The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers programs of graduate studies leading to the degree of Master of Engineering or Doctor of Philosophy. Areas of concentration include all the specialties in the research areas listed here.
Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)
Candidates may satisfy the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering by following one of two options:
- THESIS OPTION - Thesis Option requirements are fulfilled upon completion of six (6) graduate courses (minimum of 18 credits, with a grade of B- or better) plus an externally examined thesis (28 credits) for a program total of at least 46 credits. Four (4) of the graduate courses must be taken within the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECSE 5XX or ECSE 6XX). Students who are required to take more than two (2) non-departmental courses must submit a letter of recommendation from their supervisor outlining the reason for such an action. There are no circumstances under which the maximum number of non-departmental courses will be raised above three.
This program is research oriented and the thesis is expected to involve a thorough examination of a topic of current interest in the research area within the department. Undertaking this program provides students with an opportunity to conduct intensive research under the supervision of researchers who are leaders in their field. The program is an ideal preparation for a PhD degree or an industrial research career. The following are the thesis component courses:
- ECSE-691 Thesis Research 1 (4 credits)
- ECSE-692 Thesis Research 2 (4 credits)
- ECSE-693 Thesis Research 3 (4 credits)
- ECSE-694 Thesis Research 4 (4 credits)
- ECSE-695 Thesis Research 5 (4 credits)
- ECSE-696 Thesis Research 6 (4 credits)
- ECSE-697 Thesis Research 7 (4 credits)
Students who choose the thesis option must register for all seven thesis research courses over the period of their three terms of residency, in addition to the six (6) graduate courses selected by the supervisor.
- NON-THESIS OPTION - Non-Thesis Option requirements are fulfilled upon completion of nine (9) graduate courses (minimum 27 credits, with a grade of B- or better) plus an internally examined project (11-20 credits) for a program total of not more than 47 credits. A total of more than 47 credits will require the Department to flag the extra credits as "not required" in the program. Six (6) of the graduate courses must be taken within the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECSE 5XX or ECSE 6XX). Students who are required to take more than three (3) non-departmental courses must submit a letter of recommendation from their supervisor outlining the reason for such an action. There are no circumstances under which the maximum number of non-departmental courses will be raised above four.
This program is oriented more at professional development than the thesis option. The project is of significantly less scope than a thesis, and includes options such as a technical review, a design project, or a small-scale research project. Undertaking nine courses provides students with a very solid background in electrical and computer engineering, both in terms of breadth across the entire field and depth in the area of specialty. Graduates frequently pursue careers in research and development. The following are the project component courses:
- ECSE-651 Research Project 1 (1 credit)
- ECSE-652 Research Project 2 (2 credits)
- ECSE-653 Research Project 3 (3 credits)
- ECSE-654 Research Project 4 (4 credits)
- ECSE-655 Research Project 5 (5 credits)
- ECSE-656 Research Project 6 (5 credits)
Students who choose the thesis option must register for all seven thesis research courses over the period of their three terms of residency, in addition to the nine (9) graduate courses selected by the supervisor.
The formal residence requirement for the M.Eng. degree is three terms of full-time study, which may include a summer term. During the three term residency requirement period, all students must register for a minimum of 12 credits to be considered full-time. Full-time students must complete the degree within three (3) years of initial registration. However, it is possible to complete the program in one and one-half years. Part-time students must complete the degree within five (5) years of initial registration.
For more complete information, you can download the following document: M.Eng. Program Regulations & Policies [.pdf]
NOTE: Prospective applicants should be aware that the Master of Engineering degree does not confer the professional qualification as an engineer in Canada. For more information, please visit the following websites: Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec or Engineers Canada.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Candidates may satisfy the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) by completing the following:
- ECSE 701 Ph.D Qualifying Examination - pass an oral examination on topics relating to their research, within one year of initial registration.
- ECSE 702 Research Proposal - successfully defend their thesis research proposal, within two years of initial registration.
- ECSE 703 Ph.D. Research Seminar - submit a written manuscript and successfully present the research work in the manuscript, within three years of initial registration.
- Satisfactory completion of a Doctoral Thesis and defense.
The normal residency requirement for the Ph.D. degree is three (3) years of full-time study. However, candidates with a suitable M.Eng. degree from McGill or from an approved institution may be permitted to reduce this to two years. Following the residency requirement, students must register on a full-time basis for one more year, before continuing on as an additional session student to the completion of the program. Students are permitted four (4) years beyond the residency requirement to complete the program.
For more complete information, you can download the following document: Ph.D. Program Regulations & Policies [.pdf]
Language of Instruction
The language of instruction at McGill University is English, however, students may write examinations, theses, or term papers in French or English. Francophone students may find assistance at Le Phare.