Interdisciplinary Master of Sciences
The master's program in interdisciplinary sciences at the Faculté Saint-Jean (CSJ) offers, in French, high-level postgraduate training in scientific disciplines, organised according to the faculty's major research areas. Designed to meet the professional needs of the 21st century, in a world characterised by close linguistic contact and a French-speaking minority, this program, offered in an innovative and personalised way, is an essential environment for interdisciplinary scientific research. It offers students a unique opportunity to deepen their research knowledge and skills within Canada's linguistic duality.
The Interdisciplinary Master of Science program allows students to choose their specialisation from a number of categories that combine several disciplines. Students can specialise in the following areas, which respond directly to needs identified in society:
- Health sciences, biology, chemistry, psychology
- Data science, mathematics, statistics and computer science
- Earth sciences, physics, environment
The programme takes place at the Faculté Saint-Jean in collaboration with the University of Alberta's College of Natural and Applied Sciences.
Students applying to the Interdisciplinary Master of Sciences program must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Completion of a university bachelor's degree recognized by the University of Alberta, with a minimum admission average of 3.0 on the 4-point scale, or equivalent, in the last ★60 credits of university courses, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time courses.
- An electronic copy of all official post-secondary transcripts,* with a print date of less than one year on the transcript (for studies completed in Canada). A recent print date is not required for international students. *Copies of transcripts are also required for courses not completed.
- An electronic copy of all your post-secondary diplomas
- 2 letters of reference: 1 professional and 1 academic supporting your application.
- CV
- A letter of intent indicating the student's intended research direction.
- A 5- to 15-page research sample (this can be a piece of research you have done in the past, or a draft research paper on a topic that interests you).
- Applicants must have adequate French language skills, as demonstrated by:
- a university degree or equivalent from an institution recognized by the University of Alberta, where the language of instruction is French. Proof that the instruction for the degree was in French is required,
OR
- a satisfactory result on an approved French language proficiency test.
Please note that for students who do not have a previous French diploma (such as a bachelor's degree), we require the following document:
- A TEF (test d'évaluation de francais) demonstrating a French result at C1 level, or a Diploma in French Language with the score to be added when you apply.
Please contact csjsup@ualberta.ca for further details.
If the documents are all in French, an English translation is not necessary.
You can submit a full application through the GSMS (Graduate Studies Management Solutions) platform here is the link:
The program includes two compulsory courses (*6), as well as the preparation and successful defence of a thesis (*12). Students must also complete an ethics course and eight hours of professional development within the first twelve months of study.
Two compulsory courses:
MSFSJ 500 - Introduction to Scientific Research
This course provides an introduction to research methods specific to scientific disciplines. Topics include philosophy of science, scientific method, hypothesis-driven research, statistical analysis, literature search and review, developing a research plan, developing a research budget, presenting and communicating research, and best practices in experimental, theoretical and computational research.
MSFSJ 505 - Experimental Design and Statistical Analysis in Scientific Research
This course introduces experimental design and data analysis methods commonly used in scientific research, including correlation, regression, and analysis of variance. The main focus is on the analysis of variance designs and their application. Topics include design concepts, linear model representations, hypothesis testing and interpretation of results. A major part of the course examines the statistical methodology and assumptions underlying each empirical design. Fixed effects, random effects and mixed models will also be discussed, as well as sampling, size effects, power, and the analysis of differences between means using planned and post-hoc comparisons. In order to master these techniques, students will be required to carry out weekly practical work in the library using statistical software.
Optional courses
At the discretion of the supervisor, additional elective courses (4 courses) may be required during the programme of study to assist with the writing of the thesis.
MSFSJ 509: Directed Studies (1 to 1 with the supervisor) may be part of the elective courses.
Thesis
Students must successfully defend their thesis.
The program is spread over 2 to 4 years, depending on the student's pace.
The maximum time required to complete the Interdisciplinary Master of Science thesis route, as established by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, is four years.