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Building Science (MASc, MBSc, PhD)

Graduate student examining a metal beam attached to a concrete wall

Program Overview

Format: Full-time

Degree Earned: Master of Applied Science, Master of Building Science or PhD

This unique interdisciplinary graduate program delivers research and application of building physics fundamentals to the interaction between components of a building, its users and the environment. Newly established PhD degree in building science for Fall 2019 expands research opportunities in this growing field. This high-quality, professionally relevant program prepares students for careers in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry or academia.

A student wearing protective glasses holds a brick

At a Glance

MASc/MBSc

  • Completion of a four-year undergraduate (or equivalent) degree from an accredited institution
  • Minimum grade point average (GPA) or equivalent of 3.00/4.33 (B) in the last two years of study
  • Statement of interest
  • Resumé/CV
  • Transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency requirement
  • Dossier

PhD

  • Completion of a master’s degree in building science, civil engineering, mechanical engineering or a related applied science field from an accredited institution
  • Minimum grade point average (GPA) or equivalent of 3.33/4.33 (B+)
  • Statement of interest
  • Resumé/CV
  • Transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency requirement

More information on admission requirements. Due to the competitive nature of our programs, it is not possible to offer admission to everyone who applies that meets the minimum entrance requirements for the program. 

Program-specific requirements

Students are encouraged to submit applications prior to the first consideration date to increase their chances of securing financial support for their graduate studies. Applications received after the first consideration date will be accepted and reviewed based on spaces remaining in the program.

See application dates.

For detailed graduate tuition and fees information please visit Fees by Program.

For information on scholarships, awards and financing your graduate studies visit Financing Your Studies.

  • Architectural Acoustics and Noise Control
  • Building Automation
  • Daylighting and Energy-Efficient Lighting Design
  • High-Performance Building Envelopes
  • Intelligent Sensors and Instrumentation for Buildings
  • Low-Energy Building Design
  • Performance Assessment of Existing Buildings
  • Recycling and Reuse of Construction Materials and Components
  • Renewable Energy Systems
  • Resilience in Urban Design
  • Sustainability in Built Environment
  • Zero-Carbon Buildings

Core Courses

  • Building Science Theory
  • Building Envelope Systems
  • Ecological and Resource-Efficient Design
  • Energy-Efficient Building Services and Renewable Energy Systems
  • Building Design Seminar/Studio

Elective Courses

  • Building Performance Assessment
  • Building Performance Simulation/Modelling
  • Building Science and Architecture Research Methodology
  • Detail Design Project
  • Lighting Design in Buildings
  • Renewable Energy System for Buildings
  • Building Envelope Restoration 

Building Science (MASc, MBSc) graduate program calendar

  • Building Science lab and equipment
  • Computer-Aided Design Lab
  • Lab for Building Automation
  • Studio-based education that encourages collaboration and experiential learning

Graduate Admissions

Admissions information and how to apply

Graduate Studies Admissions Office
11th Floor, 1 Dundas Street West
Toronto, ON
Telephone: 416-979-5150
Email: gradhelp@torontomu.ca

For information specific to programs, please see the program contact information below.

Program Contacts

Dr. Russell Richman
Graduate Program Director
BArch, MASc, PhD, PEng
Telephone: 416-979-5000 ext. 556489
Email: richman@torontomu.ca

Mimi Lam
Graduate Program Administrator
Telephone: 416-979-5000 ext. 552684
Email: bldgsci@torontomu.ca

“Buildings require many systems that must function simultaneously. I enjoy the challenge of fitting these pieces together to maximize durability, performance and space quality.”

Matthew Tokarik, MASc alumnus
A group of architecture and building science master's students

Student Profile: Toronto students design zero-energy laneway home (external link) 

Architecture and building science master’s students, in collaboration with the University of Toronto, received the grand prize at a U.S. Department of Energy competition for their zero-energy laneway house design.

Graduate Academic Calendar

Find curriculum, course descriptions and important dates for Building Science (MASc, MBSc).

How to Apply

Once you’ve made an informed choice about which program(s) you are going to apply to, preparing your application requires careful research and planning.

Funding

At Toronto Metropolitan University, we understand that pursuing graduate studies is a significant financial investment. Funding comes from a combination of employment contracts (as a teaching assistant), scholarships, awards and stipends. There are a number of additional funding sources – internal and external – available to graduate students that can increase these funding levels.

Research

As an urban innovation university, Toronto Metropolitan University offers 60+ cutting-edge, career-oriented graduate programs, as well as 125+ research centres, institutes and labs, in a wide range of disciplines. Our close connections with industry, government and community partners provide opportunities to apply your knowledge to real-world challenges and make a difference.