Accelerated Master's Program

Queen's Chemical Engineering student in the lab

Want to get a head start on your Master's?

The Accelerated Master's Degree program (aka “Combined BASc/MASc Program) allows strong students (GPA of A- or better) in the Chemical Engineering and Engineering Chemistry programs to begin work towards a Master's degree while completing their undergraduate degree. Under this new Program, undergraduate students must successfully complete a fourth year Research Project, and may complete up to 6.0 graduate course credits that will count towards their MASc degree. Typically, the Research Project will be (co)supervised by the faculty member(s) who intend(s) to become the student’s MASc thesis supervisor(s). To earn the MASc degree, the student is required to accumulate a minimum of 12.0 graduate course credits (including those graduate course credits earned as an undergraduate), prepare an MASc thesis, which builds on the research pursued in (ii), and successfully defend her/his MASc thesis.

For more information, please contact Prof. Aris Docoslis, Graduate Studies Coordinator:

Dr. Aris Docoslis
Tel: 613-533-6949
Email: docoslis@queensu.ca
Office: Dupuis Hall, Room 208
How to Apply
Benefits of the program

It is expected that the accelerated Masters program will reduce the time-to-completion of those enrolled by one or two academic terms. The completion of the MASc program in Chemical Engineering typically takes 6 terms (2 calendar years) and requires 12 course credits at the graduate level and a research thesis. The undergraduate students who enter the proposed program after their 3rd year will be able to take graduate courses as well as conduct research that is directed towards an MASc and thus enter the MASc program with coursework credit earned. The students benefit from the educational experience of taking graduate courses that cover the most recent developments in a chosen field, as well as from the intellectual challenge associated with open-ended problem solving. Students will also have the opportunity to share their research findings through conference participation. In addition, students enrolled in the program will be more competitive for external scholarships and awards.

FAQs

When do I apply?

• Chemical Engineering students apply to the Accelerated Master's Program in Applied Science (MASc) during the winter term of 3rd year. Note: for ChemEngChem students entering the 4th year in the Fall of 2018, this deadline will be extended to September 7, 2018.

What are the academic requirements?

• Students must have first class grades (GPA of 3.7 or higher) and complete an application form.

How long does the program take to complete?

• Students accepted to the program will complete their BASc with the rest of their class cohort and are expected to complete the MASc degree 16-20 months later.

Which courses am I required to take?

• During their 4th year in the BASc/MASc program, students would take as technical electives a combination of graduate courses (800-level, worth 3.0 academic credits) and/or graduate course modules (900 –level, worth 1.5 academic credits each) for up to 6.0 credits toward the requisite 12.0 credits needed for the MASc degree. These credits will also count towards the completion of the BASc academic units. (Please see Ms. Liann Joanette regarding eligible graduate courses).

To be allowed to continue as graduate students in the combined BASc/MASc program, students must have achieved a minimum final graded of B- in each graduate course/module taken during their 4th year.

When do I start research work?

• Students must complete a research project in their 4th year of study: either CHEE 408 (CHE2), CHEE 421 (CHE1) or ENCH 417 (EngChem students). Students taking MINE 424 as option core instead of CHEE 408 or CHEE 421 will also be eligible for admission to the program, provided that they are supervised or co-supervised by a faculty member who is affiliated (appointed or cross-appointed) with the department of Chemical Engineering. During the 4th year projects, students may make research progress on their MASc degree.

To be allowed to continue as a graduate student in the combined BASc/MASc program a minimum final grade of a B+ in their undergraduate research project.

Can a MASc student be promoted to the PHd program?

• Yes, just like any 'regular' MASc student, by applying during the fifth year of studies. Students can continue on to a PhD program if they have a first-class average, the supervisor supports the transfer, and they successfully pass a promotion mini-defense.

Timelines

    • Fall term of Year 3: information/recruitment session (grad Coordinator/Faculty members)

    • Winter term of Year 3: student (A- average or better) applies to the program*

    • Fall/Winter terms of Year 4: student takes up to 6.0 graduate course credits as electives

    • Fall/Winter terms of Year 4: student takes and completes a 4th year research project

    • Fall term of Year 4: student applies to the School of Graduate Studies for admission to the graduate program (the application procedure is exactly the same as with all other prospective applicants)

    • April of Year 4: graduation with a BASc degree

    • May of Year 4: The student enters the graduate program and works towards the completion of the remaining graduate course credits while performing Master’s-level research. It is expected that the student will be able to complete the program 4-5 terms (16-20 months) later.

* For ChemEngChem students starting their 4th year in the Fall of 2018, the application deadline is extended to September 7, 2018.