Applicants must have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher to get into U of A, although exceptions are sometimes made on an individual basis. Once they join the programs, engineering students follow the same curriculum, regardless of future concentration, in their first year. The curriculum includes chemistry, physics, computing, mathematics, engineering mechanics and a course that serves as an introduction to professional engineering. In March of that first school year, students determine which specific discipline they will focus on.
When the student makes that decision, they must also choose which track they will follow in order to obtain their degree. In the traditional program, enrollees attend class for eight semesters (four years) from September through April each year. Meanwhile, students on the co-operative track add to their academic studies five work terms of paid-work experience, each lasting four months.
There are 21 different program options (or "streams") to follow within the engineering department. The basic distinctions are chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, engineering physics, materials, mining and petroleum. All but mechanical, mining and petroleum are sub-divided into even tighter concentrations, such as nanoscale system design (computer) and computer process control (chemical). Each program requires the same courses first year and deviates after that, adding in electives and fundamental classes specific to the chosen discipline.
As a master's track student at U of A, engineering enrollees can pursue a master of engineering or a master of science degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering or process control. To get into the program, applicants must have an undergraduate degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in their final two years of schooling, in addition to a bachelor's degree in engineering. Exceptions are made for those willing to take undergraduate courses at U of A before beginning the program.
The master of engineering program is intended for working professionals, a supplement to the work they are already doing, while master of science students are full-time researchers, concluding their degrees with a thesis.
Doctor of philosophy students must successfully complete course work, participate in a graduate seminar and present a thesis based on individual research. The requirements must be accomplished within six years of enrolling as a graduate student. Ph.D. students focus on one of two topics: chemical engineering & process control or mechanical engineering.