course based vs thesis based masters in canada

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Canadian Master’s and PhD programs

At our universities you will find the following programs if you are interested on a master’s, this could help you decide which one is a better fit for you: some tips that could also help you:.

• Think about what you hope to do after the program, usually students contemplating a PhD or an academic career are better served with a thesis based program.
• The  thesis-based program offers better preparation for a PhD program .
• The course-based program will offer you more time to pursue other learning opportunities, like an internship , for example, or other networking opportunities.
• At CALDO universities you will find more options of thesis-based masters Admission. For a thesis-based Master’s you will need a supervisor which may make the admission process a bit more complex. On the other hand, some course-based Master’s will require evidence of professional experience (e.g. MBA).

For more information on how to apply see the Steps to Apply section.

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What is a Thesis-Based vs. Course-Based Master’s Degree?

Generally, there are two paths that an international student can take in receiving their Masters Degree.

• One way is through a course-based program, and the other is through a thesis-based program.
• A course-based program is basically like your undergraduate degree: you take a certain amount of courses for a certain amount of credit, and once you pass those you receive your degree.
• A thesis-based program differs greatly from that.
• Thesis based degrees require you take fewer courses, and one or two substantially larger and more committed courses.
• In these courses, you perform your research and work on writing your thesis, which is typically based upon an original research topic of your choosing.

How Do You Choose?

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to choose between which types of masters program you wish to complete. Perhaps the most important factor in deciding which type of route to take is asking yourself what you wish to do after the completion of the program.

For example, if you wish to be a teacher or professor or have some sort of job that revolves around research, perhaps a thesis-based route would be best for you. On the other hand, a course-based program is usually completed faster and can sometimes give you a head start in the particular industry you wish to specialize in.

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The thesis-based path provides a number of pros and cons.

• First off, it is considered the more ‘traditional’ path. Oftentimes, this is the path to a master’s degree offered more commonly than the course-based.
• Completing a thesis-based program also can set you, an international student , up better to participate in a doctorate program upon completion of the masters program.
• Also, the scope of the research you will perform in a thesis-based program is smaller than the research you would perform in a doctorate program.
• Oftentimes, one of the biggest cons to a thesis-based program is the time it takes to complete.
• This path typically takes significantly longer than the course-based option.
• Also, another potential setback to thesis-based courses is that it could limit your future to research like positions and does not set one up as well for business or management decisions.
• We strongly suggest that you perform some of your own research to see if the thesis-based route is the one for you.

One of the biggest pros of the course-based route is that it typically is completed much quicker than the alternative.

• This works out nicely if you are trying to get your degree in a hurry or if you want to try and receive two degrees, for example.
• Also, course-based usually works out better when you do not intend to follow it up with another degree at the doctorate level.
• Another typically big pro about course-based work is that it tends to not narrow your prospective employment like how thesis-based can sometimes narrow employment to research based positions.
• There are, however, some cons as well with course-based work.
• One of them is that if you complete a course-based program and later decide that you would like to complete a degree at the doctorate level, you may have to complete and/or perform some work to show that you are ready to complete a degree at the level and so you can show your abilities to perform at that level.
• Another setback to this path is that all the learning is done in the classroom, so it leaves out the practical learning aspect.
• It also does not bolster your research skills as well as the thesis-based approach, and also does not prepare as well for technical specialization.

Choosing what program works best for you can oftentimes prove difficult. In addition, it can be even harder to international student loan options once you decide on a program. If you have any questions about scholarships or other options for finding funding to study in the U.S. please visit us at  www.nomadcredit.com . We’d be happy to help you search and compare options for  education loans or study loans , too. Please send us an email at  [email protected]  if you have any questions! We are happy to help.

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Graduate studies in Canada

Transform your future with a graduate degree from a Canadian university. With a global reputation for education and research excellence, Canada is the ideal choice for your master’s degree, PhD or doctoral studies.

Canada is a global leader in research and innovation

Canadian universities conduct research at one of the world’s highest rates. Canada’s thriving research culture exceeds the G7 average in terms of impact in the fields of clinical medicine; biology; information and communication technologies; agriculture; fisheries and forestry; earth and environmental sciences; economics; and business.

