Bachelor of Technology: Frequently asked questions

It may be possible to switch from our BTech program into Engineering 1 after first year, however it is very competitive and students would need to perform very well to be considered (specific eligibility will be done on a case-by-case basis, and depends on your Grade Point Average relative to other students requesting transfer into Engineering 1). There are very limited spots available (typically less than ten) for transfer students from BTech to Engineering 1, so this limited enrolment makes competition very keen. Additionally, our students would be required to begin in Engineering 1, regardless of the courses they have taken in BTech as students will not be granted transfer credit for any completed courses.

Bachelor of Technology students follow a set schedule from day one. Electives are not a required part of the program and therefore, there is no option to pursue a minor.

If you have adequately researched our program to determine if it is the right fit for you, it may be possible for you to transfer. Please make an appointment with our Academic Advisor to discuss your options.

We accept a limited number of Second Degree students into the program each year. Advanced standing and transfer of credit will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

Alternatively, you may also wish to consider our Degree Completion Program, which is designed for College and University graduates wishing to bridge to a four-year BTech degree through evening and weekend study. Please email thinkeng@mcmaster.ca if you have any additional questions.

Space in on-campus residences is reserved for level 1 students only. Since you will be beginning as a level 3 student, you will not be eligible to apply for a residence room.

Please visit McMaster’s Office Campus Housing Resource Centre for information on finding accommodations in Hamilton.

Students who are registered “full time” in 24 units or more for the Fall/Winter academic session may be eligible for the Ontario Student Assistance Program.

For information on scholarships or bursaries, please see McMaster University’s Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.

All students must have an advanced (three-year) diploma or equivalent in a related field from an accredited institution to enter the Degree Completion Program. We do not offer an upgrading or assessment program and will not consider work experience in replace of academic requirements;

We recommend re-joining your college of choice and upgrading your two-year diploma to a three year diploma.

Applicants who have completed a university degree in science, engineering, or technology may also be considered on a case-by-case basis. Completed applications will be assessed on an individual basis. Please email thinkeng@mcmaster.ca if you have any further questions.

You may apply to the BTech program before completing your college program. If admitted, your offer would be conditional on the successful completion of your college diploma. You will need to submit your final transcripts indicating that your diploma has been granted to our admissions office before the start of your first academic term.

Typically, this means you cannot start in the BTech program in the semester immediately following your graduation from college. If you graduate in April, your earliest start date in the program will be September.

Please email thinkeng@mcmaster.ca to verify your eligibility.

Please email thinkeng@mcmaster.ca to discuss alternative options.

The following are recent examples of co-op work terms for each of our three programs:

Automation Engineering Technology

• Junior Automation Specialist: Work under the supervision of a senior controls person in the design of an automated robotic machining cell. The project would involve working with a PLC, robot and visualization software.
• Automation Co-op: Work in the fields of Drive Systems or Instrumentation Engineering under professional staff. You will work with PLC’s , DCS’s ,HMI’s, Process Control actuators and devices, sensors and feedback devices. You will work with engineers, technologists, electricians, and operators.
• Systems and Solutions Assistant: Assist with systems set up and builds for project solutions to various customers. Work in tandem with lead technologist/engineer to ensure the timely delivery of solutions to meet project schedules. You will be operating the equipment, programming, and working with system hardware and networking cables.

Automotive & Vehicle Engineering Technology

• Research and Development Assistant: Design, test and manufacture automotive and vehicle parts at manufacturing or assembly plants.
• Computer Aided Design: Design heat exchanger components and assemblies using advanced software packages. You will be required to do detailing and maintenance of associated drawings to engineering standards, participates in design meetings, and track and maintain CAD metrics.
• Advanced Engineering Assistant: Assist in prototype plating development activities for automotive parts. You will be required to test, refine and develop the process for improving the product quality. It is important to have good hand-on skills, be a self starter, interested in new process development, interested in equipment design, have good interpersonal, communication and organizational skills, and have a good understanding of AutoCAD and Microsoft applications.

Biotechnology

• Laboratory Assistant: Perform microbiological testing on pharmaceutical raw materials and finished products, water and other samples as per USP and AOAC methodologies. You will be required to perform a variety of activities including microbial identification, microscopy, plate counts, media preparation, fungicidal efficacy testing and environmental sampling. Other duties will include routine lab maintenance like transportation of glassware and equipment for autoclaving, cleaning of laboratory work areas, removing biohazardous waste, preparing and aliquotting of media following established protocols and inventorying of supplies and equipment.
• Junior Research Assistant: Work on microbiological method development and product formulation projects and associated testing of formulated samples. You will be required to maintain an aseptic work area and work in compliance with GLP cleaning requirements. Perform sterilization and autoclaving of equipment, as needed. You should be willing to work in a demanding environment, be adaptable to constant changes, and be able to work on several tasks simultaneously. You must always adhere to GLP and GMP practices, maintain a properly documented logbook at all times, and be capable of working both independently and with others.
• Manufacturing and Production Assistant: Work with product and biochemical engineers in the development, modification and optimization of bio-products by using genetic and biochemical engineering approaches. Be able to assist in the design of new bio-products and bio-processes from laboratory scale to pilot plant and industrial scale. You may assist in developing, implementing and maintaining upstream and downstream processes related to manufacturing in bio-industry, such as food, pharmaceutical and bioenergy industries.

A BTech education differs from a BEng education in that it is more “hands-on” and places a greater emphasis on applications of scientific and engineering principles and developing practical skills and techniques. A technologist would typically be more interested in “how” such principles are applied rather than in understanding “why”. Careers in technology usually involve more targeted problem solving in an applications context.

