Graduate Programs

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) | Master of Science (MSc) | MEng Non-Thesis Option | MEng Non-Thesis Option in Environmental Engineering 

 

The Department of Civil Engineering offers courses and research opportunities leading to the following degree programs:

  • Doctor of Philosophy, PhD
  • Master of Science, MSc 
  • Master of Engineering, MEng (Non-Thesis Option), including the Master of Engineering, MEng in Environmental Engineering

The MSc degree with thesis is also open to students with Bachelor's degrees in science and other appropriate non-engineering areas.

Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies administers the rules and regulations pertaining to these degrees.


Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The PhD degree is essentially research-oriented with minimal graduate coursework. Admission to the PhD program is contingent upon a faculty member agreeing to supervise the research to be performed by an applicant. Co-supervised research projects are also conducted, where the co-supervisor can be from McGill or another university. Final acceptance into the program as a PhD candidate is contingent upon passing the PhD comprehensive oral examination (course CIVE 701) and the PhD research proposal (course CIVE 702). Although applicants are encouraged to write to the faculty members closest to their intended area of research to determine their willingness and availability for directing their work, it is not mandatory to have already identified a research supervisor at the application stage. 

Program requirements for PhD


Master of Science (MSc)

The MSc degree is research-oriented and involves the completion of graduate coursework and a thesis under the supervision of a faculty member.  Co-supervised research projects are also conducted, where the co-supervisor can be from McGill or another university. The main features of this degree program are:

  • Emphasis on research
  • 17 credits of coursework (minimum 8 credits at 600-level)
  • A maximum of 1/3 of coursework credits may be taken outside McGill (approval required from the Department)
  • 1 credit CIVE 662 Masters Research Seminar, presented in the last semester prior to thesis submission
  • 27 credits of Thesis
  • Transfer to Non-Thesis option is possible for candidates having earned an undergraduate engineering degree (approval required from the Department) and irrevocable if approved
  • Minimum residency of 3 terms full-time
  • Usual completion time is 20-24 months

Program requirements for MSc


Master of Engineering (MEng) Non - Thesis Option

The MEng Non-Thesis program aims to provide a professional orientation graduate degree for candidates who have earned a civil engineering degree.  The degree may be completed through coursework and a research seminar. Alternatively, a project, with a report of lesser scope than the research thesis of the MSc degree, may be undertaken in addition to coursework and a research seminar. The project includes possibilities such as a technical review, a design project or a smaller scale research project (typically 10 credits maximum). The main features of this degree program are:

  • Emphasis on expertise (specialty area) for professional practice
  • 27 to 42 credits of coursework (minimum 8 credits at 600-level)
  • 3 credit CIVE 664 MEng (Non-Thesis) Research Seminar
  • 0 to 10 credits of Project report (examined in the department only)
  • A maximum of 1/3 of coursework credits may be taken outside McGill (approval required from the Department)
  • Transfer to MSc degree program thesis possible (approval required from the Department)
  • Minimum residency  of 3 terms full-time
  • Usual completion time 20-24 months if full-time
  • Non-Thesis Master’s students should not expect to receive any funding from the Department or supervisor

Program requirements for MEng Non-Thesis Option


Master of Engineering (MEng) Non - Thesis Option in Environmental Engineering

This is an interdepartmental program leading to the Master's degree (MEng Non Thesis Option in Environmental Engineering). The primary objective of the program is to train environmental professionals at the advanced level, and it is designed for individuals with a university undergraduate degree in engineering. A similar degree is offered in the Departments of Bioresources Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Mining and Materials Engineering.

This program emphasizes interdisciplinary fundamental knowledge, practical applications in diverse environmental contexts and functional skills needed for solving environmental problems. The interdepartmental and interdisciplinary character of the program provides a unique opportunity for students to master specialized skills in their home disciplines and to acquire a broader perspective and awareness of environment issues through a wide range of technical and non-technical courses offered by collaborating departments and faculties at McGill University.

Program requirements for MEng Non-Thesis Environmental Eng Option


 

 

Back to top