To put it into context, Canadian universities conducted CAD 14.3 billion in research and development (R&D), representing 40% of the total 2017 Canadian R&D (Statistics Canada, Spending on Research and Development , 2020).

Canadians have a long, proud history of developing innovations that have changed the world, including the electric wheelchair, Canadarm space technology, IMAX film, Java programming language and wireless radio transmission.

We also have a long list of medical and scientific breakthroughs. Among them: insulin, the pacemaker, the HAART therapy treatment as HIV prevention, open heart surgery and transplantable stem cells. More recently, a Canadian PhD student made a groundbreaking cancer discovery at Queen’s University. Caitlin Miron discovered a chemical compound (DNA binder) that could ‘switch off’ cancers cells and prevent them from spreading (Global News, Canadian PhD student makes groundbreaking cancer discovery , 2017).

Why not add your name to the list? Our teaching and research programs offer endless possibilities for you to work with world-leading researchers in cutting-edge research laboratories.

Graduate program options

In virtually every field of academic study, Canadian universities offer graduate degree programs.

• Master’s degrees require 1 or 2 years of study after completing your bachelor’s degree. In Canada, your master’s studies can include a thesis, practicum, research paper or a course‑based program.
• PhD and doctoral degrees involve 3 to 5 years of study, including a thesis. This usually is pursued after completing your master’s degree. Your PhD path will include a dissertation that you prepare based on extensive and original research in your field.

Search colleges & universities

Canadian institutions offer both in-person master’s degrees and PhD programs as well as online or distance education options.

The case for higher education in Canada

• Canada is seen as the #3 destination in the world for the quality of education we offer international students (U.S News & World Report, Best Countries for Education, 2021 ).
• Graduate studies in Canada are affordable at an average cost of CAD 19,252 for a degree (Statistics Canada. Canadian and International tuition fees, 2020-2021 ).
• A total of 26 Canadian universities feature in the QS World University Rankings 2021, an achievement matched only by a handful of other countries ( QS World University Rankings, 2021 ).

Cost of graduate studies in Canada

Your graduate studies are a smart career investment. Canada’s master’s and PhD programs are recognized around the globe, and our relatively lower cost of living makes the opportunity even more appealing to international students like you. Even Canada’s larger cities are more affordable than many cities around the world. 

Graduate tuition fees in Canada can vary depending on the program and location you choose. 

Study costs

Scholarships to study in Canada

You may be eligible for a scholarship, fellowship or grant to complete your postgraduate studies in Canada. The Government of Canada, our provinces and territories and many educational institutions offer funding for international students.

Find scholarships

Admission requirements and credits

Each university in Canada has its own admission requirements. To learn out about admission requirements for the program you want to pursue, visit the website of the university you would like to attend. Contact the university directly to determine whether your existing credits can be applied toward that program.

To study at a Canadian university, you must provide proof of your English or French language capabilities, depending on the language you choose for your studies.

• English-language universities may require you to write a Test of English as a Foreign Language  (TOEFL),  International English Language Testing System  (IELTS), Cambridge English Assessment or the  Canadian Academic English Language Assessment  (CAEL).
• French-language universities assess students individually. To learn what a certain university requires, check with the Office of the Registrar at the school you wish to attend.

Keep exploring

5 steps to study in Canada

Explore the 5 key steps to follow to get ready to make Canada your study destination.

Common pathways to college and university

Canada's education system is flexible. Discover all the paths you can take to achieve your goals.

Top reasons to study in Canada

Discover the many reasons why international students choose to study in Canada.

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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.

• COMPUTER SCIENCE
• ENGINEERING

Chemistry (M.Sc.)

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

Administrative Assistant (GWC)2 [email protected]   519-824-4120 x53848

Computer Science (M.Sc.)

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

Graduate Program Assistant [email protected] 519-824-4120 x56402

Engineering (M.A.Sc.)

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

Luisa Cazolla Graduate Program Assistant - Admissions [email protected] 519-824-4120 x58764

• MATHEMATICS & STATISTICS

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.

Patricia Townsend Graduate Program Assistant [email protected]   519-824-4120 x52705

Physics (M.Sc.)

