Program Overview

Systems Design Engineering - Master of Applied Science (MASc)

The Master of Applied Science in Systems Design Engineering is an innovative and interdisciplinary program that explores solutions to engineering problems at the cutting edge of technology and design. This program prepares students to pursue or advance their careers in academia, industry, entrepreneurship, and beyond.

Program Overview

• Department/School: Systems Design Engineering
• Faculty: Faculty of Engineering
• Admit term(s): Fall (September - December), Winter (January - April), Spring (May - August)
• Delivery mode: On-campus
• Program type: Master's, Research
• Length of program: 24 months (full-time)
• Registration option(s): Full-time, Part-time
• Study option(s): Thesis

Research Project Opportunities

The program offers research project opportunities, including:

• Computational Simulations for Disaster Risk Management: Developing novel computational tools to improve disaster risk management by simulating potential recovery trajectories.

Application Deadlines

• February 1 (for admission in September)
• June 1 (for admission in January of the following year)
• October 1 (for admission in May of the following year)

Admission Requirements

• A 4-year honours bachelor’s degree in engineering or a Honours Bachelor of Applied Science (or equivalent) that includes the following courses or equivalent:
  • Calculus II (SYDE 112)
  • Matrices and Linear Systems (SYDE 114)
• And one of the following two courses or equivalent:
  • Probability and Statistics (SYDE 212)
  • Calculus 3 (SYDE 211)
• At least an overall 75% (or equivalent) standing from a recognized university.
• For applicants whose previous degree was completed in Canada, a 75% overall standing in the last two years, or equivalent, in a four-year honours bachelor's degree or Honours Bachelor of Applied Science is the minimum requirement for admission to a master's program.
• Due to the variable nature of international credentials, for applicants whose previous degree was completed outside of Canada, a 75% overall standing in a four-year honours bachelor's degree or Honour’s Bachelor of Applied Science is the minimum requirement for admission.

Degree Requirements

• Review the degree requirements on the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, including the courses that you can anticipate taking as part of completing the degree.
• Check out Waterloo's institutional thesis repository to see recent submissions from the Department of Systems Design Engineering graduate students.

Application Materials

• Resume
• Statement of interest: A statement of maximum 500 words explaining your interest in and fit for the program you’re applying to.
• Program-specific questions (PSQ): Questions specific to the program you’re applying to.
• Transcript(s)
• References: Two academic references are required. Applicants who completed their degree five or more years before the application date may submit one academic and one professional reference.
• Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable: TOEFL 80 (writing 22, speaking 20, reading 20, listening 18) IELTS 6.5 (writing 6.0, speaking 6.0)

Tuition and Fees

• Visit the graduate program tuition page to determine the tuition and incidental fees per term for your program.
• Review living costs and housing.
• Review the funding graduate school resources for graduate students.