An applicant is encouraged to apply for admission to the MSc program if he/she has an honours bachelor of science degree, or the equivalent, with a minimum standing of 75% in the last two years.

An applicant is encouraged to apply for admission to the MSc co-operative option if he/she has an honours bachelor of science degree, or the equivalent, with a minimum standing of 75% in the last two years from an accredited university. The co-op MSc option is not available to students who have completed a co-op program as undergraduates. These students are, however, eligible for admission to the co-op PhD program.

Students must successfully complete at least four semester-long graduate courses, one of which is MSc Seminar, CHEM*7940, and submit and defend an acceptable thesis.

The academic requirements are the same as in the regular MSc program, but at least two of the required four semester-long courses (including CHEM*7940) must be completed during the first two semesters of study. The student will spend the following two semesters (eight months) working in an industrial or government laboratory, upon completion of which he/she must present an acceptable work report. After returning to campus, the student will complete his/her course work and research and prepare the MSc thesis.

Students who elect this option must successfully complete eight semester-long courses, including MSc Seminar, CHEM*7940, and MSc Research Project, CHEM*7970. This option is designed for students whose employment or family responsibilities allow free time for study only in the evenings.