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). 

Janice Ilic Graduate Program Assistant [email protected] 519-824-4120 x58176

Eric Poisson, Graduate Program Coordinator [email protected]

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 (M.Sc.)

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.

• ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

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:

• International Development Studies
• Regenerative Medicine

Interested in a course-based stream?

All departments offer a course-based stream. Contact our Graduate Programs Manager for more information.

From Saturday, Oct. 5 through Monday, Oct. 7, the Downtown and Macdonald Campuses will be open only to McGill students, employees and essential visitors. Many classes will be held online. Remote work required where possible. See Campus Public Safety website for details .

Du samedi 5 octobre au lundi 7 octobre, le campus du centre-ville et le campus Macdonald ne seront accessibles qu’aux étudiants et aux membres du personnel de l’Université McGill, ainsi qu’aux visiteurs essentiels. De nombreux cours auront lieu en ligne. Le personnel devra travailler à distance, si possible. Voir le site Web de la Direction de la protection et de la prévention pour plus de détails .

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All of our Master's options require 45 credits and lead to the same LLM degree; they are differentiated by the proportion of coursework to scholarly research and writing.

The Thesis option is a research-intensive LLM program, requiring less coursework; the Non-Thesis option is a primarily course-based LLM program, which requires students to complete a Research Project in their last term.

In choosing the LLM program that best suits their interests, background, and objectives, prospective students are encouraged to take into account their interest and aptitude in-depth academic legal scholarship, their interest in taking a range of courses and learning North American legal culture, and their professional and personal timelines.

A Master’s Thesis is a 30,000-word project (including notes and bibliography). It should constitute a sustained analytical contribution to an ongoing academic discussion or to developing concepts and practices. The Thesis must demonstrate substantial knowledge, intellectual curiosity, critical argument, and scholarly ambition. The theoretical and methodological approaches incorporated into the research and writing should be clearly understood and articulated. Applicants to the LLM program with Thesis are expected to submit a proposal that illustrates their readiness to explore a particular research question in depth.

Non-Thesis (Research Project)

A Research Project is a 15,000-word paper (including notes and bibliography). It constitutes a substantial piece of critical writing, of publishable length and quality, which elucidates particular ideas or problems within an area of law. The Research Project should exhibit a solid understanding of its own theoretical and methodological framework, and should be clearly written with the incorporation of relevant and significant sources. LLM Non-Thesis students complete their coursework over the Fall and Winter semesters and write their Research Projects over the Summer term.

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Program options

There are two main types of graduate programs offered at Concordia University: course-based and thesis-based. Your choice depends on your career objectives, your study preferences and your skills.

Choose your path

Course-based

Advance your professional skillset and focus on the direct application of knowledge in our course-based programs. Complete your degree through courses involving projects, group work and research papers.

Thesis-based

Develop your knowledge in a specialized area of research in our thesis-based programs. Work closely with a supervisor in your field of interest and pursue independent and original research.

Research supervision

Selecting a supervisor is a crucial step in your journey as a PhD or thesis-based master’s student. Before reaching out to potential supervisors, it is important to find a research topic that interests you. This will narrow your search and match you with a faculty member who shares similar interests.

The student/supervisor relationship is particularly important in your graduate education. Your supervisor will guide your professional knowledge and skill development in pursuit of your academic and professional goals. Under their mentorship they will encourage you, challenge you and steer you towards successfully submitting your thesis.

Some programs require students to identify a supervisor prior to admission. Determine if you need to identify a thesis supervisor before you apply .

Tips on finding a supervisor

Take the next step.

Help drive research that can change the world. Deepen your knowledge, build your networks, hone your skills and gain the tools to make a lasting impact.

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The School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization in all aspects of graduate and postdoctoral studies.  For more information regarding these commitments please visit   grad.uwo.ca/edi-d .

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Department of computer science.

The Department of Computer Science offers a four-term graduate program leading to a Master of Science degree in Computer Science. This program provides a high quality, leading-edge education on Computer Science that produces highly capable and sought after professionals able to excel in today’s ever changing technological world.

