Navigating Graduate School Decisions
If you are even slightly considering applying to a graduate program, I suggest taking a look at this material. It may challenge and refine some of your existing assumptions.12
Français
Questions
- Poursuivre une maîtrise ? Cela améliore-t-il les perspectives d’emploi ?
- Choisir un programme basé sur des cours ou sur une thèse ?
Basé sur une thèse
- Devrait-on poursuivre un diplôme de deuxième cycle dans l’établissement où l’on a fait son baccalauréat ?
- Identifier un directeur potentiel avant de postuler ?
- Comment choisir un projet de recherche ?
- Quelles bourses sont disponibles pour les étudiants diplômés ?
- Étapes à suivre après l’admission à un programme de deuxième cycle ?
Au-delà de la maîtrise
- Décider de poursuivre un doctorat ?
- Perspectives d’emploi après une maîtrise ?
Autres questions
- Éléments d’une candidature solide : lettres de recommandation, déclarations personnelles, notes, expérience en recherche ?
- Quel est le calendrier idéal ?
- Choisir des études à temps plein ou à temps partiel ?
- Critères d’admission ?
- Considérer une année sabbatique ?
English
Questions
- Pursue a master’s degree? Does it enhance job prospects?
- Choose a course-based or thesis-based program?
Thesis-based
- Should you pursue a graduate degree at your undergraduate institution?
- Identify a potential supervisor before applying?
- How to choose a research project?
- Available scholarships for graduate students?
- Steps after admission to a graduate program?
Beyond the master degree
- Decide to pursue a PhD?
- Job prospects after a master’s degree?
Other questions
- Elements of a strong application: recommendation letters, personal statements, grades, research experience?
- What is the ideal timeline?
- Choose full-time or part-time study?
- Admission criteria?
- Consider a gap year?
Should I pursue a master’s degree?
Does it enhance job prospects?
A significant body of research consistently demonstrates that individuals with a master’s degree typically command higher salaries compared to those with only a bachelor’s degree. Moreover, PhD holders tend to earn even more on average. According to data from Statistics Canada, the 2018 cohort of computer science graduates reported median salaries two years post-graduation of $72,000 for bachelor’s degree holders, $81,000 for master’s degree holders, and $99,000 for those with a PhD.
In today’s competitive job market, entry-level positions are increasingly challenging to secure. Possessing specialized knowledge can offer a competitive edge. Pursuing a master’s degree facilitates an in-depth exploration of high-demand fields such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, and data science. This advanced education equips graduates for more senior and specialized roles, which are often inaccessible to individuals holding only a bachelor’s degree.
You can emphasize your research project and teaching assistantship as pertinent experiences. Successfully advancing a research project to publication demonstrates not only technical expertise but also creativity, perseverance, and consistency—attributes that are highly valued in industries focused on developing competitive products. Similarly, a teaching assistantship, while demanding a solid grasp of technical knowledge, serves as an excellent platform to refine and showcase your ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and effectively.
The correlation between obtaining a master’s degree and higher income levels or job stability should not be misconstrued as a direct causation. Many students who opt for graduate studies are already distinguished by their exceptional performance, which may significantly influence their enhanced earning potential and professional achievements. Inherent abilities, pre-existing professional networks, and available opportunities likely contribute substantially to their career progression, independent of the degree’s influence.
I have engaged in discussions with several students regarding the current job market. Many of them have observed that individuals within their professional networks have secured employment. Possessing a master’s degree does not universally enhance employment prospects for every student. If you have submitted applications and find it challenging to secure interviews, it is crucial to analyze the underlying reasons. Avoid attributing your difficulties solely to a weak job market. Conduct an honest self-assessment. If you are considering pursuing a master’s degree, clearly articulate how you believe this will enhance your job prospects. Is it due to the specialized knowledge you will gain? Perhaps you intend to approach this degree as an opportunity to develop distinctive and valuable skills.
According to data from the Taulbee Survey, there has been a significant rise in the number of students obtaining master’s degrees. This trend suggests a potential decrease in the relative value of holding such a degree. Without a well-defined rationale for how a master’s degree will enhance your employment prospects, you may find yourself in a competitive job market alongside many peers who have pursued the same educational path with similar aspirations.
Delaying your entry into the job market by at least two years should be a productive and enriching experience, rather than merely a pause in your career progression.
Choose a course-based or thesis-based program?
The course-based master’s degree is a relatively recent addition to graduate education. Traditionally, master’s programs have focused on introducing students to research. However, if you choose a course-based master’s program, be prepared to address questions about your thesis topic, as there may be an expectation of a research component similar to that in traditional programs.
For those pursuing a career in industry, course-based and thesis-based programs might be regarded as comparable. However, if you have completed a thesis-based program, it is incumbent upon you to effectively communicate the significance and impact of your research to potential employers.
If you are considering pursuing a PhD, opting for a thesis-based master’s degree is a strategic choice. Demonstrating research potential through a thesis is often essential for convincing prospective supervisors and admissions committees of your capability to succeed in a doctoral program.
