The PhD Program
The PhD program leads to the highest degree offered by the Gina Cody School and is designed to provide students an opportunity to obtain the greatest possible expertise in their chosen field through intensive research. Advancement of analytical and/or experimental knowledge through a combination of specialized courses and a research thesis under the supervision of an experienced researcher forms the main component of the doctoral program. Where possible, research of interest to industry is encouraged. The objective of the PhD program is to educate highly qualified researchers required for the expansion of fundamental knowledge and technological innovation through research and development, as well as the needs of institutions of higher learning.
Admission Requirements
Admission on a full-time basis
- Master’s degree or equivalent with high standing in engineering or computer science, or in a cognate discipline.
- Holders of a bachelor’s degree will, in general, be considered for admission to a master’s program only. After completion of a minimum of one term of full-time study in the Master's degree, they may, upon application, be recommended by the Department and approved by the GCS Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies for admission to a PhD program.
Admission on a part-time basis
- Master’s degree with high standing in engineering, computer science or a cognate discipline.
Additional Admission Requirements
Direct Entry: In some cases students with high academic performance evidenced by an outstanding GPA, appropriate research publicationsin the field of study, and recipients of external scholarships and awards (NSERC, CIHR, FRQNT) may apply to the PhD program directly (direct entry) from their bachelor's degree in the same discipline.
Applicants should understand that admission is contingent not only upon a superior academic record, but also on the availability of a research supervisor, relevant programs of study and research, as well as adequate laboratory and library facilities. Where applicable, an ability to write programs in a standard computer language will be assumed. Students lacking this skill will be required to register for appropriate courses.
Degree Requirements
Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 90 credits.
The requirements listed here apply to students enrolled in the following programs:
Building Engineering PhD
Civil Engineering PhD
Chemical Engineering PhD
Mechanical Engineering PhD
Industrial Engineering PhD
Information and Systems Engineering PhD
Electrical and Computer Engineering PhD
Computer Science PhD
Software Engineering PhD
Please see the Engineering Courses and Computer Science and Software Engineering Courses pages for course descriptions.
Doctor of/Doctorate in Philosophy (PhD) (90 credits)
Additional Degree Requirements
Credits. A fully-qualified candidate entering the doctoral program with a master’s degree is required to complete a minimum of 90 credits. A candidate admitted directly from the bachelor’s level or from an incomplete master's is required to complete a minimum of 90 credits after admission to the PhD program. Transfer credits from an incomplete master's program to the PhD program requires departmental approval at the time of admission. Candidates admitted with a master’s degree in a cognate discipline, or if they need additional knowledge in an area pertinent to their research, will, in general, be required to complete more than the minimum number of credits. Students may not credit any undergraduate equivalent course towards the requirements of the PhD program without the permission of their supervisor and of the Graduate Program Director.
Residence. For candidates admitted with a master’s degree, the minimum period of residence is two years of full-time study or the equivalent in part-time study. Part-time students may be required by the GCS Graduate Studies Committee, upon the recommendation of the supervisory committee, to carry out a portion of their research on a full-time basis. Where a candidate has been admitted with a bachelor’s degree, the minimum period of residence is 36 months of full-time study after completion of the bachelor’s degree.
Transfer Credits. Students may be granted transfer credit for courses taken in approved graduate studies prior to their entry into their program. A course submitted for transfer credit must be appropriate to the student’s program of study at Concordia University. An application for such credit will be considered only at the time of admission.
Courses. Students admitted on the basis of a master’s degree will normally be required to complete a minimum of 12 credits in course work. A student admitted on the basis of a bachelor’s degree will be required to complete a minimum of 12 credits in course work at the discretion of the supervisor and Departmental policy. Each student’s program must be approved by a supervisory committee consisting of three members of faculty, including the student’s research supervisor.
Cross-Registration. A student in the program wishing to take courses under the cross-registration scheme must first obtain approval of the GCS Graduate Studies Committee. (See Inter-University Agreement in Graduate Registration section).
Time Limit. Please refer to the Academic Regulation page for further details regarding the Time Limits.