This program is very flexible, allowing the students the opportunity to select courses on their chosen area of specialization. Thesis and project based MSc students have the opportunity of conducting state of the art research with internationally renowned researchers. Course work based MSc students get a solid background in core and applied areas of Computer Science, giving them the edge they need to compete in any marketplace.

Program Length

• 4 Terms (Course-based)
• 5 Terms (Thesis-based; Project-based)

Program Design

• Full-time study or part-time study
• Course-based, project-based or thesis-based

Funding Information

• Graduate Student Funding Support Package

Applicants (domestic and international) are encouraged to apply for the following scholarships:

• Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fee schedules (per term) are posted on the Office of the Registrar's website at http://www.registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/fees_refunds/fee_schedules.html

Graduate Student Affordability Calculator

Use this helpful tool to estimate how much money you will need to pay for your tuition, fees, housing, food, and other necessities for a 12-month (three term) academic year.

Admission Requirements

• Four-year Honours degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science from an accredited university, college or institute.
• Achieved at least a 78% or B+ overall average as determined by the Department.

Additional Requirements

For students who do not hold a four-year Honour's degree in Computer Science, to be eligible to apply for admission into the MSc program they must have the equivalent of the following:

• Four-year Honours degree (or equivalent) with very high standing from an accredited university, college or institute.
• Computer Science 2212 (Introduction to Software Engineering), Computer Science 3340 (Analysis of Algorithms I), plus two additional Computer Science courses at the third-year or fourth-year level.

English Language Proficiency

• The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Minimum acceptable score is 92 for the internet version with no individual score below 20. [Western's TOEFL ID is 0984 ].
• The International English Language Testing Service (IELTS Academic). Minimum acceptable score is 6.5 out of 9, with no individual score below 6.
• The Duolingo English Test . Minimum overall score of 115.

Application Deadline

International Applicants:

• February 15

The Department of Computer Science accepts new MSc students in the fall (September) term only.

Acceptance notifications are processed on a rolling basis. International applicants: Acceptance notification by mid-April. Domestic applicants: Acceptance notification by the end of July.

Fields of Research

• Artificial Intelligence and Computer-Based Games
• Bioinformatics and Biocomputing
• Computer Algebra
• Distributed Systems
• Graphics, Image Processing, and Computer Vision
• Software Engineering and Human Computer Interaction
• Theoretical Computer Science

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Prospective graduate students

Graduate studies at UVic

With more than 160 graduate programs offered, how do you choose just one? Start by asking yourself if you're looking for specialized research or professional development.

There are two types of programs offered at UVic: course-based (professional skillset focus) and thesis/project-based (research focus). Your choice will depend on your own study preferences and professional goals.

A course-based master's program may not meet the requirements for a PhD program. If you plan to pursue a PhD, you should consider a thesis/project-based master's program.

Course-based programs

A course-based master's program is ideal for enhancing your professional skillset. All your degree requirements are fulfilled by completing courses. This type of program may also involve a capstone project, such as a major research paper or group project.

Most course-based programs are designed to be completed in one to two years full-time, and up to a maximum of five years part-time.

Admission requirements vary. Some course-based programs are intended for students who have recently completed a bachelor’s degree, while others may require prior work experience.

Thesis/project-based programs

A thesis/project-based program is ideal for developing your knowledge in a specialized area of research. You will pursue an independent and original research project that culminates in a thesis. You'll work under the supervision of a faculty member whose expertise matches your research area. This type of program is available at the master's or PhD level.

Students are required to prepare a substantial research document (thesis/dissertation) that makes an original scholarly contribution to their field. Doctoral and master’s students must also defend their thesis in front of an examination committee.

A thesis/project-based master’s program will typically take two years to complete, up to a maximum of five years. A doctoral program will typically take four years, up to a maximum of seven years.

FGS and your program

The Faculty of Graduate Studies sets out the minimum qualifications for admission. However, specific graduate program requirements may call for higher grades and additional documentation.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee entry into a graduate program. Admission can be very competitive.

Explore our graduate and specialized programs on Graduate Admissions .

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Neuroscience

Master of Science (MSc)

Thesis-based program

Program overview.

