Thesis-Based Masters Programs
College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (CEPS)
The College of Engineering and Physical Sciences offers 7 thesis-based master's-level programs. You will have access to some of the world's most respected research scientists and educators, as well as outstanding research and teaching facilities, in Canada's fastest-growing STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields. The U of G has a long history of teaching STEM dating back to 1874.
Choose to learn at the University of Guelph and you will be joining a supportive community, where we are committed to delivering an academic and student experience second to none. Explore our many programs, experiential learning opportunities and graduate research opportunities to gain hands on skills in your field of study. Select one of the disciplines below to learn more about programs offered, admission requirements, career opportunities and more.
The Guelph-Waterloo Centre for Graduate Work in Chemistry and Biochemistry, (GWC)2 , is one of Canada’s largest and most successful graduate schools. The Centre is housed in the Chemistry Departments at the University of Guelph and Waterloo, two of Canada’s leading Universities. A diverse team of world-class faculty from both Departments provide research opportunities in a myriad of chemical research areas. Learn more about how to apply.
Specialization available: Toxicology
Contacts
Administrative Assistant (GWC)2
gwc@uoguelph.ca
519-824-4120 x53848
The M.Sc. in Computer Science will enable you to develop and publish groundbreaking research while working alongside professors at the cutting edge of their field to prepare you for industry or further studies. There are four main fields you can study in; however, interaction with other disciplines is encouraged as many faculty work with industry partners and other departments at the University of Guelph.
Specializations Available: Artificial Intelligence, One Health
Contacts
Graduate Program Assistant
gradassist@socs.uoguelph.ca
519-824-4120 x56402
With strengths in some of the most globally impactful areas of study, U of G Engineering is actively educating engineers who will shape the world of tomorrow. Several graduate degree choices are offered. The M.A.Sc. program is research thesis-based and provides advanced training in the engineering sciences and research methodology through a combination of coursework, applied research, and thesis writing. This program takes approximately 5-6 semesters to complete.
Specializations Available: Artificial Intelligence, International Development Studies, One Health, Regenerative Medicine
Contacts
Luisa Cazolla
Graduate Program Assistant - Admissions
soe.gradmiss@uoguelph.ca
519-824-4120 x58764
Mathematics & Statistics (M.Sc.)
Graduate students in the Department of Mathematics & Statistics have the opportunity to make a substantive contribution to solving important scientific and societal problems in a wide variety of areas. The M.Sc. program can be completed as coursework with a major research project, or as a research thesis.
Specializations Available: Artificial Intelligence, One Health
Contacts
Patricia Townsend
Graduate Program Assistant
gradms@uoguelph.ca
519-824-4120 x52705
The Department of Physics offers unique graduate opportunities in experimental and theoretical research. Master’s students can choose between a course work option (approximately three semesters) and research-based thesis option (approximately six semesters).
Contacts
Janice Ilic
Graduate Program Assistant
physgrad@uoguelph.ca
519-824-4120 x58176
Eric Poisson, Graduate Program Coordinator
epoisson@uoguelph.ca
Interdisciplinary Programs
For students whose interests lie in multiple disciplines and are looking to perform research that combines unique approaches, explore our options below.
Biophysics Interdepartmental Group (BIG) at the University of Guelph is a unique program of masters and doctoral study that seeks to further our understanding of biological processes through the application of the concepts and techniques of the physical sciences. Unlike many biophysics graduate programs across Canada, BIG focusses on basic discovery research in the sciences, rather than medical and clinical applications. Experimental research conducted by students within BIG spans the entire breadth of the life sciences spectrum, including biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, and human biology.
Collaborative Specializations in CEPS
Students may wish to pursue a collaborative specialization to complement their eligible master's degree program. Prospective students can apply at the time of their application to the University of Guelph. First, prospective students need to apply to their primary program of interest and identify that they are also interested in the collaborative specialization as a focus.
Collaborative Specialization in Artificial Intelligence (M.Sc./M.A.Sc.)
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a paradigm for creating systems with capabilities that were traditionally reserved for humans. It enables unique insights that can be used to improve decision making in broad areas of application—from farming to finance. The Collaborative Specialization in AI provides students with a diverse and comprehensive knowledge base in fundamental AI while they pursue a thesis-based Master’s degree.
Eligible Master's programs: Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Statistics, or Bioinformatics.
Collaborative Specialization in Toxicology (M.Sc.)
Collaborative Specialization in Toxicology graduates have the knowledge and skills needed to carry out high quality scientific research. M.Sc. graduates are prepared for employment in positions such as instructors or technical staff in higher education, science-related roles in the broad biotechnology sector (e.g. pharmaceuticals, biomedical, and agriculture-related industries, food and beverage industries), or in government sector institutes and laboratories.
Other collaborative specialization options available to CEPS graduate students, depending on the eligibility of their primary program, may include:
Interested in a course-based stream?
All departments offer a course-based stream. Contact our Graduate Programs Manager for more information.