Specific program questions

A course-based Master’s (MEng) is intended to increase knowledge, generally to specialize technically or develop complementary skills (e.g. management). This degree is often intended for working professionals.

The research-based Master’s (MASc) will also increase technical knowledge, but additionally develops other skills related to the research project such as creativity, flexibility and analytical skills. The research focus also facilitates continuation to a PhD.

The MASc and PhD “Regular” programs are run by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering with research focused on one of fourteen areas of specialization (one of which is Nanotechnology).  When you complete your degree, you will be awarded the degree of Master of Applied Science or Doctor of Philosophy.

The MASc and PhD in Nanotechnology programs are collaborative programs that are run by several different departments across campus. You are required to complete courses which are to be selected from a list of approved core courses and electives and complete the required milestones.  When you complete your degree, you will be awarded the degree of Master of Applied Science in Nanotechnology or Doctor of Philosophy in Nanotechnology (the word “Nanotechnology” will actually display on the diploma).

The main difference is that the Nanotechnology collaborative program is very specialized and is more limited in the courses that you can take towards your degree requirements in that you must choose your courses from a pre-determined list.

The MASc and PhD “Regular” programs are run by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering with research focused on one of fourteen areas of specialization (one of which is Quantum Information).  When you complete your degree, you will be awarded the degree of Master of Applied Science or Doctor of Philosophy.

The MASc and PhD in Quantum Information programs are collaborative programs that are run by several different departments across campus. You are required to complete courses which are to be selected from a list of approved core courses and electives and complete the required milestones.  When you complete your degree, you will be awarded a Master of Applied Science in Quantum Information or Doctor of Philosophy in Quantum Information (the word “Quantum Information” will actually display on the diploma).

The main difference is that the Quantum Information collaborative program is very specialized and is more limited in the courses that you can take towards your degree requirements in that you must choose your courses from a pre-determined list.

It is possible to complete the MEng program in one (1) year. An example would be, two (2) courses in your first term and then three (3) courses in each of your second and third terms. However, most students complete their full-time studies in four (4) terms. For details on the maximum duration of the program as well as the number of courses permitted per term, please refer to our web page.

No, you do not have to declare your interest or enroll in a Graduate Specialization before you start your MEng studies. Each Specialization has compulsory and elective courses, so ensure that you are meeting the requirements prior to completing your MEng program. Please speak with the Masters Program Coordinator/Advisor for further details.

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering recommends that you apply, upload all of the required documents, and then start contacting potential supervisors. Before submitting your application, we encourage you to spend time reviewing the profiles of our faculty members within your proposed area(s) of specialization to determine those whose research would be a good fit with your proposed research. It may be helpful to read some of their publications to familiarize yourself with their work.

We recommend that you list the faculty members you are interested in working with in the “Potential Supervisors” field on your application form when selecting the program. ECE does not require you to communicate with a potential supervisor in order to list their name, instead we encourage you to do so. Many faculty members specifically look for applications which have their name listed as a potential supervisor, so this helps to get your application noticed. Unfortunately, we are unable to add names of potential supervisors to your application once it has been submitted. 

Once you have applied and all of your documents (including references) are uploaded, approaching a potential supervisor using the Faculty of Engineering's Contact a Faculty Member web form is a good next step and is the most effective way of initiating contact with a potential supervisor. 

Here are some additional tips you may find helpful:

• You are welcome to contact any faculty member in your area(s) of specialization, even if you have not listed their name on your application.
• Use proper letter format, formal salutations – Professor/Dr. (last name) and close with “Yours sincerely” followed by your full name and contact information—don’t forget to include your 8-digit Waterloo ID Number!
• Let them know what program (MASc or PhD) and term you have applied to.
• Attach your CV and current transcripts.
• Tell them why you are interested in graduate studies, include career goals, and be sure to highlight any research or leadership skills.
• If you have funding through one of Waterloo’s formalized graduate studies partnerships, advise them of the source, the value and the duration.
• Let them know why you have chosen them, why your research interests are a good match. Refer to specific published articles (by the professor) that interest you. Show your potential supervisor why you want to work with them specifically
• Offer an opportunity for further discussion, (teleconference, video conference, or perhaps a meeting in person)