Master of Strategic Studies Thesis Requirements

Students in the MSS Thesis program have a maximum of four years to complete their requirements but are expected to complete their programs in two years. An incoming student for the thesis-based program must have a proof of agreement to supervise from one or more faculty members in the student’s proposed area of thesis research. Learn more. 

MSS Thesis Proposal

MSS thesis-based students are required to present their supervisor with a formal thesis proposal normally no later than the end of their second term (usually, the end of the Winter Term of their first year for students who entered the program as thesis-based students; for students transferring from the course-based program, where at all possible the same general timeline should apply).

The proposal should generally be 7-10 double-spaced pages in length, not counting a brief preliminary bibliography. The content of the proposal should generally cover the following components:

  • State the research problem and explain its context and significance in the relevant literature;
  • Intent of the research project, including any hypothesis to be tested;
  • Subsidiary or component issues that show further research;
  • Any relevant methodological issues, including information and data sources, data analysis methods and case selection; Genoc
  • Suggest an initial general structure for the thesis.

Faculty of Graduate Studies Thesis

MSS Thesis Requirements and Examination

An MSS thesis student must present and defend a thesis before an examining committee consisting normally of the supervisor and at least two other examiners, one of whom is external to CMSS. The Neutral Chair will be appointed by the Graduate Program Director.

A notice of the date and composition of the examining committee, should be submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies at least four weeks before the defence. The final copy of the thesis should be presented to the examiners, either in hard copy or electronically, at least three weeks before the defence.

MSS Admissions Requirements

Admissions Requirements

In addition to the Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements, CMSS requires:

  1. a) A four-year bachelor’s degree with a grade point average of at least 3.40 on a four-point scale.
  2. b) A writing sample.
  3. c) An agreement to supervise by a potential supervisor.
  4. d) A research proposal.
  5. e) English language proficiency: TOEFL with a minimum score of 97 (Internet-based test); 7.0 on the IELTS test; 68 on the PTE test; a CAEL score of 70 (with no section less than 70); a Duolingo score of 135 (with no subscore below 115); or a Cambridge Proficiency score of 191. This requirement can also be met by completing the Academic Communication Certificate with a minimum grade of "A-" in each course.
  6. f) Two letters of reference.
  7. g) For applicants in the thesis-based MSS, email confirmation from a potential supervisor who is interested in supervising the student's work is required.

Admissions are open October 1 and close January 15 of the following year. New students are admitted in the Fall of each year. There is no winter admittance.