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ABOUT BTECH
McMaster University’s Faculty of Engineering and Mohawk College’s School of Engineering Technology have partnered to offer skills-based engineering technology education at the university level.
B.Tech. is a four and a half year post-secondary program that takes a fresh approach to education for the dynamic world of engineering. Combining classroom studies in technology and management with labs and co-op experience, you will graduate with both a university degree from McMaster University and an advanced diploma from Mohawk College.
The program is ideal for students who:
- Like science, math, and computers
- Learn best by doing
- Are interested in business
- Prefer hands-on lab environments
- Are analytical and want to know “how” things work
B.Tech. was developed in consultation with employers to ensure that our graduates meet the needs of the engineering industry today. With a B.Tech. degree and advanced Technology diploma, you’ll be ready to step directly into a career that lets you move between the shop floor and the executive suite. Alternatively, you can pursue additional studies, including Master’s and Ph.D. programs.
The McMaster-Mohawk Bachelor of Technology program is the first of its kind in Canada. You won’t find a program like this anywhere else!
What is the difference between a B.Tech. and B.Eng. at McMaster University?
Bachelor of Technology |
Bachelor of Engineering |
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Student Profile |
Students who enjoy laboratory subjects and are also interested in mathematics and science |
Students with mathematical and logical strengths |
Teaching Methods |
More hands-on experimentation and demonstrations during lectures |
Develops understanding and mathematical foundations related to a specific engineering discipline |
Co-op Education |
Co-op mandatory – emphasis on gaining hands-on experience through jobs in industry |
Co-op desirable but not mandatory – emphasis on application of engineering theory |
Careers |
Primarily in "hands-on" technology applications (e.g. production, manufacturing, or construction supervision) Normally function in a primarily technical context, with opportunities to progress to management and supervisory positions
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Positions in a range of technical environments, including design, project management, policy development, or business and financial analysis may progress to management positions with extensive supervisory responsibilities |
Lectures and labs are typically held at McMaster University in the state-of-the-art Engineering Technology Building (ETB); however, some upper year labs will be held on Mohawk College campuses.
The B.Tech. program administrative offices, as well as academic advising services and co-op and career services are located on the McMaster University campus.
Students will have access to clubs and student organizations, as well as academic and support facilities at both McMaster University and Mohawk College. Find out more about student life »
Students are conferred a four-year Bachelor of Technology degree from McMaster University. Those who achieve a minimum Cumulative Average of 9.5 out of 12 in the program will receive the status of “Graduation with Distinction.”
Students are also awarded an advanced diploma in Technology from Mohawk College in recognition of the skills-based learning completed as part of the B.Tech. program.
You will be an engineering technologist with a Bachelor of Technology university degree, capable of working in both hands-on roles and supervisory/management positions within the engineering industry.
B.Tech. graduates can pursue Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) status, but will have to pass some technical examinations, pass the Professional Practice exam, and fulfill the experience requirements. This is a path different than B.Eng. graduates who only have to pass the Professional Practice examination and fulfill the experience requirements. We are working on minimizing the number of technical examinations B. Tech. graduates have to take towards achieving P.Eng. status.
B.Tech. graduates are also eligible for graduate studies in engineering (M.Eng. or M.A.Sc.). The additional credential, experience, and knowledge obtained through these studies will reduce, or completely eliminate, the number of technical examinations required for obtaining P. Eng. status.
Students who complete graduate level studies in engineering or who achieve P.Eng. status may apply to receive an “Iron Ring” as an external applicant.
Yes, after completing the program, eligible student may apply for Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Engineering, Master of Applied Science in Engineering, and Master of Engineering. Admission to these programs is highly dependent upon the academic achievement of the student.
Why does the program include so much emphasis on “management”?
The management component of B.Tech. prepares graduates to advance their careers to management and supervisory levels. It also gives graduates an upper hand in industry, allowing them to offer transferable skills that go beyond their subject specialization. Students learn about financial systems, project management, entrepreneurship, and organizational behaviours – all in a technological context.
It also helps you to pursue additional university studies in management. For example, read about one student's decision to pursue an MBA at McMaster's DeGroote School of Business after completing a B.Tech. degree - Bright Future in Business for B.Tech. Grad »
B.Tech. is a four-year academic degree program that requires 8 academic terms (typically two academic terms a year) of academic study; however, because we have 12 months of co-op work terms integrated into the program structure, students usually graduate after four and a half years.
