* Please note that the former title of this program was: Master of Science in Systems Science.

Summary

• Degree offered: Master of Science (MSc)sRegistration status options: Full-time; Part-time
• Language of instruction:
  • English
• Program option (expected duration of the program):
  • within two years of full-time study
• Academic units: Faculty of Engineering, Telfer School of Management, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Department of Economics.

Program Description

The Systems Science and 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 Science and 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 Science and Engineering program as instructors, student advisers and thesis directors. Others are interested in ongoing Systems Science and Engineering activities including the seminar series, and Systems Science and Engineering applications days.

The graduate program in System Science 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.

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

• Graduate Diploma Systems Science and Engineering
• Master of Systems Science and Engineering (MSysScEng)

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.

Graduate Studies Office, Faculty of Engineering
STE 1024
800 King Edward Ave.
Ottawa ON Canada
K1N 6N5

Tel.: 613-562-5347
Fax.: 613-562-5129
Email: engineering.grad@uottawa.ca

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For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the specific requirements webpage.

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.
• Identify at least one professor who is willing to supervise your research and thesis. We recommend that you contact potential thesis supervisors as soon as possible.

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.

Master’s with Thesis

Students must meet the following requirements:

Course List

Code	Title	Units
Compulsory courses
SYS 5110	Foundation of Modelling and Simulation	3 Units
SYS 5130	Systems Optimization and Management	3 Units
SYS 5185	Foundations and Applications of Machine Learning	3 Units
SYS 5170	Essential Concepts in Data Science	3 Units
SYS 5180	Mathematics for Artificial Intelligence	3 Units
SYS 5295	Ethics for Design, AI, and Robotics	3 Units
Thesis Proposal
SYS 7990	Master Thesis Proposal 1
Thesis
THM 7999	Master's Thesis 2

Note(s)

¹

Candidates enrolled for the MSc degree must submit to the program committee, by the middle of their third term of enrollment in the MSc program, a clearly defined research proposal that has been approved by their thesis director. Approval of the proposal must normally be obtained by the end of the term. A student must enroll in the Master's Thesis (THM 7999) in the term immediately following the approval of the proposal. A student whose proposal is not approved on the first attempt may be permitted to submit a second proposal. Failure to obtain approval following the second submission will lead to withdrawal from the MSc program. Students required to withdraw from the MSc but who have successfully completed all the core courses are eligible to receive the graduate diploma.

²

Students are responsible for ensuring they have met all of the thesis requirements. Upon submission, the completed thesis will be examined by a committee of at least two professors.

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

For more information, refer to the list of faculty members and their research fields on Uniweb. 

IMPORTANT: Candidates and students looking for professors to supervise their thesis or research project can also consult the website of the faculty or department of their program of choice. Uniweb does not list all professors authorized to supervise research projects at the University of Ottawa.