Master's programs at the University of Ottawa

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Dive into Master's level programs

Master’s program tailored to your goals

Our Master’s programs provide flexible options that fit with your academic and professional goals. Whether you want to expand your expertise through practical courses or immerse yourself in research, we can help you find a pathway.

Browse all master's programs

There are three types of master's:

Course-based master’s (10 to 12 months)
Master’s with research paper (12 to 18 months)
Master’s with thesis (24 months)

A Master’s thesis is the result of research conducted under a professor’s supervision. This experiential learning option will develop your ability to produce scholarly work as well as acquire an understanding of the key scholarly works related to the research area of your thesis subject.

If you want to further develop your knowledge and skills in a specific research topic, this option if for you.

Criteria	Master’s with Thesis	Master’s with Major Research Paper	Course-based Master’s
Written research work	Yes Thesis (approximately 100 pages)	Yes Research paper (approximately 50 pages)	Sometimes Possibly report (up to 50 pages)
Number of courses	Typically two to four courses The number of courses varies by program, but the thesis option includes the fewest.	Typically four to six courses The number of courses varies by program, but this option requires completing more courses than the thesis option in the same program.	Typically six to 10 courses The number of courses varies by program, but this option requires the highest number of courses to completes. Co-op or internship with external partners are sometimes available.
Average program duration	20 to 24 months	12 to 18 months*	12 to 18 months*
Supervision by a professor	Yes Some programs require you to have a thesis supervisor before the start of the program.	Yes	Normally no
Funding	Available on a competitive basis, and awarded according to your academic excellence and research potential.	Varies by program and isn’t guaranteed.	Normally, no funding is provided for course-based, online or professional Master’s programs.
Fast-track to a doctoral program	Yes	Yes	Possibly, with some programs excluded**
Access to PhD program	Yes	Yes	Possibly, with some programs excluded**
Ability to change option after admission	Yes	Yes	Yes
Job opportunities	Ideal for specialized positions in your research field, work in laboratories, or advanced analytical or technical positions.	Ideal if you’re looking to access specialized positions in your research field or take on advanced analytical or technical positions.	Ideal if you’re looking to build research skills, advance your career or move toward non-academic professions focused on professional growth and development.

* Exceptions may apply. Contact the faculty offering the program for more details.

** The following programs are excluded: Business Administration (MBA), Health Administration (MHA), Public Health (MPH), Education (MEd), Engineering (MEng) and MEng Engineering Management, Communication (MCom) and Conference Interpreting (MCI).

Other programs may also be excluded. See your program requirements.