Program Options

The Immigration and Settlement Studies Program may be completed by full-time or part-time study. Please note that the number of part-time students accepted into the program is limited.

From the student's initial registration in graduate studies, there is both a minimum and maximum time to degree completion. The ISS student majority typically completes the program in the given minimum time-to-completion.

ISS graduate students begin their studies in September or the fall term.  Students are mentored by a faculty advisor or supervisor and advised on a program of study towards completion of the degree requirements.

Below are recommended time paths for the completion of the Master's degree requirements from 2025-26 academic year given the minimum time-to-completion and introduction of two program streams. Please click  (PDF file) here (opens in new window)  for recommended time paths for the program completion for students who were admitted prior to Fall 2025 .

**The major research paper (MRP) is considered to be a Milestone.  A Milestone is a component of a program which is required for graduation, but is not offered in a traditional in-class course framework.  ISS students are enrolled in the Milestone when they are ready to commence work on their MRP.  The final assessment will normally be Pass/Fail.

In addition to the major research paper or practicum:
Full-time students may choose up to four (4) required and/or elective courses per term.
Part-time students may take no more than two (2) required and/or elective courses per term.

Not all elective courses are offered in a given year.  The current list of elective courses is expanded as enrolment increase; as the program develops, and new faculty or adjunct faculty becomes involved with the program. 

For a description of the Immigration and Settlement Studies graduate curriculum and courses consult the  (PDF file) Immigration and Settlement Studies Graduate Program Calendar 

Continuous enrolment is a requirement of all TMU graduate students.  Graduate students must be enrolled in every term of their program until all requirements of their program have been met, unless they have been granted a Leave of Absence or have withdrawn from the program.