A course-based program should not be mistaken for the experience generally associated with a master’s degree. These programs replicate familiar educational activities, such as attending lectures, completing assignments and projects, delivering presentations, and taking exams.
In the past, graduate courses often had enrollments of only 5 to 10 students, allowing for in-depth exploration and advancement to the cutting edge of specific fields. For example, during a course on parallel programming, my research project resulted in two publications.
- M. Feeley, M. Turcotte, and G. Lapalme. Using Multilisp for solving constraint satisfaction problems: an application to nucleic acid 3D structure determination. LISP AND SYMBOLIC COMPUTATION, 7(2/3):232–247, 1994.
- M. Turcotte and M. Feeley. A parallel functional program for searching a discrete space of nucleic acid 3D structures. In Dagstuhl-Seminar, Germany, 1994. Oral Presentation.
In contemporary graduate programs, class sizes frequently exceed 60 students, which is not conducive to fostering this type of educational experience.
Graduate programs in Computer Science at the University of Ottawa are offered in collaboration with Carleton University, enabling students to enroll in courses at either institution. It is important to note that there may be differences between the courses listed in the official course catalogue and those that are regularly available. To ensure that you can meet your program requirements with courses that align with your interests, consult the OCICS timetable. This resource provides access to the course schedules from the past 12 years, facilitating informed decision-making regarding course selection.
In certain academic programs, a substantial portion of courses is taught by part-time faculty. These instructors can offer valuable expertise by integrating insights from their careers in industry or research centers, thus enriching the educational experience. For some professionals, this dual role provides an ideal balance between academia and industry. However, challenges arise when individuals attempt to sustain a full-time career solely as part-time professors. Due to institutional restrictions on the number of courses they can teach, these educators often work at multiple universities to earn a living. Consequently, they face unfavourable working conditions, characterized by low pay and limited integration into the academic community. The quality of teaching in graduate courses is often enhanced by the research activities of regular faculty, who contribute cutting-edge knowledge to the curriculum. Conversely, industry professionals provide complementary expertise that is otherwise unavailable within academic institutions. However, the specific contributions of part-time instructors, who often teach across multiple institutions, remain uncertain in terms of their impact on the program’s overall value.
In 1980, approximately 80% of operating revenues for universities were derived from public grants provided by the provincial government. By 2017, this proportion had declined to just 38%. Consequently, universities have been compelled to innovate and identify alternative revenue streams. Among these strategies is the implementation of course-based master’s programs.
A master’s degree serves as an introduction to research, offering a realistic set of expectations within a relatively short timeframe. This opportunity allows individuals to assess their interest in pursuing a research career. The degree is particularly appealing due to its potential to enhance salary prospects and employment opportunities. Moreover, students typically form a unique mentorship relationship with their supervisors, who provide not only research guidance but also valuable career advice. This mentorship often grants access to the supervisor’s network of collaborators, many of whom have industrial connections, thereby facilitating potential employment opportunities. Furthermore, a personalized and robust reference letter is crucial for substantiating one’s qualifications, and supervisors are uniquely positioned to provide such letters, incorporating specific examples to highlight the candidate’s strengths.
Should you pursue a graduate degree at your undergraduate institution?
Pursuing your next degree at a different institution is frequently advised, as it exposes you to diverse research cultures, methodologies, and perspectives. This variety enriches your academic training and enhances your problem-solving abilities.
Identifying an appropriate supervisor is crucial, particularly if you have a clearly defined research focus. In such cases, it is essential to seek out a leading expert in your specific area of study. When it comes to a specific research area, the expertise of the supervisor is more important than the ranking of the institution.
However, it is common for students to have only a broad sense of their desired research area at the outset. This is understandable, as they may not have undertaken significant research yet or identified key experts in the field. Furthermore, there are likely numerous research domains and projects that could be both fulfilling and conducive to successful careers.
While many students prioritize university rankings when choosing an institution for their undergraduate education, these rankings are predominantly influenced by research output. Consequently, they may not serve as the best metric for selecting an undergraduate program. In contrast, for a thesis-based master’s degree, the selection of both the supervisor and the institution is critical.
Additional factors also impact this decision. For instance, students who have already established families or are planning to do so may experience reduced mobility.
Identify a potential supervisor before applying?
While some institutions may not explicitly require applicants to have a supervisor when applying for a degree, in practice, securing a supervisor is essential.
In the University of Ottawa’s Computer Science program, the application files of candidates who meet the admission criteria are reviewed by faculty members. Admission is contingent upon securing a faculty supervisor. This policy is beneficial as it prevents scenarios where students complete their coursework within the first two terms but are unable to proceed due to the lack of a supervisor, which would understandably cause frustration.
Engaging in an Honours project or internship presents an optimal strategy for identifying a suitable supervisor. This experience allows both parties to assess compatibility: the supervisor can evaluate your skills and potential contributions, while you gain insight into the research environment and supervisory approach.
