Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering, Concentration in Interdisciplinary Artificial Intelligence

* Please note that the former title of this program was: Master of Systems Science and Engineering with Concentration in Interdisciplinary Artificial Intelligence.

Summary

• Degree offered: Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering
• Registration status options: Full-time; Part-time
• Language of instruction:
  • English
• Program option (expected duration of the program):
  • within two years of full-time study
• For immigration purposes, the summer term (May to August) for this program is considered a regularly scheduled break approved by the University. Students should resume full-time studies in September.
• Academic units: Faculty of Engineering, Telfer School of Management, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Department of Economics

Program Description

The Systems Engineering program provides qualified students with the opportunity for master's-level study in a broad range of areas that emphasize transdisciplinary work in the context of general systems analysis. The emphasis in Systems Engineering is on the development of analytical and integration skills for use in the resolution of complex applied problems that require a broad-based perspective.

Many professors in Information Technology and Engineering, Mathematics and Statistics, Administration, Economics, and other disciplines are active in the Systems Engineering program as instructors, student advisers and thesis directors. Others are interested in ongoing Systems Engineering activities including the seminar series, and Systems Engineering applications days.

The graduate program in Systems Engineering is an interdisciplinary program specially designed for those who are interested in the analysis and modelling (mathematical and computer) of natural and man-made systems. It provides the professional with skills and knowledge required to understand, control, predict and optimize behaviour in a variety of fields from engineering and computer science to management and applied economics. The program is supervised by a Committee composed of representatives from the Department of Economics, the School of Information Technology and Engineering, the Telfer School of Management, and the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

To accommodate part-time students, the core courses are usually offered in the late afternoon or evening.

Learn more about this program

Main Areas of Research

Their areas of research, both theoretical and applied, span a wide variety of fields:

• Operations research
• Deterministic and probabilistic modelling
• Optimization
• Computer science
• Information systems
• Control
• Economic modelling

Other Programs Offered Within the Same Discipline or in a Related Area

• Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering
• Master of Applied Sciences in Systems Engineering
• Master of Applied Sciences in Systems Engineering, Concentration in Interdisciplinary Artificial Intelligence

Fees and Funding

• Program fees:

The estimated amount for university fees associated with this program are available under the section Finance your studies.

International students enrolled in a French-language program of study may be eligible for a differential tuition fee exemption.

• To learn about possibilities for financing your graduate studies, consult the Awards and financial support section.

Notes

• Programs are governed by the academic regulations in effect for graduate studies.
• In accordance with the University of Ottawa regulation, students have the right to complete their assignments, examinations, research papers, and theses in French or in English. Research activities can be conducted either in English, French or both, depending on the language used by the professor and the members of his or her research group.

To be eligible, candidates must:

• Have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Mathematics, Operations Research, Science or a related area with a minimum average of B (70%).

Note: International candidates must check the admission equivalencies for the diploma they received in their country of origin.

• Undergraduate courses in probability, linear algebra, differential equations and computer programming are prerequisites for the core courses of the Program. Details regarding the level and content of prerequisite courses are included in the information package which is sent to all applicants. If a student lacks any of these courses, he will normally be required to complete them as a condition of admission. Entering students who lack the required undergraduate preparation may be permitted to enter a qualifying program.

Language Requirements

Applicants must be able to understand and fluently speak the language of instruction (French or English) in the program to which they are applying. Proof of linguistic proficiency may be required.

Applicants whose first language is neither French nor English must provide proof of proficiency in the language of instruction.

Note: Candidates are responsible for any fees associated with the language tests.

Notes

• The admission requirements listed above are minimum requirements and do not guarantee admission to the program.
• Admissions are governed by the academic regulations in effect for graduate studies.
• No equivalencies or advanced standing are granted. A student who has already successfully completed some of the compulsory units, may be allowed to replace those units with elective units. For details, see the general regulations in effect for graduate studies, section B 2.7 c).
• Candidates must clearly select the program without thesis on their application form.

Requirements for this program have been modified. Please consult the 2025-2026 calendar for the previous requirements.

Master’s with Coursework

To receive this Master’s degree, a student enrolled in the program must successfully complete 30 course units.

Students must meet the following requirements:

List of Optional Courses

Note(s)

¹

GNG 5301 should be completed during the first trimester of registration in the program.

²

The project must be an AI project related to Systems Engineering.

Research at the University of Ottawa

Located in the heart of Canada’s capital, a few steps away from Parliament Hill, the University of Ottawa ranks among Canada’s top 10 research universities. Our research is founded on excellence, relevance and impact and is conducted in a spirit of equity, diversity and inclusion.

Our research community thrives in four strategic areas:

• Creating a sustainable environment
• Advancing just societies
• Shaping the digital world
• Enabling lifelong health and wellness

From advancing healthcare solutions to tackling global challenges like climate change, the University of Ottawa’s researchers are at the forefront of innovation, making significant contributions to society and beyond.

Research at the Faculty of Engineering

Areas of research:

• Chemical and Biological Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
• Mechanical Engineering