A detailed outline of our program structure is shown below:
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Fall (September-December) |
Winter (January - April) |
Summer (May-August) |
Year 1 |
Technology I – A |
Technology I - B |
Summer off! |
Year 2 |
AVT/BIOTECH/PAT Level IIA |
AVT/BIOTECH/PAT Level IIB |
Co-op – Work Term #1 |
Year 3 |
AVT/BIOTECH/PAT Level IIIA |
Co-op – Work Term #2 |
Co-op – Work Term #3 |
Year 4 |
AVT/BIOTECH/PAT Level IIIB |
AVT/BIOTECH/PAT Level IVA |
Summer off or complete any outstanding Co-op |
Year 5 |
Level IVB |
Technical courses in the four-year B.Tech. programs are not offered in the evenings.
Students in the Degree Completion Program have already completed a university degree or college advanced diploma in a science or technology field. Our Degree Completion Program allows these students to bridge to a four-year B.Tech. degree through evening and weekend study. Visit the Degree Completion Program Website»
ADMISSION & APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Apply to the McMaster University Admissions Office through the online application form available on the Ontario Universities Application Centre website»
All students entering level 1 must begin in September.
The required average for admission to the program is highly dependent on the number of qualified students who apply each year. In 2011, we required a minimum of 75% average in six Grade 12U/M courses, including English U, Physics U, Chemistry U and Advanced Functions U.
I am currently a B.Eng., B.A.Sc., or B.Sc. student at McMaster. Can I transfer to B.Tech.?
If you have adequately researched our program to determine if it is the right fit for you, it may be possible for you to transfer. Please make an appointment with our Academic Advisor to discuss your options.
I have already completed a degree or diploma. Am I eligible to apply to B.Tech.?
We accept a limited number of Second Degree students into the program each year. Advanced standing and transfer of credit will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Alternatively, you may also wish to consider our Degree Completion Program, which is designed for College and University graduates wishing to bridge to a four-year B.Tech. degree through evening and weekend study.
If you meet our admission requirements, you will advance directly to level 3 of a Bachelor’s degree in one of our four program streams: Civil Engineering Infrastructure Technology, Computing and Information Technology, Energy Engineering Technologies, and Manufacturing Engineering Technology. Please contact the Degree Completion Program Chair for the stream that you are interested in.
COSTS, HOUSING, & REGISTRATION
What is the cost of tuition?
For information about tuition and other student fees, please see McMaster University’s Student Accounts and Cashiers website »
B.Tech. students are eligible for the general entrance scholarships available to any student admitted to a Level I program at McMaster University. For more information on scholarships or bursaries, please see McMaster University’s Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships »
In addition, there are other ways to fund your education. The following resources may be helpful for you:
Students entering the B.Tech. program may be offered residence space at McMaster University in accordance with McMaster’s policy. For more information about residence, please see McMaster University’s Residence Admissions »
I have a disability and require accommodations. Who should I contact to make appropriate arrangements?
McMaster's Student Accessibility Services will be glad to be of service to you and answer any questions that you may have.
B.Tech. offers a summer orientation session for all incoming students to explain the registration process. If, after attending the session, you are still having difficulty, please email btech4u@mcmaster.ca
In addition, the Faculty of Engineering provides a comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding registration, orientation, and life as a McMaster Faculty of Engineering student on their interactive student services website - http://www.missionfireball.com »
CO-OP & CAREERS
All programs include twelve months of mandatory co-op work which is likely to be organized in a combination of one four-month work term and one eight-month work term.
Engineering Co-op and Career Services (ECCS) at McMaster University provides many services to help you land your co-op job, including resume guidance, interview workshops, and one-on-one sessions with ECCS advisors.
While ECCS will assist you throughout your applications, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that co-op work terms are obtained as part of B.Tech.’s graduation requirements. Successful candidates for top co-op positions have taken a proactive approach to their search for the right role, and are well-rounded, with academic, community, and personal achievements on their resumes.
The co-op administrative fee is $600 per four-month term over and above tuition costs
Yes. Co-op work terms are paid positions that will help you cover costs of schooling while you gain valuable work experience.
The majority of co-op opportunities are in Ontario but could be located nationally or internationally.
The following are recent examples of co-op work terms for each of our three streams:
Process Automation Technology
- Junior Automation Specialist: Work under the supervision of a senior controls person in the design of an automated robotic machining cell. The project would involve working with a PLC, robot and visualization software.
- Automation Co-op: Work in the fields of Drive Systems or Instrumentation Engineering under professional staff. You will work with PLC’s , DCS’s ,HMI’s, Process Control actuators and devices, sensors and feedback devices. You will work with engineers, technologists, electricians, and operators.
