Prospective Students
What is the difference between the Thesis and Non-Thesis MSc programs?
The MSc Dental Sciences (Thesis) program is a research-based program. Students must have identified a supervisor and have been accepted by that individual before the application deadline. Please consult the list of Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences researchers to identify potential supervisors. Students can begin this program in the Fall, Winter, or Summer.
The MSc Dental Sciences (Non-Thesis) program is a curriculum-based program. Students do not have a supervisor and do not write a thesis. Instead, students must complete a practicum in a community health project. Students can only begin this program in the Fall.
What are the admission requirements for the MSc (Non-Thesis) program?
Please see the Admissions requirements for the MSc Dental Sciences (Non-Thesis).
What is the application deadline for the MSc Dental Sciences (Non-Thesis) Program?
The application deadline is January 15.
How long does the program last?
The Non-Thesis program is a two-year program consisting of Fall and Winter Semesters in each year (with no courses in the Summer).
How do I apply?
Graduate students must use McGill’s admissions platform.
Please also visit the Apply Now page for more information on applying to the MSc Dental Sciences (Non-Thesis) program.
When will I know if I have been accepted into the MSc Dental Sciences (Non-Thesis) program?
McGill has a two-step admission process. The Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences does the first review of applications. Only those application packages that are recommended for admission are sent to McGill’s Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS). If a file is not recommended, the candidate is not admitted.
The final decision regarding admissions rests with the University, which conducts its own review of applicant files and makes all formal offers of admission. Usually, the University’s decision is sent to the student two to six weeks after the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences’ recommendation. Typically, the University supports the Faculty’s recommendations. See the Apply Now page for more information.
Applicants will receive an email from the Admissions Office when a decision has been made. Final decisions are available in Minerva. Decisions are never disclosed over the phone.
Can I defer my admission by a term?
Deferrals will be accepted on a case by case basis. After 2 deferrals, you will need to reapply to the program. Contact the gradofficer.dentistry [at] mcgill.ca (Graduate Studies Officer) for more information.
How do I connect with current students?
Please visit the McGill Dental Graduate Student Society and Graduate Student Forum webpages for contact information.
What do I do after I have been accepted?
Candidates who are offered admission are given a deadline by which they must accept or decline the Faculty’s offer. This deadline is indicated in the letter of admission. If we have not received a response by the indicated deadline, our offer of admission will be withdrawn.
Do I need a work permit for the practicum section of the MSc Dental Sciences (Non-Thesis) Program?
No, a work permit is not required to participate in the practicum in an organization or a clinic implicated in providing public health services.
Current Students
What are the key dates for the Fall/Winter/Summer semesters?
All notifications pertaining to dates/registration are sent by the graduate.dentistry [at] mcgill.ca (Administrative and Student Affairs Coordinator) via email. Please refer to the Key Dates page for more information.
When are the add/drop deadlines for classes?
Please visit the Key Dates page for more information.
How many credits do I need to graduate?
The MSc Dental Sciences (Non-Thesis) program requires 45 credits for graduation. Please refer to the curriculum page for more details.
How many classes should I take per term?
You should take 12 credits per term for your first three terms and 9 credits for your fourth and final term.
How do I select complementary courses?
You should discuss which courses you are interested in with the Program Director.
Can I take courses offered by other faculties at McGill?
Yes. You can apply to take any course at McGill as long as the course is relevant to your program of study, you have the necessary prerequisites, you have permission from the Program Director, and you have permission from the course instructor.
Can I take more than the required number of complimentary courses?
Yes, but please meet your program requirements first. Some courses may not be counted towards your program and you may be charged additional fees.
Can I take the same course twice?
No – university regulations do not allow you to register for the same course more than one time during your degree progression. If you do register for the same course twice, the duplicate entry will be removed from your transcript and will not count towards your credits.
What is the minimum grade I must maintain?
In graduate studies, any grade below a B- is a failing grade. Refer to the Failure Policy for Graduate Studies for more information.
Can I exclude a certain course from my GPA calculation?
Contact the graduate.dentistry [at] mcgill.ca (Administrative and Student Affairs Coordinator) to discuss your situation. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Can I defer an exam?
Please visit the Deferred and Supplemental Exams page and contact the graduate.dentistry [at] mcgill.ca (Administrative and Student Affairs Coordinator).
What are the consequences if I need more than 2 years to complete my MSc?
Student studying full time for a Master's degree must complete the degree within 3 years of initial registration. Please consult McGill’s Time Limitation policy for more information.
How do I get a letter confirming my status at McGill?
You can easily get a copy of an official letter confirming your enrolment status at McGill by logging into Minerva. For more information on the steps to follow on Minerva, or if the letter available on Minerva does not meet your specific needs, please visit the Enrolment Letters page.
Can I change program?
Students in certain master’s programs can request to change their program option from thesis to non-thesis or non-thesis to thesis after completing at least one term in their program of admission. Upon transfer, their program progression is adjusted (see below). Students remain responsible for fulfilling all program and degree requirements applicable to the new program option.
- Students who transfer from the non-thesis to thesis option following completion of less than 15 credits of coursework will be in Master’s Year 1 (Full-time 1st term)
- Students who transfer from the non-thesis to thesis option following completion of 15 credits of coursework will advance to Master’s Year 1 (Full-Time – 2nd term)
- Students who transfer from the non-thesis to thesis option following completion of less than 30 credits of coursework will be in Master’s Year 1 (Full-time 2nd term)
- Students who transfer from the non-thesis to thesis option following completion of 30 credits of coursework will advance to Master’s Year 2 (Full-Time)
- Students who transfer from the thesis to non-thesis option, will be required to fulfill all coursework required for the non-thesis option, will be in full-time or part-time status based on the number of credits they register for each term, and, will normally advance to Year 2 following completion of 30 credits of course work
Financial Questions
*Please keep in mind that there is no external or internal funding for this program.
What is the fee structure for the MSc program?
Please visit the Fee Calculator page.
How do I access my e-bill and pay fees online?
Please visit the e-Billing page.
Where can I find job postings to become a TA?
Please visit the McGill careers page.
Miscellaneous
Are there any programs available for incoming international students?
We recommend you browse the International Student Services’ website for more information, particularly The Buddy Program.
Can graduate students attend undergraduate classes of interest to them?
Please visit the GPS Registration page for more information.
Which buildings should I be familiar with?
What kind of student organizations can I join?
As a graduate student, you are a member of McGill’s Post-Graduate Students’ Society (PGSS). Please visit the PGSS for information about your health plan and student activities. As a graduate dental student, you are also part of the McGill Dental Graduate Student Society.
This is my first day in the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences. What should I do?
You should attend McGill’s Graduate and Post-Graduate Studies’ Orientation. The gradofficer.dentistry [at] mcgill.ca (Graduate Studies Officer) will send information about the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences’ Orientation. You may also consider reaching out to the MDGSS.
Can I have access to official McGill letterhead?
As a graduate student, you are not allowed to use official McGill letterhead. If you need a letter with the McGill letterhead, please contact the graduate.dentistry [at] mcgill.ca (Administrative and Student Affairs Coordinator).
However, graduate students can order business cards.
What are my potential career paths after obtaining an MSc degree?
Graduates of the MSc Dental Sciences (Non-Thesis) program will be competent to work in community and clinical settings, particularly in dental public health settings, in government, or in private and non-profit community organizations. Please consult the Career Planning Services website for more information. You may also consider discussing your Individual Development Path with your supervisor.
Is student housing available?
Yes, both on and off-campus. Please visit the Student Housing page for more information.
Can I take a leave of absence?
Please visit the Leave of Absence and Vacation Policy page for more details.