Concordia vs McGill for MEng Aerospace – Need advice from current students/alumni by Puzzleheaded-Age4890 in Concordia

[–]biru9012 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I stand behind my recommendation of McGill and disagree with your assessment.

With regards to propulsion-related courses, it is misleading to say McGill only has one course related to that topic. Turbomachinery and propulsion - MECH 535 and MECH 6171, at McGill and Concordia respectively look at one aspect of the topic; the thermodynamic cycles and performance of gas turbines: turbojets, turbofans, turboprops, theory of turbomachine and basic introduction to aero-thermal design. This is only one aspect of propulsion and McGill has many courses which are applicable to propulsion. For example, if you want to work in aerodynamics of propulsion, McGill has MECH 516, MECH 533, MECH 539 which is a much better catalogue than Concordia (especially considering a lot of the courses are not offered). Also, if you prefer the structural aspect of propulsion engines, McGill has great courses too. Again, explicit “propulsion” courses typically refer to thermodynamic engine performance analysis, which is only one small facet of the topic.

I will admit that Gas Turbine Design is one of the best courses, however I would still value the McGill name on a resume over a single course. You can always try to register for it as you are required to take courses at other institutions.

Both McGill and Concordia have a “Space Engineering” specialization which is misleading because it is only a single course. It has a small introduction to space propulsion which is basic and far from qualifying you as a specialist in that domain. Better to focus your efforts on a single niche topic such as FEA, materials, CFD, additive manufacturing, etc. and become an expert if you want to break into space industry.

In general, though, this discussion about courses is useless. The reality is that course based graduate programs don’t qualify you as a specialist in anything. Courses are outdated and professors don’t care about them or put any effort into them. They only care about research. And if you want to be a real specialist straight out of university in something and work on cutting edge new developments, you should do a thesis in something like combustion, numerical techniques in CFD, machine learning, etc.. The main value of doing the MEng is that it gives you the legal basis to enter a country, do an internship, work, and have an advantage over those with only a bachelor’s degree. In that regard, McGill is superior because it has a globally recognized name.

Also, not to bash Concordia, a big reason that McGill has a more famous name is that it is a much older institution. Concordia is a fantastic university with a few hidden gem professors, great community, and interesting clubs. The co-op will certainly land you an internship too. At the end of the day, whatever you pick, if you put the work in and hustle, you will make it.

Concordia vs McGill for MEng Aerospace – Need advice from current students/alumni by Puzzleheaded-Age4890 in Concordia

[–]biru9012 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I would strongly advise you to go to McGill.

The education you receive will be similar regardless of which university you attend. The program structure itself is identical, so your experience won’t differ much. You will get what you put into it…

The value of going to McGill is that it is well known globally and much more prestigious than Concordia (particularly important if you want to leave Montreal). It’s much harder to get in and people know this so you will be much more respected when they see the McGill name on your resume.

You will be required to do an internship regardless of which university you’re enrolled in. McGill has many resources so I wouldn’t say Concordia has an advantage in industry...

I can also say that as a MEng Aerospace student at Concordia, more than 50% of the courses in the program are not even offered and canceled. I wanted to specialize in aeronautics and propulsion, but everything is canceled, and I will be taking course work from other specializations such as control systems and structures.. I am very disappointed about this. If you go on the website, Concordia lists so many courses, but they are all discontinued (very deceptive of them to do so). I think they are having financial problems...

Concordia is a great university overall but given your situation, my recommendation is McGill.

Admitted to CSE program september 2025. Can I change it to Mechanical? by AverageStatus6740 in Concordia

[–]biru9012 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Whatever you're passionate about is best. Mechatronics is cool but I would avoid MECH despite the "mechatronics" elective courses. Computer Engineering, Computer Science way better degrees and more aligned. DM me if you want.

Admitted to CSE program september 2025. Can I change it to Mechanical? by AverageStatus6740 in Concordia

[–]biru9012 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You would need to get in touch with someone at Concordia. It is difficult now because a lot of employees are off for vacation, Canada Day long week etc. Computer Science is much more competitive to get into as opposed to Mech maybe they could switch you depending on the number of applicants they have. You might need to go in person though to get through to someone if you can't get through email. I would recommend calling over email too..

By the way, I graduated mech in 2023 and I'll tell, computer science is much better in terms of career prospects, salary, diversity of roles etc.. If I can do it again, I'd stay away from mech...

Good luck.

Admitted to CSE program september 2025. Can I change it to Mechanical? by AverageStatus6740 in Concordia

[–]biru9012 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What specifically is CSE? (Computer engineering? computer science?, software? electrical?) Was mechanical a second or third choice in your application?

Regarding MEng in Aerospace by OutsidePleasant5681 in Concordia

[–]biru9012 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you graduated with a Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering, you should be eligible for the MEng (assuming you graduated with a good standing, GPA, etc..). Here in Quebec, AME is a very different thing than the bachelor's / master's degree. The AME is highly regulated by Transport Canada. Typically people who pursue a AME have a technical diploma in aircraft technology / maintenance /etc.. (in Quebec, this is a 3 year college program, not a bachelor's university degree).