Automation Engineering Technology

Graduates use hardware and software to improve the efficiency of plants and labs in fields such as petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and primary steel. Our graduates:

• design control systems and assembly lines
• develop and program robotics
• program computer databases and processing software
• advise on safety policies and procedures for automated technologies

Typical Job Titles: Application Engineer, Control Systems Specialist, Technical Support Specialist, Automation Systems Technologist/Engineer, Instrumentation and Control Technologist/Engineer, Process Automation Technologist/Engineer, Technical Sales and Support Specialist/Manager, Control Systems Software Designer.

Automotive and Vehicle Engineering Technology

Graduates are in the driver’s seat! They design and manufacture automotive and vehicle components, systems, and cars of the future. Our graduates:

• develop new hybrid and green vehicle technologies
• design power and control systems, engines, and bodies
• conduct crash tests and safety audits
• streamline production processes in manufacturing plants

Typical Job Titles: CAD Designer, Mechanical Technologist/Engineer, Project Coordinator, Production Technologist/Engineer, Quality Control Technologist/Engineer, Equipment and Material Sourcing Specialist, Manufacturing Technologist/Engineer, Electro-Mechanical Designer, Test Technologist/Engineer.

Biotechnology

Graduates join the public and private sectors to conduct cutting edge research and innovation – Canada ranks among the top 5 countries in biotechnology! Our graduates:

• conduct research and development in bioindustry (biofuel, food, and pharmaceutical industries)
• monitor quality control & assurance of biomaterials
• specialize in areas such as bioinformatics, genetic & protein engineering, nanobiotechnology, and bioremediation
• apply chemical engineering and research techniques in cosmetics R&D and production

Typical Job Titles: Research Assistant, Senior Laboratory Technologist, Production Technologist/Manager, Laboratory Manager, Policies and Regulation Consultant, Manufacturing Technologist/Manager

Here are examples of the types of sectors and roles that are open to a BTech degree graduate:

Civil Engineering Infrastructure Technology

• Residential and ICI Sectors
• Municipalities
• Government agencies at the provincial and federal levels
• Private sector consulting
• Technical sales/consulting for building material manufacturers

Software Engineering Technology

• Software Engineering
  • software developer (PC, mobile, embedded platforms)
  • software designer / architect
  • software engineering manager
• Networking and IT
  • IT systems design / deployment
  • IT manager
• Application Areas
  • e-commerce
  • financial management
  • telecommunications
  • entertainment
  • healthcare

Power & Energy Engineering Technology

• Field engineer
• Energy utility industry officer
• Energy auditor
• Renewable energy system integrator
• Manufacturing engineer
• Design engineer
• Local and state government renewable energy officer

Manufacturing Engineering Technology

• Process planning and improvement roles in manufacturing, aerospace, and energy industries
• Structure and design analysis
• System control and process automation
• Technical sales and support positions
• Private sector consulting
• Finite element analysis specialist

You will be an engineering technologist with a Bachelor of Technology university degree, capable of working in both technical roles and supervisory/management positions within the engineering industry.

BTech graduates can apply to the Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) for a Professional Engineering License (P.Eng.), however, they must satisfy the PEO’s Academic Requirements for licensure by passing a series of technical examinations. These examinations vary by BTech Program.  For P.Eng. status, graduates must also pass the Professional Practice exam, and fulfil the Experience Requirements, similar to BEng Graduates.

BTech graduates can seek Professional Engineer (PEng) status directly through the Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO).

Graduates must satisfy the PEO’s Academic Requirements, Experience Requirements, and they must write the Professional Practice Exam to be considered for licensure.  The full requirements for obtaining the P.Eng. designation can be found on the PEO’s website: www.peo.on.ca.  Graduates of BTech programs do not automatically satisfy the PEO’s Academic Requirements, and will be assigned certain technical examinations depending on their program.  PEO Technical examinations have been standardized for some BTech Programs. The PEO-review status of the various programs is listed below.

See specific requirements for the following programs:

• Automation Engineering Technology (review planned for 2020-2021)
• Automotive and Vehicle Engineering Technology (review complete)
• Biotechnology (review not planned)
• Civil Engineering Infrastructure Technology (review complete)
• Manufacturing Engineering Technology (updates underway)
• Power and Energy Engineering Technology (review completed)
• Software Engineering Technology (review not planned)

BTech graduates can apply for an iron ring once they have completed the Academic Requirements for Professional Licensure as determined by the PEO.

BTech graduates are eligible for graduate studies in engineering (MEng or MASc). The additional credentials, experience, and knowledge obtained through these studies may reduce, or in some cases eliminate, the technical examinations required for obtaining P. Eng. status. We encourage you to seek further information on the PEO website.Typically, a graduate degree in engineering is counted as 1-year of qualified work experience, regardless of the actual length of the program.

To pursue graduate studies, PEng is not required.

In general, qualifying work-experience begins after an applicant has satisfied the Academic Requirements for licensure, however, in some instances applicants may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.  The fulfilment of the Experience Requirements will be judged by the PEO.

Applicants will be informed by the PEO when they may begin using the EIT designation. Typically, this occurs after the Academic Requirements have been met.

In preparation for these examinations, students often study either on their own or take preparatory courses offered by an external organization. Past experience suggests that BTech graduates are able to study independently and be successful.

This varies by individual, but will range from 3-6 years depending on how quickly the PEO Technical Exams are completed, whether or not an applicant has completed a master’s degree, and how each applicant’s work experience is judged.