- Systems and Solutions Assistant: Assist with systems set up and builds for project solutions to various customers. Work in tandem with lead technologist/engineer to ensure the timely delivery of solutions to meet project schedules. You will be operating the equipment, programming, and working with system hardware and networking cables.
Automotive and Vehicle Technology
- Research and Development Assistant: Design, test and manufacture automotive and vehicle parts at manufacturing or assembly plants.
- Computer Aided Design: Design heat exchanger components and assemblies using advanced software packages. You will be required to do detailing and maintenance of associated drawings to engineering standards, participates in design meetings, and track and maintain CAD metrics.
- Advanced Engineering Assistant: Assist in prototype plating development activities for automotive parts. You will be required to test, refine and develop the process for improving the product quality. It is important to have good hand-on skills, be a self starter, interested in new process development, interested in equipment design, have good interpersonal, communication and organizational skills, and have a good understanding of AutoCAD and Microsoft applications.
Biotechnology
- Laboratory Assistant: Perform microbiological testing on pharmaceutical raw materials and finished products, water and other samples as per USP and AOAC methodologies. You will be required to perform a variety of activities including microbial identification, microscopy, plate counts, media preparation, fungicidal efficacy testing and environmental sampling. Other duties will include routine lab maintenance like transportation of glassware and equipment for autoclaving, cleaning of laboratory work areas, removing biohazardous waste, preparing and aliquotting of media following established protocols and inventorying of supplies and equipment.
- Junior Research Assistant: Work on microbiological method development and product formulation projects and associated testing of formulated samples. You will be required to maintain an aseptic work area and work in compliance with GLP cleaning requirements. Perform sterilization and autoclaving of equipment, as needed. You should be willing to work in a demanding environment, be adaptable to constant changes, and be able to work on several tasks simultaneously. You must always adhere to GLP and GMP practices, maintain a properly documented logbook at all times, and be capable of working both independently and with others.
- Manufacturing and Production Assistant: Work with product and biochemical engineers in the development, modification and optimization of bio-products by using genetic and biochemical engineering approaches. Be able to assist in the design of new bio-products and bio-processes from laboratory scale to pilot plant and industrial scale. You may assist in developing, implementing and maintaining upstream and downstream processes related to manufacturing in bio-industry, such as food, pharmaceutical and bio-energy industries.
What kind of career opportunities are there for B.Tech. as compared with B.Eng. graduates?
A B.Tech. education differs from a B.Eng. education in that it is more “hands-on” and places a greater emphasis on applications of scientific and engineering principles and developing practical skills and techniques. A technologist would typically be more interested in “how” such principles are applied rather than in understanding “why”. Careers in technology usually involve more targeted problem solving in an applications context. Career opportunities for graduates of each of B.Tech.’s programs are outlined below.
What are the career opportunities upon completion of the program?
Process Automation Technology graduates use hardware and software to improve the efficiency of plants and labs in fields such as petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and primary steel. Our graduates:
- design control systems and assembly lines
- develop and program robotics
- program computer databases and processing software
- advise on safety policies and procedures for automated technologies
Typical Job Titles: Application Engineer, Control Systems Specialist, Technical Support Specialist, Automation Systems Technologist/Engineer, Instrumentation and Control Technologist/Engineer, Process Automation Technologist/Engineer, Technical Sales and Support Specialist/Manager, Control Systems Software Designer.
Automotive and Vehicle Technology graduates are in the driver’s seat! They design and manufacture automotive and vehicle components, systems, and cars of the future. Our graduates:
- develop new hybrid and green vehicle technologies
- design power and control systems, engines, and bodies
- conduct crash tests and safety audits
- streamline production processes in manufacturing plants
Typical Job Titles: CAD Designer, Mechanical Technologist/Engineer, Project Coordinator, Production Technologist/Engineer, Quality Control Technologist/Engineer, Equipment and Material Sourcing Specialist, Manufacturing Technologist/Engineer, Electro-Mechanical Designer, Test Technologist/Engineer.
Biotechnology graduates join the public and private sectors to conduct cutting edge research and innovation – Canada ranks among the top 5 countries in biotechnology! Our graduates:
- conduct research and development in bioindustry (biofuel, food, and pharmaceutical industries)
- monitor quality control & assurance of biomaterials
- specialize in areas such as bioinformatics, genetic & protein engineering, nanobiotechnology, and bioremediation
- apply forensic biology techniques in areas such as criminal forensics
Typical Job Titles: Research Assistant, Senior Laboratory Technologist, Production Technologist/Manager, Laboratory Manager, Policies and Regulation Consultant, Manufacturing Technologist/Manager