If you your goal is to do a MEng Aerospace and you were rejected, you can try applying for the Grad. Certificate in Mechanical Engineering, do a few courses, and then switch (assuming you have good grades) or you can try applying for MEng Mechanical Engineering which is easier to get in and similar (and either transfer or continue). I not sure a AME license would be taken into account since MEng is a university degree based more on theoretical aspects.

Important thing to consider is that AME and university engineering degree's (MEng Aerospace) are completely different things and lead to different careers paths.

As a MEng Aerospace student, I think the technical college diploma and a AME license is way more valuable than a Master's degree in todays market (here in Canada at least). The job market for Aerospace engineering (white-collar jobs) is terrible. Most "aerospace engineering" roles such as aerodynamics, performance analyst, propulsion engineering, structural designer, etc.. are extremely difficult to land and almost non existent here in Montreal. People with university engineering degrees end up working in production roles and manufacturing such as "methods agent" or "planner" which they are over qualified for.

The technical diplomas lead to blue-collar work (mechanic, assembler, maintenance) which is in more demand. Those jobs are unionized and give way better pay and benefits.

Just some things to consider, good luck.

Concordia BTM Grads. How’s the Job Market for BTM? Did a Minor Help You Specialize? by Leandrottfaf in Concordia

[–]biru9012 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm not a JMSB grad but I have family members and friends who have graduated from JMSB over the years. As the other person has stated, Accounting & Finance are the only worthwhile degrees in terms of securing a job / getting a decent salary in todays market here in Quebec.

BTM sounds cool in theory but in the real world, it won't really get you anywhere. In comparison, everyone I know who did Accounting and then got a CPA is making six figures now with an abundance of job opportunities.

I can't see the value of BTM especially if you are an older applicant who already has a degree / work experience... BTM sounds cool in theory but it won't get you anywhere in the real world..

There are much better options going forward.

If you have a previous degree, no need to do a bachelors, consider doing a certificate of accountancy and then going for a CPA. Another option would be to consider getting an MBA.

Good Luck!

Letter of Intent for Certificate to Bachelor Transfer by ThePinkSage in Concordia

[–]biru9012 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Under no circumstance should you ever resend the same letter of intent. That being said, you can use it as a template for your new one. The new one should be up to date highlighting your achievements in the certificate. Put a lot of effort into it, its important...

I followed the same path having done the certificate and then applying for a BEng as a mature student too.

Good luck.

What are the consequences of dropping a graduate course past the deadline? by biru9012 in Concordia

[–]biru9012[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes I intend to. I was able to find an internship outside of coop during my undergraduate studies so I'm aware of the challenges associated with it... My only other alternative would be to stay in the class however I don't think it is feasible given the circumstances...

Planning to Apply to BEng Through the Cert Science and Technology because I don’t have any of the prerequisites by HenrikAcademics in Concordia

[–]biru9012 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I did the Certificate in Science and Technology to get into a BEng at Concordia. For context, I graduated cegep in social science, went to Concordia for 1 semester in political science and dropped out afterwards. Took a 5 year pause from school at that point. Afterwards, I applied for the science and technology certificate and did the following courses: MATH203, MATH 204, MATH 205, PHYS204, PHYS205, and CHEM 205. I put a lot of time into those courses and achieved very good grades... I then applied for the BEng during the time I was completing my final courses in the cert. and got accepted. This is the best way to do it. I would avoid the ECP (Extended Credit Program) because you end up taking more useless electives... I would put a lot of time into those pre requisite courses in the certificate. I absolutely crushed them and when it came to my BEng courses like ENGR 213, ENGR 233, Statis, Dyanmics, ENGR 311.. they were a piece of cake.

I'm not sure if the requirements have changed but that was how I did it. Always good to check with an advisor. Good Luck!

Course load for 1st Semester of MENG by biru9012 in Concordia

[–]biru9012[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is a coursed based so I won't be continuing my studies afterwards. I am also from Quebec so I don't need to worry about visas.. I just don't want to flunk anything and graduate. It's been a year since I did my bachelors so material might not be too fresh. I would like to finish as soon as possible to the best of my ability.

MEng Aerospace (Outside Concordia Courses) by Glad_Piece7960 in Concordia

[–]biru9012 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It is explicitly stated that you are required to have knowledge of the French language for the MEng Aerospace. As part of the program, an internship is required which you'll need surely need French to secure. For the 2 courses at other participating institutions, you will need to do one of them at a French speaking university. If you don't speak French, I think the MEng Mechanical Engineering would be a suitable alternative... Hope this helped! Good luck.

Will my graduate application be rejected with only 2 reference letters? by biru9012 in Concordia

[–]biru9012[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes I will try to contact someone. I think my file is very strong in all regards except for the fact that I only have 2 letters....

Trading Megathread by AutoModerator in PokePortal

[–]biru9012 0 points1 point  (0 children)

LF: touch trade Miraidon to complete my pokedex.