Mount Allison offers research-based Master of Science (MSc) degrees in biology and chemistry.
The Graduate Studies program can be conducted on a full- or part-time basis. Specially approved graduate programs are also possible in other disciplines of science.
Students are normally expected to carry out their research, complete graduate courses, and defend their thesis while at Mount Allison. Exceptions to these practices may be permitted by the Dean of Graduate Studies on a case-by-case basis.
Application deadlines
New graduate students are accepted three times each year. Applicants must submit all required materials by the application deadline* for their anticipated program start date:
| program start date | application deadline |
|---|---|
| Sept. 1 | June 1 |
| Jan. 1 | Oct. 1 |
| May 1 | Feb. 1 |
*Exceptions may be considered under certain circumstances — please reach out to your potential supervisor or the gradstudies@mta.ca if you are beyond a deadline but still wish to apply.
Steps to apply to Graduate Studies
Check our admission requirements
MSc admission requirements
Admission requirements for the Master of Science program:
- A four-year Bachelor of Science degree with minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.0 (using a 4.3 scale) or the equivalent if other scales are used, with research experience* in your intended field of study or its equivalent from a University of recognized standing.
- Students with relevant professional experience and international students from institutions with different academic norms will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- As English is the primary language of instruction at Mount Allison, students must meet our English language requirements.
*Research experience includes but is not limited to honours research projects, independent studies, capstone projects, experiential learning experiences, work-integrated projects or other relevant experience.
Contact a faculty member
Interested candidates must contact individual faculty regarding supervision and support before submitting an application.
Letter of support from proposed supervisor
Faculty members may or may not be taking on graduate students at the time of application.
A letter of support from the proposed supervisor, detailing a commitment to supervise you for the duration of study with a funding plan, is an integral part of the application package.
Once you have secured a commitment from a Mount Allison supervisor, you can submit your application for graduate studies.
Applicants who have not identified a supervisor prior to submitting an application are unlikely to be admitted.
Submit your application and supporting documents
Candidates meeting the minimum admissions requirements who have secured a commitment from a Mount Allison supervisor can submit an application for graduate studies.
TO APPLY
- Submit a graduate studies application form
- Send your curriculum vitae and letter of intent to: gradstudies@mta.ca
Supporting documents
The following supporting documents must be sent to Graduate Studies directly from the reference or institution supplying the document.
- Official transcripts for all post-secondary education
- Two letters of reference. Your recommendation letters should be from someone who knows you well academically. Faculty members most commonly write letters of recommendation; however, other professionals who know you well and have supervised your work in academia or research may also be an appropriate choice.
- A letter of support from your proposed Mount Allison supervisor including the duration, amount, and source of financial support offered
- If your primary language is not English and you graduated from a university where the language of instruction was not English, you must also provide proof of English proficiency, sent by the testing agency
Supporting documents should be sent directly from the reference or institution to: gradstudies@mta.ca.
If sending by mail:
Office of the Dean of Graduate Studies
Mount Allison University
65 York St. Sackville, NB E4L 1E4
There are NO fees required to apply to the Graduate Studies program.
Questions? Contact gradstudies@mta.ca.
Once you've applied
If you are accepted into Mount Allison’s Master of Science program, an offer of acceptance will be sent to you by the Registrar.
If you have been offered a conditional acceptance, the conditions of your acceptance will be outlined in your letter.
Applications for graduate studies at Mount Allison are evaluated by the Dean of Graduate Studies.
The Dean of Graduate Studies will decide upon receiving recommendations from the department concerned, the proposed supervisor, and the Office of the Registrar.
In case of discordant recommendations, the application will be revisited by the Dean of Graduate Studies, the Provost, the proposed supervisor, and the department head.
The Dean of Graduate Studies will oversee the program of study, and on receipt of satisfactory evidence of the completion of the studies, will recommend the awarding of the degree.