The Neuroscience graduate program seeks to advance research contributing to the understanding of the brain and mental health, promote independent thinking and prepare graduate leaders to excel in any field of human endeavor. The program is ideal for inquisitive students with high scholastic achievement​ driven to understand who and what we are, and who wish to better the mental and physical health of all members of our society. Students focus on both disease and fundamental understanding of the brain, learning in a faculty that fosters interaction between clinical and basic scientists. The research-intensive degree focuses on both disease and fundamental understanding of the brain, with first-year core courses providing a solid foundation in neurophysiology.

Completing this program

Courses: Topics include cellular, molecular and developmental neuroscience, systems neuroscience and neuropathology and others.

Research Ethics: Students are required to attend Research Integrity Day sessions in the first year of their program.

• Sex & Gender Module: Students are required to complete one of the CIHR sex and gender online training modules found at discoversexandgender.ca in the first year of their program.

Seminars: Students will participate in the Hotchkiss Brain Institute seminar program and a journal club.

Research Proposal:  Students must defend a written research proposal to their supervisory committee. 

Thesis: Students will be required to submit and defend an original research thesis.

(Optional) Interdisciplinary Specialization I:  A specialization in computational neuroscience is available. Additional information can also be found here.

(Optional) Interdisciplinary Specialization II : A specialization in medical imaging  is also available. Additional information can also be found here .

Careers that demand a high degree of intellectual performance, positions of leadership, academia (teachers, administrators, researchers), medicine - clinician researchers, pharmaceutical industry, entrepreneurial endeavors, Fortune 500 companies, biomedical sales.

A master’s degree in neuroscience will give you the pre-requisite for a PhD.

Students are required to prepare a thesis and successfully defend in an open oral defense.

Two courses

Learn more about program requirements in the Academic Calendar

Classroom delivery

Time commitment.

Two years full-time; four years maximum

A supervisor is required, and must agree to oversee the student's research before admission will be granted

See the Graduate Calendar for information on  fees and fee regulations,  and for information on  awards and financial assistance .

Virtual Tour

Explore the University of Calgary’s (UCalgary) Foothills Campus from anywhere. Experience all that the Cumming School of Medicine has to offer for interested prospective graduate students. Explore this state of the art campus from wherever you are. Discover the buildings, student services and available programs all from your preferred device.

Supervisors

Learn about faculty available to supervise this degree.

Michael A. Colicos

Camila Aquino

Jeff Biernaskie

Tamara Bodnar

Stephanie Borgland

Janice Braun

Veronica Bruno

Brandy Callahan

Candice Cassia Poon

Admission Requirements

A minimum of 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.

Minimum education

A four year baccalaureate degree, or equivalent from a recognized institution.

Work samples

Reference letters, test scores, english language proficiency.

An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL ibt)  score of 105.
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)  score of 7.5 (minimum of 6.0 in each section)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE)   score of 75, or higher (Academic version).
• Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL)  score of 70 (minimum 70 in each section)  
• Academic Communication Certificate (ACC)  score of A- in each course.
• Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency  minimum score of 200.
• Duolingo English Test  and obtaining a minimum score of 145* (with no sub-score below 125*). ( temporary until Fall 2024 intake )

For admission on May 1

• Canadians and permanent residents: March 1 application deadline
• International students: Dec. 1 application deadline

For admission on September 1

• Canadians and permanent residents:Jun. 1 application deadline
• International students: Apr. 1 application deadline

For admission on January 1

• Canadians and permanent residents: Oct. 1 application deadline
• International students: Aug. 1 application deadline

If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements

Are you ready to apply?

Learn more about this program, department of neuroscience.

Graduate Science Education HSC G345B, 3330 Hospital Drive NW Calgary, AB T2N 2T9

Contact the Graduate Program Administrator

Visit the departmental website

Health Sciences Centre Foothills Campus, University of Calgary Calgary, ABT2N 4N1

Visit the Cumming School of Medicine website

Learn more about UCalgary by taking a virtual tour

Related programs

If you're interested in this program, you might want to explore other UCalgary programs.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Thesis-based MSc

Thesis-based PhD

Biomedical Engineering

Thesis-based MEng

Clinical Psychology

Computer science, math and statistics.