In today’s academic environment, many professors have established an online presence. Reviewing their publications offers significant insight into their research areas and contributions. Furthermore, consulting with teaching assistants can be advantageous; you can ask them about their research projects, the nature of the research environment, and their perspectives on joining their research team.
Initiating contact through cold emails or unannounced visits can be challenging due to the sheer volume of requests that professors receive daily. As a result, these communications are frequently overlooked or swiftly dismissed.
- Begin your introduction with a concise and direct statement. Professors often receive numerous inquiries and have limited time to engage, so it is crucial to capture their attention quickly.
- Demonstrate familiarity with the researcher’s work by mentioning a specific publication you have read or reviewed. This shows genuine interest and knowledge of their field.
- Mention your location in Ottawa and express your availability for an in-person meeting. Being local can be advantageous, as professors may prefer engaging with students from their own institution due to familiarity with the educational standards and curriculum.
- If you have applied for scholarships, highlight this fact, as it can be a significant advantage. If not, briefly outline your expectations or plans regarding funding.
Please refrain from requesting introductions to other professors or inquiring whether they are aware of colleagues seeking students. It is important to respect the privacy of our colleagues’ inboxes. Such requests can be quite bothersome.
How to choose a research project?
For many students, particularly those who lack researchers within their family or professional network, this task can appear daunting.
In my experience, it is uncommon for students to independently propose their own research projects. Typically, professors are engaged in numerous research endeavors, often funded by one or more grants, and they rely on students to carry out much of this work. A critical component of grant applications is the inclusion of graduate students, detailed in a section called Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP). This section is a significant factor in securing funding.
Professors, drawing on their extensive research experience, can propose a variety of research questions for exploration. They typically possess a clear understanding of the feasibility of these questions and often have a well-defined methodology in mind. Furthermore, they frequently envision the structure and content of the final thesis.
Students initially struggle to understand the process of scientific inquiry. To discern what is relevant, what has been answered, and where the knowledge gaps exist, it is essential to engage with scientific publications. A degree will not be awarded for solving problems that have already been addressed or for rediscovering existing concepts. It’s imperative to read extensively. While reading scientific papers can initially be daunting, it is a skill that improves with practice. As you read more, you’ll start connecting ideas and making associations between different studies. Eventually, each paper you read will spark new ideas, help you identify gaps, and suggest next steps in research. You’ll begin to see how algorithms from one paper can enhance solutions in another, providing a richer understanding of the field.
Available scholarships for graduate students?
Few students seem to be aware that thesis-based programs provide opportunities for scholarships and research assistantships.
Applicants who satisfy the admission criteria of our program are not only eligible but also strong candidates for the NSERC scholarship. For master’s degree candidates, the scholarship provides $27,000 over a 12-month period. Doctoral candidates receive $40,000 annually for up to three years.
The significance of applying for scholarships, such as those provided by NSERC or OGS, cannot be overstated. Securing such funding greatly enhances your prospects of attracting a supervisor. For instance, consider the impact of informing a potential advisor: “Dear Professor X, I have been awarded an NSERC scholarship valued at $27,000. Would you be interested in supervising my research?” This not only increases your likelihood of securing a supervisor and provides financial support, but it also grants you greater autonomy in your research endeavors. Relying on a supervisor for funding often obligates you to work on predetermined projects. In contrast, possessing independent funding allows you to have more influence over the direction of your research. Furthermore, having prestigious scholarships on your curriculum vitae is crucial. If you intend to pursue a research career, the absence of such credentials might appear unusual.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 9.0 or higher are automatically awarded a first-year admission scholarship of $7,500, effectively covering their tuition fees. Additionally, there is a compulsory funding component of at least $7,500 for the first year, typically offered as a research assistantship by the supervising professor. In practice, many professors provide additional funding, often ranging from $15,000 to $30,000 per year.
Students have the opportunity to apply for teaching assistant positions, which offer compensation at a rate of $46.48 per hour for a total of 120 hours, amounting to $5,577.60. This role provides an excellent opportunity to enhance both technical and communication skills.
Resources
- Statistics Canada study on “Retention of STEM graduates in Canada”
- CRA Update: Taulbee Survey Shows Record Number of Graduates and Strong Enrollment at All Degree Levels
- Coursera: Is a Master’s Degree in Computer Science Worth It?
- CS Job Market Overview: Computer Science Salaries in 2025
- Is a Master’s in Computer Science Worth It?
- Lifetime Returns to Obtaining a Master’s Degree
- Eligible Bachelors: Canada’s newest university graduates face an increasingly challenging job market
- Is Grad School Worth It? A Comprehensive Return on Investment Analysis
Footnotes
I come from a working-class background with parents who didn’t pursue higher education. Among my childhood friends, only a few attended university. I therefore had several preconceived ideas. However, this may not even matter. In my experience, most undergraduate students have misconceptions about the nature of graduate studies.↩︎
This is not an official document of the university. Please validate information, such as deadlines, with the administration.↩︎