Academic Requirements

Master’s Programs

While each program has its own minimum requirements, the following will give you a guideline to determine your eligibility to submit an application.

• 4-year (honours) bachelor’s degree
• B+ or better in your major subjects
• B- or better overall

Program Requirements

Application Process and Requirements

The requirements for admission for the MEng and MASc programs will be to hold an undergraduate degree from an engineering or related program (deemed acceptable by the Director and supervisor(s)) with at least a B+ average. The requirements for admission for the PhD program will be to hold a master’s degree from an engineering program with at least an A- average.

In the event that the Director deems applicants’ educational background inadequate, students may be admitted on the condition that they take one or more courses to complete their Building Engineering degree program. The following courses (or equivalents, as evaluated by the Director) are required for admission into any of the programs (example Carleton course codes provided):

• Calculus I
• Linear Algebra I
• Thermodynamics and/or heat transfer
• General or applied physics
• A course with a substantial technical computer and/or hand-drawing element
• A course with at least an element of basic computer programming or demonstration of programming skills

An exception to the general admission procedure for the PhD program will be the fast-tracking from MASc to PhD. Students enrolled in the MASc in Building Engineering program at Carleton University may be permitted to transfer into the PhD program without completing the master’s program provided they meet the following conditions:

• Completion of 2.5 credits of master’s courses with a minimum average of A-;
• Demonstration of exceptional research potential;
• Formal application for admission to the PhD program no later than the fourth semester of initial registration in the MASc program;
• Permission from the Director of the Building Engineering Programs.

Applicants for Master’s of Applied Science (M.A.Sc.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Building Engineering must have a thesis supervisor. Depending on concentration area and ongoing research projects, each professor may have different standards for admission. M.A.Sc. and Ph.D. applicants are recommended contacting professors that are most suitable to their research experience and interests before submitting a formal application.

International Students

Building Engineering Programs receive a large number of applications each year from well-qualified visa students for a limited number of positions. Only students with background from a relevant engineering degree with high honours in their country (alternatively defined as 80% or above from universities with a percentage system, 3.0 on a 4 GPA system, 15 out of 20 on the 20 point system) and a high ranking in their graduating class should consider applying. In view of the limited financial resources available at the Institute, preference will be given to applicants who have obtained a scholarship external to Carleton University, which would support their proposed degree program.

The academic year starts in September and students generally first register in the Fall semester. For registration in September, in most cases the student’s file should be complete by March 1st. Other applicants will be processed but will have little prospect of receiving financial support. The universities and the individual professors generally make their decisions concerning financial support/aid by April 15th.

Language Requirements

The language of instruction at Carleton University is English. For admission into Carleton’s graduate programs, you will need to demonstrate that your knowledge and use of English are strong enough for graduate studies at an English-language university.

If your first language is not English, you can demonstrate your language proficiency by:

• presenting one of the official Language Proficiency (ESL) test scores as defined in the table below;
• showing that you have completed ESLA 1900 or ESLA 1905 at Carleton University with a final grade of B- or higher; or
• presenting official certification (transcripts) that you have completed an undergraduate or graduate degree at a university in any country in which the primary language is English, where the language of instruction in the relevant educational institution was English, and the language of instruction in their most recently completed undergraduate or graduate degree was English.

Applicants who present their most recent degree and transcripts from a Canadian institution are exempt from language proficiency requirements, unless otherwise required by an individual program.

Note: Letters from your universities stating the medium of instruction is English are not acceptable.

Minimum Language Proficiency (ESL) test score requirement:

IELTS One-Skill Retake is accepted

TOEFL MyBest Scores is accepted

Please note that some graduate programs may require a higher level of understanding of the English language and will have higher ESL requirements. It is your responsibility to review and meet the minimum requirements of the program to which you are applying. Graduate Studies reserves the right to require further documentation or additional testing if they feel it necessary to demonstrate the required level of English language proficiency.

Carleton University is committed to ensuring that all students have fair access to English Language testing, including those students who require accommodations to complete the test. All tests accepted by Graduate Studies offer accommodations to students who require it, including but not limited to students with disabilities, and nursing mothers. Please note that arranging accommodations for an ESL test may take up to six weeks.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.