MSc Degree Requirements

1. Thesis-based MSc

  1. For full-time students, two years (maximum) to complete the degree requirements
    For part-time students, five years (maximum) to complete all degree requirements
  2. Successful completion of at least five half courses at the graduate level of which:
    1. One course must be HRM 721
    2. One course must be HRM 702
    3. The remaining required courses may be selected from among the courses offered by the HRM Program
  3. Field-specific courses (if applicable)
  4. Completion of a research internship
  5. Submission and successfully defend a thesis

2. Course-based MSc

  1. For full-time students, two years (maximum) to complete the degree requirements
    For part-time students, five years (maximum) to complete all degree requirements
  2. Seven half courses at the graduate level are required in total, of which the following are mandatory:
    1. HRM 721
    2. HRM 702
  3. Field-specific courses (if applicable)
  4. Completion of a research internship
  5. A scholarly paper on a methodological issue, written at the completion of course work (may be completed in final term if only one half course is taken

Required Course and Training for All Graduate Students

All HRM MSc students (course and thesis) must successfully complete SGS 101 and SGS 201. Refer to section 2.5.5 of SGS Graduate Calendar for additional information:

http://graduate.mcmaster.ca/images/files/School_of_Graduate_Studies_Calendar_2011-2012.pdf

Fields of Specialization

Fields offered at the MSc level include:

The MSc Degree Requirement Table offers clarification regarding the specific courses for each field.

Co-op Option MSc Degree

(Click here for information regarding the HRM MSc Co-op)

MSc Transfer to PhD

Students wishing to transfer to the PhD program prior to completion of the MSc degree by the thesis option (see section 2.1.2 of the School of Graduate Studies Calendar and the statement entitled "Policy and Procedure for Transfer from the MSc to PhD - Health Research Methodology Program") must have a minimum of an A- average in the MSc curriculum (the five half courses required for the degree) with no grade less than B, and must submit a critical Transfer Report, embodying a statement of progress and achievement in their research work to date and a proposal for PhD research.

The Transfer Report must be submitted within 18 months from entry at the MSc level as a full-time student and 36 months from entry as a part-time student. The student must have successfully completed those courses required for the HRM MSc Degree by thesis option as well as the formal Research Internship requirement before the Transfer Meeting. Part-time MSc students would normally be expected to become full-time students when successfully transferring to the PhD. Approval to transfer will be determined at a meeting of the Transfer Committee at which the student will present, in writing and orally, his/her work and ideas for PhD study.

Time Allowed for Completion of Degree Requirements

Full-time HRM Master's students will be required to spend a minimum of one calendar year at McMaster.

For students in a regular full-time program, the expected time for completion of the M.Sc. degree is two years from initial registration of the program. After two years students are not eligible for scholarship funding and are permitted only one more year before the School of Graduate Studies will advise you to withdraw due to time limits.

For those students admitted to a part-time Master's program, and who complete all degree requirements, while registered part-time, the permissible time is limited to five years from their initial registration.