Applied Science, MSc

The Master of Science in Applied Science Program is a research thesis-oriented, multidisciplinary degree program.  The objectives of the program are:

• to provide graduate students with the opportunity to conduct research in a single or a multidisciplinary field of study with practical application;
• to produce graduates with valuable skills in research and communication preparing them for careers in related fields of research and development in industry or government, or
• for further graduate studies at the doctoral level.

The normal duration of the Program for full-time students is two years. Students may also be admitted for part-time study with the permission of the Program Executive. Students may pursue their degree through a series of work and study terms; this Co-operative option is available for both full and part-time students in the Program.  Students benefit from the able guidance of experts in related fields of study within the institution and from outside, as the composition of the supervisory committee reflects the Program’s emphasis on the multidisciplinary approach to research. Collaborative research projects with experts at recognized external research institutions are encouraged and, in the case of Co-operative option of study, essential to the success of the student. 

Admission Requirements

The MSc in Applied Science follows the general admission requirements and procedures of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research as outlined in  the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar. 

In addition, to be eligible to make an application for admission to the Program, applicants must have:

1. successfully completed an honours Bachelor’s  degree in Science from a recognized institution or the equivalent.            
2. achieved a minimum cumulative quality point average of 3.0 (a ‘B’ standing) in their overall academic record.

Financial Support

Full-time students admitted to the program may be eligible for funding administered by Saint Mary’s University. Funding recommendations are made by the program All successful applicants are automatically considered for graduate funding. Students are encouraged to apply for external scholarships.

Note:  Students not registered in any course work but working on their Program/Thesis must register in Program Continuation (Prog Registration/Continuation (FGSR 9000)) for every semester (including summer) in which they are in their graduate program.

1. Students must successfully complete the required core courses, which include the successful completion and defense of the research thesis:

   Course List

   Code	Title	Credit Hours
   APSC 6600	Graduate Seminar	6
   APSC 6603	Thesis I	6
   APSC 6604	Thesis II	6

2. Non co-op students must successfully complete a total of 6 credit hours of graduate-level courses in addition to the required core courses.
3. Co-op students must successfully complete a total of 6 credit hours (one semester) in work terms in a cognate field.
4. Students must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) out of 4.3 in the Program.
5. The Supervisory Committee consists of the research thesis Supervisor and two other faculty members, not all of whom are from the same department and with at least one member an expert in a discipline sufficiently removed from the primary research focus. The Supervisory Committee membership should be submitted to and approved by the Program Executive within one month of the commencement of the program.
6. The student must make an oral presentation of his/her research proposal to the Supervisory Committee and obtain approval of the proposed work and schedule by such Committee within eight months of commencing the Program. 
7. The student must meet with his/her Supervisory Committee in September beginning in their second year to assess the student’s progress in research and course work. The annual assessment should be submitted and approved by the Program Executive by September 30.
8. As stated in the Academic Regulations Section of the Graduate Programs Academic Calendar, all degree requirements must be completed within 5 years and not sooner than 2 years for full-time students; and within 7 years and not sooner than 4 years for part-time students, after entry into the Master of Science in Applied Science Program.
9. Students must submit and successfully defend their research thesis before an Examination Committee, comprised of the Supervisory Committee and an External Examiner. Details on this process and the events leading to it are outlined in the Graduate Student Handbook, available on the FGSR website.