FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR PROSPECTIVE GRADUATE STUDENTS

Is there a deadline for graduate application?
We accept applications throughout the year, but it is very advantageous to have applications in well before the deadline dates:

September Admission               Visa – March 1
Domestic – May 1

January Admission                     Visa – July. 1
Domestic – October 23

I would like to apply to your program.  Where can I obtain the necessary forms?
Applications are on-line at:  http://www.chemeng.mcmaster.ca/application_forms.html

Where should I send the application material?
Graduate Assistant
Department of Chemical Engineering
McMaster University
1280 Main St. W.
Hamilton, ON L8S 4L7

What are the minimum admission requirements?
Master’s program:  4 year undergraduate degree in engineering or physical science with  a minimum B+ (77-79%) average.
Ph.D. program:  successful completion of a research Master’s degree with at least a B+ (77-79%) average.

Will I receive financial support?
We will provide financial support to any student who does not already have external
support and is admitted to one of our full-time research-based graduate degree programs (MASc. and Ph.D).
In our Department, students are paid a minimum of $20,000 as a basic
stipend.  Students with scholarships from external agencies have an opportunity to
earn more, and eligible students are encouraged to apply for these awards.  
We constantly review our support levels to ensure that students can concentrate on their studies.

What are your department’s fields of research?
Biomaterials
(Tissue engineering, biomedical engineering, blood-material interactions)                                     
Bioprocess Engineering
(Membranes, bioseparations, biorectors, analytical & environmental biotechnology)                              
Polymer Science
(Interfacial engineering, polymerization, polymer characterization, synthesis)                              
Polymer Engineering
(Polymer processing, rheology, computer modelling, extrusion)
Process Systems
(Process control, optimization, design, multivariate statistical methods)

How can I determine the status of my application?
Please check the on-line application using your access ID number to see what documents have been received.  Applications will not be reviewed until all materials are received.

My application is complete, what do I do now?
Your completed application is sent for review by our admissions committee.  You will be notified as soon as possible, but in peak periods, this review can take up to 6 weeks.

Can I re-apply if I’m unsuccessful?
If an unsuccessful applicant wishes to reapply, a new application package, including supporting documentation and application fee must be submitted.  Applications from one year are not held over to another year.  All documentation submitted in support of your application for admission becomes the property of the University and will not be returned.

How long is the MASc. program?
Our MASc program has a nominal duration of 20 months and students are funded during this period.

How long is the Ph.D. program?
Our Ph.D. program has a nominal duration of 4 years and students are funded up to 4 years.

English Language Proficiency Certification Information:
What is the TOEFL score requirement?
Scores of:  80 (Internet-based) 213 (Computer-based) 550 (paper based)

What are the university code and the department code?
The University Code is:  0936 and the Department Code is:  64

What is the MELAB requirement?
A score of 85

What is the IELTS Minimum score?
A score of 6.5

What are the career prospects in Chemical Engineering?
Our graduates are employed in a wide spectrum of industries, including chemical, steel, food, pharmaceutical, medical
and control vendor industries, as well as in academia.