The Government of Canada and Public Policy

Projects To Inspire Change

The Master of Engineering & Public Policy is a different type of program in which students engage in projects that lead thought and action. Through evidence-based analysis, they enable technological advancements to improve social, economic and environmental outcomes.

Below is a sample of projects completed by the program’s alumni. You’ll find these projects are diverse and address policy challenges that affect people and communities located around the globe.

Co-op and Experiential Learning

Co-op is an optional component of the Master of Engineering & Public Policy program. McMaster established its graduate student co-op program in 2017, seeing it grow rapidly. Employers are quickly embracing it as a mechanism for recruiting talent and expertise.

There are several steps you must complete before you begin applying to co-op positions. Firstly, ensure you enrol in the Graduate Co-op Prep Course ENG 701 in September. You will also need approval from your program chairperson before accepting a co-op placement. Speak with Co-op and Career Services if you have any questions.

If you intend to find a co-op placement remember that it is competitive, much like any job search. Start early and put in consistent effort throughout the school year to make connections and grow your network.

Here are some tips for finding your co-op position:

• Attend as many career events throughout the school year – and try to speak with the employers who attend. Events are posted in OSCAR plus and require you to register as an attendee.
• Search OSCAR plus for posted co-op opportunities. Hundreds of openings are offered by employers in a year and some of them might be right for you. Apply to any that look like a good fit – make sure you keep your resume current so you can apply as they’re posted.
• Find opportunities to network with professionals in your field. Look for networking events, become active on LinkedIn, make meaningful connections and schedule information interviews. Whenever you meet someone new, ask them if they can recommend anyone else you should speak with.
• Reach out to your existing network. This could be family, friends from your time in undergraduate studies who are now employed, or really anyone you have an established relationship with who works for a company that operates in your field.

Employers

If you’re an employer interested in hiring graduate students for a co-op term connect with our co-op office to discuss listing your open opportunities.

Request More Information

Thank you for your interest in McMaster University Faculty of Engineering. Please fill out the form below, and we will connect with you to answer all of your questions. 

Request more info about Graduate Studies