Degree completion

This webpage is frequently updated (last updated February, 2023). Please refer back as needed.

Please note that in order to receive yourÌýMDSAI/MMath in DS degree you must complete all of your program's degree requirements. It is also a good idea toÌýuse theÌýMDSAI Degree Completion ChecklistÌý°¿¸éÌýMMath in DS Degree Completion ChecklistÌýas a way to keep track of your progress.

Degree completion deadlines

Completion deadlines and holidays can be found on theÌýacademic deadlines and eventsÌý±è²¹²µ±ð.Ìý

In summary if degree completion requirements are completed in:

  • Fall (SepÌý- Dec) or Winter (Jan - Apr), then a student will attend Spring Convocation (June)
  • Spring (MayÌý- Aug), then a student will attend Fall Convocation (October)

Note: Students have until the 100%Ìýtuition refund deadline for the upcoming term,Ìýdate as noted in theÌýacademic deadlines and eventsÌýpage each term, to finish in the previous term and not register for the upcoming term. If you finish by the upcoming terms 100% tuition refund deadline it means youÌýdo NOT have to register (pay fees) for the new term.

IfÌýaÌýstudentÌýfinishes by the 50%Ìýtuition refund deadline they can elect to change their status to part-time for the upcoming term to reduce their fees and will also be eligible for a 50% fee refund if they meet this deadline. Please note that students may forfeit any applicable funding if they elect to switch toÌýpart-time status.Ìý

Steps to graduate

Please follow the steps and requirements to graduate using theÌýexpandable menuÌýbelow for yourÌýprogram.

Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (MDSAI)

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Degree Completion deadlines

Minimum completion deadlines and holidays can be found on theÌýacademic deadlines and eventsÌý±è²¹²µ±ð.Ìý

In summary if degree completion requirements are met:

  • September 1 – April 30 student will attend spring Convocation
  • May 1 – August 31 student will attend fall Convocation

Note: Students have until the 100%Ìýtuition refund deadline for the upcoming term,Ìýdate as noted in theÌýacademic deadlines and eventsÌýpage each term, to finish in the previous term and not register for the upcoming term. If you finish by the upcoming terms 100% tuition refund deadline it means youÌýdo NOT have to register (pay fees) for the new term.

IfÌýas studentÌýfinishes by the 50%Ìýtuition refund deadline they can elect to change their status to part-time for the upcoming term to reduce their fees and will also be eligible for a 50% fee refund if they meet this deadline. Please note that students may forfeit funding if they elect to go part-time.Ìý

In the term you intend to complete your degreeÌýplease follow these final steps:

  1. Ensure all degree requirements are met by completing the MDSAI Degree Completion Checklist. The checklist must be completed and submitted before your application to graduate will be approved.
  2. The Program Administrator will be in touch to discuss any discrepancies and confirm next steps.
  3. Apply to graduate ´Ç²ÔÌýQuestÌýand complete the steps noted in theÌýGraduate studies graduation checklistÌýby the Apply to Graduate deadline noted on the academic deadlines and eventsÌý±è²¹²µ±ð.
  4. Complete the Data Science Graduate Exit Form.
  5. °Õ³ó±ðÌýProgram AdministratorÌýwill review your degree requirementsÌýandÌýsubmit the Program Completion form once all of your grades are posted on your unofficial transcript. Note: If needed, you may obtain aÌýProgram Completion letterÌýfromÌýGSPA specifying that you have met your degree requirements only after your unofficial transcriptÌýnotes your confer date.
  6. Review information regardingÌýConvocation.

MMATH IN DATA SCIENCE (THESIS)

MMath in DS thesis procedure

Students must complete a thesis containing original work under the supervision of a faculty member.Ìý The thesis examining committee consists of the thesis supervisor and two additional readers.Ìý The supervisor and first reader must be members of the Data Science program; the second reader may be any regular faculty member of the university. You must complete the Agreement to Read MMath Thesis Form and submit it to Data Science Administrator (ds.grad.admin@uwaterloo.ca) before you submit your thesis to the Faculty of Mathematics Graduate Office in order that the thesis examining committee is approved by the Program Director.

