Master of Science (MSc) on-campus

(Disability and Community Studies Specialization)

Overview

The Master of Science (MSc) is a thesis-based degree intended to prepare students for further research related to community rehabilitation and disability studies. This program is available in the on-campus format only.

Requirements

Program requirements are as follows:

(a) One full-course equivalent (two half-courses) in research methods. Students are expected to develop proficiency in interpreting qualitative and quantitative research, most commonly acquired by taking one half-course in qualitative research methods and one half-course in quantitative research methods.

(b) A minimum of one full-course equivalent (two half-courses) from Community Rehabilitation & Disability Studies (CRDS), one ‘half course’ of which is the Foundations course (CORE 603.01). 

(c) Additional graduate courses or seminars as determined by the supervisor in consultation with the student. The number of courses required for program completion must be approved by the Director of CRDS, and be finalized no later than the beginning of the second year of program.

Graduate courses from other departments, faculties, or universities may fulfill part of the degree requirements with the approval of the supervisor. If a student wishes to take courses in other departments, faculties, or universities, the unit in question should be contacted for permission to take the course, and a Letter of Permission may have to be completed. The student should ensure that the CRDS office receives written confirmation.

(d) A Master's thesis and an oral examination on the thesis.

The Master's thesis is the focus of the degree program. In consultation with the supervisor, the student should formulate an appropriate thesis topic as early as possible in the program because the thesis proposal affects the choice and number of courses needed in order to complete the program. The thesis proposal must be approved by the supervisory committee before continuing towards candidacy. Students conducting research involving human subjects must submit a proposal to the Joint Research Ethics Committee. No data may be gathered prior to ethics approval.

Master's students are assigned a permanent supervisor at the time of admission.

Students typically complete all program requirements within two years and are expected to complete all requirements within four registration years.

There is no formal residency requirement for this program; however, certain course requirements are only available on-campus. Students may choose to work during the tenure of their program although they should be cautioned that a very high level of commitment is necessary to meet the demanding requirements of this degree.

Examinations

Master's students should consult the Faculty of Graduate Studies Handbook of Supervision and Examination - Part II: Thesis-based Master's Degree for details regarding supervision and examinations, including candidacy and thesis oral examinations.

Fees

Students in thesis-based programs pay program fees, general fees, and continuing fees. Program fees are assessed during the first year in program and the amount is pro-rated over four terms per year, as follows: 4/12 in September, 4/12 in January, 2/12 in May, and 2/12 in July.

Continuing fees are administered annually for the remaining three years.

General fees, based on full-time or part-time status, are also assessed once per year on the anniversary of entrance to the program.

Please consult the Faculty of Graduate Studies Calendar for further details regarding tuition and general fees.

International graduate students pay an additional differential equivalent to 100% of the tuition fee. Please consult the Faculty of Graduate Studies Calendar for further details regarding tuition and general fees per session for international students.

Thesis-based students who are not taking courses must complete their annual registration by indicating their full or part-time status and pay the applicable general fees by the fee deadline date in their anniversary term.

Students can access their fee statements and pay their fees through the myUofC Portal. Students who do not pay their fees by the fee payment deadline date will be assessed a late registration fee of $70 Cdn.

Admission

The minimum admission requirements for a thesis-based Master degree program include:

Note: In exceptional circumstances, individuals who do not meet formal academic requirements, but who have significant life achievements, may be considered for admission to some graduate programs. The candidates must provide evidence demonstrating a potential to successfully undertake the proposed program of studies. Such candidates are advised to make early contact with CRDS, and supply additional supporting documents as part of their application package. In all these cases, the decision whether or not to admit the applicant rests with the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Students who do not meet the above academic admission standards and wish to pursue graduate work are advised to enroll in the equivalent of a full year (a minimum of three graded full-course equivalents) at the senior undergraduate level in order to improve their academic record to acceptable admission standards (a grade of "B" or higher in every course). All such courses represent "make up" work and cannot be used for advanced credit towards a graduate degree program. Successful completion of "make up" work does not guarantee admission to a graduate program.

In Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies, an official TOEFL score of at least 580 (written test) or 237 (computer-based test) or 93 (Internet-based test) or an IELTS score of 7.0 or higher is required. The test must have been taken within the last two years. Proficiency may also be met by successful completion of Level III of the Learning English for Academic Purposes (LEAP).

Admission to all graduate programs is highly competitive due to limited enrollment capacities. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
All graduate programs are governed by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. In the case of any conflict, regulations of the Faculty of Graduate Studies Calendar take precedence over material on this website. Please consult the Faculty of Graduate Studies Calendar for University of Calgary graduate admission requirements.

Additional Information

Master's Procedures Checklist

At the beginning of program:

Within 12 months:

Every 12 months:

Within 4 years:

Program Forms

There are various forms related to a student’s progress through his/her graduate degree. Please refer to the forms for detailed instructions on their proper completion. Students who have any questions or concerns should contact their Graduate Program Administrator. Required forms are available in the CRDS office and some can be accessed by downloading them from the Faculty of Graduate Studies website.

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