Selecting a Graduate Program

The role of the Graduate Supervisor at the University of Winnipeg includes:

• Being responsible for supervising and providing guidance on all aspects of a student’s thesis, practicum, or research program;
• Staying informed of the student’s progress and preparing an annual report summarizing progress in research, clinical, or technical activities;
• Ensuring that scientific research is conducted in a way that is effective and safe;
• Reviewing and evaluating student theses and major research papers;
• Attending all supervisory committee meetings as well as student thesis, clinical or technical practicum examinations.

Generally, research-based programs require a supervisor for your thesis or practicum project. The Bioscience, Technology, and Public Policy program and the Environmental and Social Change program require that you find a supervisor and write a research proposal prior to being admitted. Supervisors are also required to students applying to the research-based Applied Computer Science and Society program. Applicants to the Master’s in Development Practice: Indigenous Development (MDP) program are not required to consult with or secure a supervisor before applying. Students in the MDP program are assigned an academic supervisor upon admission to the program.

While applicants in other programs are not obligated to find a supervisor before applying to a graduate program, it’s recommended to connect with faculty members in your program of interest ahead of time.

If you are unsure whether you need to find a supervisor prior to applying, you should contact the graduate program chair. If your program of interest does not require you to find a supervisor before applying, it is still recommended to connect with faculty members in your program of interest ahead of time.

If you are required to find a supervisor prior to your application, you will need find a graduate supervisor. Prospective students who wish to apply to either The University of Winnipeg Graduate Studies Scholarship or the President’s Distinguished Graduate Student Scholarship are encouraged to connect with their graduate program chair or a prospective supervisor as those award applications require a letter from one or the other.

The first step is to browse the web pages of faculty members in your department to see which research projects interest you. Then you will need to contact individual professors to determine if they are taking on new graduate students.

Send a tailored, rather than generic inquiry. Explain why you are interested in working alongside that particular supervisor. Highlight similar research interests, and provide information about your research background. Attach a copy of your Curriculum Vitae (CV), and offer an opportunity for further discussion.

You may also consider contacting the Graduate Program Chair with a brief research proposal, and asking if they can recommend anyone in the program engaged in similar work.

It is always a good idea to reach out to the Graduate Program Chair before applying to any graduate program. They will be your main point of contact to answer questions about eligibility requirements, funding, or assistantship opportunities.