Course-based MSc

Medical Science

Physics and astronomy, curious about the university of calgary.

Located in the nation's most enterprising city, we are a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude.

• Course-based vs. Thesis-based Master’s of Education Program

I have the following question: I am considering starting a Masters of Education but am having difficulty deciding between a course and thesis-based program. I have asked numerous colleagues for advice and their opinions vary. What advice can you offer as I begin my quest for a Masters program?

Answer – Before you decide on a Master’s program, ask yourself this question: what do you hope to do afterwards? Generally speaking, students contemplating a Ph.D. or an academic career are better served with a thesis-based program. Pre-professional students might get more value out of the coursework, unless they are already involved in a particular career. If you’ve worked in the field and have a specialized function, you might benefit from the intensive focus of a thesis research project.

Both programs, by the way, lead to the same degree; your diploma won’t indicate how you satisfied the academic requirements for the M.Ed. In deciding between the two sets of requirements, it helps to understand exactly what each entails. The academic, thesis-based master’s differs from the professional degree in that it emphasizes original research and research methodology. Professional, course-based master’s degrees are more structured and focus on the direct application of knowledge in teaching and educational administration contexts.

Another important consideration: do you intend to go on to a doctoral degree someday? If so, the thesis-based program offers better preparation for a Ph.D. program. Many course-based master’s degrees are not designed with doctoral study in mind, and therefore don’t offer certain training crucial for Ph.D. students–namely, research methodology. Moreover, these professional-style programs typically lead to a ‘terminal’ master’s degree, meaning that the credits will not necessarily transfer to a doctoral program.

Aside from these considerations, opinions abound on the relative merits of thesis and non-thesis-based programs. Many argue that a couple courses cannot make up for the knowledge gained in the process of writing a thesis. This is probably true, but you’ll have more time to pursue other learning opportunities. An internship, for example, can provide an applied education more relevant to your future career–not to mention networking opportunities. Unless you expect to work for an educational policy think tank, the benefits of an internship–networking and practical experience–might outweigh the benefits of a research project.

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• Choosing a Degree: MFA vs. MA

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Changes to PGWP eligibility criteria

This page outlines the recently announced changes to the post-graduation work permit (PGWP) eligibility.

On this page

What hasn’t changed, proof of language ability.

• Field of study requirements
• To be eligible for a PGWP, you must continue to meet the general and physical location eligibility requirements (even after November 1, 2024) and complete a study program at a PGWP eligible designated learning institution .
• If you apply for a PGWP before November 1, 2024 , you only need to meet the current eligibility criteria .
• This means that the new eligibility requirements below do not apply to you.

New eligibility requirements

If you submitted your study permit application before november 1, 2024.

If you submitted your study permit application before November 1, 2024 and are applying for a PGWP on or after November 1, 2024, you must also meet the new requirement that applies to your situation.

• Language requirement: You must prove your English or French language skills with a minimum level of Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7 in English or Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 7 in French in all 4 language areas.
• Language requirement: You must prove your English or French language skills with a minimum level of CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all 4 language areas.
• Language requirement: You must prove your English or French language skills with a minimum level of CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French in all 4 language areas.

If you submit your study permit application on or after November 1, 2024

If you submit your study permit application on or after November 1, 2024 , you must also meet the new requirements that apply to your situation to be eligible to apply for a PGWP.

• Field of study requirement: All fields of study are eligible. There is no additional field of study requirement.
• Field of study requirement: You must graduate in an eligible field of study .

Language requirements

You must provide proof of language ability to meet the language requirements for the PGWP when you submit your application.

To measure your English or French levels, we use

• Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English
• Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) for French

You must demonstrate your skill in each of the following abilities:

Your test results must be less than 2   years old when you submit your application. We accept language test results from these tests:

Field of study requirement

If your study program has a field of study requirement, you must graduate from a program linked to certain occupations in long-term shortage. The fields of study are divided into 5 broad categories:

• agriculture and agri-food
• science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)

The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) is used to classify post-secondary education programs according to field of study in Canada.

Learn more about CIP Canada and how it’s used.

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