The student must make an oral presentation of no less than 20 minutes on the thesis before the examining committee members following the regulations for the MMath thesis procedures on the Faculty of Mathematics website. Since practices vary across the Faculty, the student should inquire with the supervisor and readers to determine the exact format and audience of the presention. Committee members should receive a copy of the thesis at least two weeks prior to presentation. Students preparing their thesis should read the MMath thesis procedures webpage for additional resources and information.

Steps to graduate

MMath Degree Completion

In order to receive a MMath degree, you must complete all of your program’s degree requirements. For a complete list of your programs requirements, you should consult theÌýGraduate Academic CalendarÌýfor the term in which you were admitted.

If you have any questions regarding the degree competition process, you should contact yourÌýGraduate Program Coordinator

Degree Completion deadlines

Minimum completion deadlines and holidays can be found on theÌýacademic deadlines and eventsÌý±è²¹²µ±ð. Information regarding blackout dates are noted in the Faculty of Math,ÌýMMath Thesis ProceduresÌý±è²¹²µ±ð.Ìý

In summary if degree completion requirements are met:

  • September 1 – April 30 student will attend spring Convocation
  • May 1 – August 31 student will attend fall Convocation

Note: Students have until the 100%Ìýtuition refund deadline for the upcoming term,Ìýdate as noted in theÌýacademic deadlines and eventsÌýpage each term, to finish in the previous term and not register for the upcoming term. If you finish by the upcoming terms 100% tuition refund deadline it means youÌýdo NOT have to register (pay fees) for the new term.

IfÌýas studentÌýfinishes by the 50%Ìýtuition refund deadline they can elect to change their status to part-time for the upcoming term to reduce their fees and will also be eligible for a 50% fee refund if they meet this deadline. Please note that students may forfeit funding if they elect to go part-time.Ìý

In the term you intend to complete your degreeÌýplease follow these final steps:

  1. Ensure all degree requirements are met by completing theÌýMMath DS Degree Completion Checklist. The checklist must be completed and submitted before your application to graduate will be approved.
  2. Please contact yourÌýGraduate CoordinatorÌýstating your have submitted the checklist.
  3. Apply to graduateÌý´Ç²ÔÌýQuestÌýand complete the steps noted in theÌýGraduate studies graduation checklistÌýby the Apply to Graduate deadline noted on theÌýacademic deadlines and eventsÌý±è²¹²µ±ð.
  4. Consult with your supervisor(s) to establish a timeline to complete, select your readers and a tentative presentation date
  5. When your thesis is ready to be read and you have selected your readers, follow the steps and complete theÌýAgreement to readÌýMMath thesis form.Ìý
    • The thesis should be approved for display by the supervisor(s) and be sent to committee members before the start of the displayÌýperiod.
  6. Email a PDF copy of your thesis and the signed agreement to read form to your Graduate Coordinator.ÌýÌý
  7. °Õ³ó±ðÌýagreement to read MMath thesisÌýform will be reviewed by the director of graduate studies and signed.
    • Please allowÌý1-2 businessÌýdays for processing.
  8. Your Graduate Coordinator will email MGO and CC you with a copy of your thesis and the signed agreement to read form to have your thesis posted on display.
    • Please allow 1-2 business days for processing by MGO
    • MGO requires your thesis to be posted on display for 2 weeks before your presentation date
    • DS requiresÌýyour thesis to be on display 2Ìýweeks before your presentation date. If your display period is less than 2Ìýweeks it must be approved by theÌýdirector of graduate studies
  9. Once your thesis is on display, MGO will send you a copy of the thesis announcement by email
  10. Compete and submit theÌýMMath in DS Thesis Presentation Booking FormÌýto notify us of your presentation date and have presentation announced.
  11. After your presentation:
    • Complete necessary edits as outlined by your supervisor(s) and two readers, if applicable, and review the formatting of your thesis
    • Submit the MMath Thesis Acceptance Form toÌýto the MMath DS Graduate Coordinator
      • Thesis Embargo:ÌýIf you wish to request to restrict circulation of your thesisÌý(e.g., due to patent pending), you may do so on the Thesis Acceptance form. You would also have to selectÌýthe thesisÌýrestriction pullÌýdown opti´Ç²ÔÌýwhen uploading your thesis to UWSpace.
  12. Upload the final version of your thesis toÌýÌýin the Data Science collection.
    • UWSpace may require you to make revisions to the formatting of your thesis. Check your UW e-mail regularly after you submit
  13. When your thesis has been accepted by UWSpace, you and your Graduate Coordinator will be notified by e-mail.
  14. Once your thesis has been accepted to UWSpace your Graduate Coordinator will complete a final review andÌýupdate Quest with your completion. GSPA will then also require a few business days to update Quest with your completion.Ìý
  15. Updates to Quest noting that you have met your degree requirements does take time. You may obtain aÌýDegree Completion letterÌýfrom The Centre.ÌýDegree completion letters can only be processed once a degree has been coded to your Quest account. Degrees that have been coded will appear at the top of your unofficial transcript.Ìý
  16. Present your thesis by following theÌýMMath Thesis proceduresÌýand requirementsÌý±è²¹²µ±ð.
  17. Once your thesis has been accepted to UWSpace, theÌýProgram AdministratorÌýwill review your degree requirementsÌýandÌýsubmit the Program Completion form once all of your grades are posted on your unofficial transcript. Note: If needed, you may obtain aÌýProgram Completion letterÌýfromÌýGSPA specifying that you have met your degree requirements only after your unofficial transcriptÌýnotes your confer date (this will take some time).
  18. Complete theÌýData Science Graduate Exit Form.
  19. Review information regardingÌýConvocation.

