Collaborative Specializations

The Vector Institute Accredited Graduate collaborative specialization in Artificial Intelligence (CASI) is to be jointly offered by the Computer Science and the Electrical and Computer Engineering Graduate Programs. The CSAI enhances the education and research of a graduate student in one of the participating programs by adding a module to their program of study which will provide training in Artificial Intelligence (AI) with a strong focus on artificial intelligence methodologies and enabling technologies with applications in their core research area. The goals of the programs are: i) to provide an excellent foundation in the techniques and methodologies used in AI; ii) to encourage interdisciplinary actions in AI e.g., by fostering collaborative research; iii) to train students to recognize the broader ethical and social implications of AI.

• Students will be expected to apply AI methodologies to real problems that do not easily fit within a course structure.
• Students will be exposed to the synergy between AI methodologies and the technologies that make AI usable.
• Students will be exposed to ethical & legal challenges/limitations/ of AI methodologies.
• Students will be involved in interdisciplinary research projects.
• CSAI students will be exposed to Western collaboration space where industry and government partners, technical experts, and social science and humanities scholars come together to pose questions and share expertise regarding AI/ML technologies

Eligibility:

Only prospective M.Eng. & M.E.Sc. applicants are eligible to be considered for this program. Acceptance to the program to be approved by the Director, in consultation with the ECE Graduate Program.

How to Apply:  

Please contact the ECE Graduate Program Coordinator: ecegrad@uwo.ca.

Program Requirements:

Scholarship:

The Vector Scholarships in Artificial Intelligence are merit-based awards that recognize top candidates pursuing AI-related studies in master’s programs recognized by the Vector Institute or who are following an individualized study path that is demonstrably AI-focused in Ontario, Canada. Scholarships will be awarded to students in both core technical programs and complementary fields such as business and health.

The Vector Institute awards scholarships to meritorious students who pursue a full-time AI-related master’s degree in the Province of Ontario. Scholarships are valued at $17,500 CAD for one full year of study.

KEY DATES:

January 2025 - Nomination period opens

January to early March 2025 - Prepare documentation and contact ecegrad@uwo.ca.

There will be specific internal deadlines related to the scholarship which will be earlier than Vector’s final submission deadline. Please contact ecegrad@uwo.ca for updates on these deadlines.

March 20, 2025 at 4 pm (EST) - Deadline for submission

In order to be considered for a scholarship, candidates must have applied for entrance into a master’s program in an AI-related field at an Ontario University for the 2024-25 academic year, meet the VSAI eligibility criteria, and supply necessary documentation to the ECE Program. 

Please contact the ECE Graduate Office ecegrad@uwo.ca for more information or if you are interested in applying for a Vector Scholarship. 

The Collaborative Specialization in Musculoskeletal Health Research will develop scientists with the research and leadership skills necessary to build transdisciplinary research teams focusing on integrated therapeutic, surgical and rehabilitative approaches for the management of bone and joint diseases.

Specifically, the program's purpose is to:

• Enhance the number of trainees involved in transdisciplinary musculoskeletal health research
• Support the career advancement of trainees Foster the development of future leaders in Canadian health care, science and technology

The Collaborative Specialization in Musculoskeletal Health Research is a unique specialization in Canada, and is an add-on to the already well-established graduate programs participating with our specialization.

Funding Information: 

• The Collaborative Specialization does not provide additional funding beyond what the student receives through their home department.

Admission Requirements:

• Current enrollment in a thesis-based graduate program at Western University in one of the participating programs listed on the program website.
• Student must be in good academic standing in their home department.
• Student should be within the first year of study in the home department program.
• Permission of home department supervisor to participate in the Collaborative Specialization.
• Student must be completing research in the home department that is relatable or has definable impact on musculoskeletal research, as identified and defined by the student.
• Please contact the ECE Graduate Coordinator, ecegrad@uwo.ca to apply. 

The Centre for Planetary Science and Exploration hosts the only planetary science graduate program in Canada. This program emphasizes original student research; small group discussion of literature and current developments; an interdisciplinary approach; and hands-on experience gained through laboratory and/or field work. Graduates of this program have gone on to careers in industry, government and academia.

Funding Information:

The Collaborative Specialization does not provide additional funding beyond what the student receives through their home department. 

Admission Requirements: 

• Prospective students must apply to the graduate program in their department of interest and then specify Planetary Science and Exploration.
• Preferential consideration will be given to applicants with a demonstrated interest in Planetary Science and Exploration as indicated by prior course work, research or involvement in space-related student groups.
• Please contact the ECE Graduate Coordinator, ecegrad@uwo.ca to apply. 

A Collaborative Specialization is an intra-university graduate field of study that provides an additional multidisciplinary experience for students enrolled in and completing the degree requirements for one of a number of approved Master’s and/or PhD programs. Students meet the admission requirements of, and register in, the participating (or “home”) program but complete, in addition to the degree requirements of that program, the additional requirements specified by the Collaborative Specialization. The degree conferred is that of the home program, and the completion of the Collaborative Specialization is indicated by a transcript notation indicating the additional specialization that has been attained (e.g., PhD in Applied Mathematics with specialization in Scientific Computing).

Funding Information:

• The Collaborative Specialization does not provide additional funding beyond what the student receives through their home department.

Admission Requirements:

• Current enrolment in a participating graduate program at Western University.
• Permission of home department supervisor to participate in the Collaborative Specialization.
• Supervisor must be an associated faculty member or be willing to become associated with the specialization.
• Please contact the ECE Graduate Coordinator, ecegrad@uwo.ca to apply.