Program Overview

Accelerated Master's Program

The Accelerated Master's program allows undergraduate students at Waterloo to fast track a Master of Applied Science (MASc) degree at the University of Waterloo.

Program Description

You will get to take up to two graduate level courses during your final year of undergraduate studies: one course in 4A and one in 4B or during your work term. You will have the opportunity to undertake research during your final co-op term(s); such experience can be a foundation for your MASc work.

Eligibility

The Accelerated Master's program is available to engineering students who have consistently achieved excellent records at the end of the 3B term and hold an 80% cumulative average.

Research Funding

You can get paid for conducting research and working with a faculty member. The following funding options are available:

• Undergraduate Research Assistantship (URA) - part-time research during an academic term
• Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA) - full-time research funding through NSERC (government grant) during a work term
  • Accelerated Master's students who receive an NSERC USRA will be considered for an additional, one-time, $4,500 from the Dean of Engineering. There are a limited number of these awards.
  • Students holding a NSERC USRA while in the Accelerated Master's program will also be eligible for graduate course tuition reimbursement.

Application Process

To apply for the Accelerated Master's program, follow these steps:

1. Confirm academic eligibility: Admission to the program requires a consistently strong academic performance, with a minimum cumulative average of 80%.
2. Find a supervisor: Students must find a faculty member who is willing to be their MASc supervisor and with whom they are interested in working.
3. Document academic plan: The academic plan is a list of graduate courses (normally 600 level) that you plan to take as part of the Accelerated Master's program.
4. Document research plan: The research plan identifies the term in which you will carry out your research on campus during one of your co-op terms.
5. Obtain approvals: Complete the application form and obtain the signature of your supervisor(s). Then submit the form to the Graduate Studies office in your department.
6. Apply to graduate school: Applicants who are accepted in the Accelerated Master's program will still need to complete an online graduate studies application package for their desired graduate studies start term.

Course Fees Reimbursement

Students who complete a graduate course during their co-op term while holding a NSERC USRA can be compensated for the tuition fees assessed for that course after the term is complete. To be eligible, students must:

1. Register in a graduate course during co-op/NSERC USRA term
2. Pay tuition and fees
3. Complete the course with a minimum grade of 80%
4. Contact the Departmental Graduate Coordinator with the required information
5. The Department Coordinators will then contact the Engineering Graduate Studies Office to review the request and, if approved, students will see the funds deposited into their account within 3 weeks.