Employment of international students post-degree completion

  • If you are not a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada, you may not engage in employment with the University (TA or RA) past your degree completion date, unless;

    • you hold a valid work permit, or,
    • you have applied for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
      • Review theÌýinformation on PGWPÌýfor specifics on applying for a PGWP and your status in Canada during the application period. Supporting documentation (copy of work permit or proof of submission of PGWP) can be loaded directly into WorkDay (in Workday, click View All Apps, then click Personal Information and then Worker Documents. You will then be prompted to upload the document). Failure to maintain work authorization may result in jeopardizing your future immigration applications.

MMATH IN DATA SCIENCE (RESEARCH PAPER)

  1. Apply to graduateÌý´Ç²ÔÌýQuestÌýand complete the steps noted in theÌýGraduate studies graduation checklistÌýby the Apply to Graduate deadline noted on theÌýacademic deadlines and eventsÌý±è²¹²µ±ð.
  2. Discuss formatting of your research paper with your supervisor(s)
    1. There are no formal guidelines regarding formatting the research paper as there are for the thesis. Your research paper should be similar to any research paper you would submit for a course but more in depth as it is equivalent to one course.
  3. Once your Research paper is ready, have your presentation room booked and announced by completing theÌýMMath in DS Thesis Presentation Booking FormÌý10 days prior to the presentation date you want.Ìý
  4. Your presentation is announced within your/supervisor home unit.
  5. After your presentation, submit the completedÌýMMath Essay (Research Paper) AcceptanceÌýForm, attached, to ds.grad.admin@uwaterloo.ca
  6. Email a PDF copy of your Research paper to your Graduate Coordinator
  7. Your Graduate Coordinator will complete and submit a Program Completion form
  8. Updates to Quest noting that you have met your degree requirements does take time. You may obtain aÌýProgram Completion letterÌýfrom the GSPA specifying you have met your degree requirements only after your unofficial transcript notes your confer date
  9. Review information regardingÌýconvocation
  10. Complete theÌýData Science Graduate Exit Form.

Eligible to Graduate Letter and Request for Early Diploma

For students who may require their diploma or an eligible to graduate letter earlier for various reasons, including visa applications, job offers, immigration/educational/professional opportunities, etc. that require proof of degree completion, there are options to request an eligible to graduate letter and/or request for early diploma.

If you have any questions regarding the degree completion process, please contact the Data ScienceÌýProgram Administrator.