Electrical and Computer Engineering

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Program information

The Master of Applied Science (MASc) and Master of Engineering (MEng) programs in Electrical and Computer Engineering allow a student to study in all major areas associated with electrical, computer and software systems engineering. These areas include electronics, intelligent systems, communications, control, biomedical, power electronics, power generation, software engineering, mobile systems and embedded software systems. These disciplines are expected to be in high demand by employers.

In addition, students in the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and MASc programs can specialize in one of the following four fields:

• Communications and Signal Processing
• Control Systems
• Power Systems and Power Electronics
• Software Systems

Alternatively, a student can choose to cover many facets of the broad discipline of electrical, computer and software engineering. Topics can vary widely and may include communications, networking, intelligent control systems, robotics, computer vision, health informatics, mobile systems, power systems and smart power grids.

Admission requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements for graduate studies , applicants must meet the following program-specific requirements.

MASc and MEng in Electrical and Computer Engineering

• Completion of an undergraduate engineering degree in a relevant field from an accredited engineering program at a Canadian university, or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
• Overall academic standing of at least a B (GPA: 3.0 on a 4.3 scale), with a minimum B in the last two full-time years (four semesters) of undergraduate work or equivalent. B+ is preferred for MASc applicants.

Applicants must possess maturity and self-motivation. Close technical contact with a faculty member is an essential part of graduate education in engineering. Prior to being accepted into the program, MASc applicants must find a professor who specializes in their desired area of research and who is willing to act as a supervisor. MEng applicants who select the MEng-Project option must also find a professor who is willing to act as a project supervisor. In the event the MEng-Project applicant cannot find a project supervisor, the applicant may be considered for admission into the MEng-Course option.

PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering

The minimum admission requirement for the PhD program is completion of a MASc-level degree in engineering at a Canadian university or its equivalent.

Under exceptional circumstances, MASc students may transfer directly to the PhD program after completing one academic year in the MASc program if the following conditions are met:

1. They complete a full master’s program of course work (five graduate courses worth a total of 15 credits) with at least an A average.
2. They show strong evidence of research ability.
3. The research supervisor(s) and supervisory committee approve the direct transfer. The transfer must also be approved by the graduate program director and the Dean of Graduate Studies. Normally, the faculty will require up to 12 additional credits of course work in the PhD program.

See the university’s policy on transferring from a thesis-based master’s to a PhD program  for additional information.

Part-time studies

To facilitate access to all potential students, part-time studies are permitted. Engineers in local industries and government agencies, for example, may wish to access the MEng program through part-time studies.

Degree requirements

Select a program from the list below for details on degree requirements.

Programs

• Electrical and Computer Engineering, MASc
• Electrical and Computer Engineering, MEng - Course-based option
• Electrical and Computer Engineering, MEng - Project option

• Electrical and Computer Engineering, PhD

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