Two orientations, with no absolute dividing line
A professional master’s may suit you if you want to deepen your knowledge so you can apply it in a field of practice. A research master’s may be closer to what you are looking for if you want to pursue a project around a specific question and produce a thesis.
These guidelines are no substitute for reading the program details. A professional master’s can involve substantial written work: at Université Laval, for example, the professional master’s in actuarial science includes a mandatory essay. Conversely, choosing a program with a thesis does not require you to go on to a doctorate.
To picture your day-to-day work, ask yourself what motivates you: exploring a problem related to a field of practice, developing a research question, or combining the two? Then look at the courses and required work, as well as the supervision available. The right choice is the one whose requirements you understand and that serves your goal, not the one whose label seems most prestigious.
Universities and programs: two master’s degrees in actuarial science
Comparing two programs in the same field helps you see what actually differs. Here is the example of Université Laval, in Quebec, based on program pages consulted on November 7, 2026. It does not describe all Canadian master’s programs.
| Point of comparison | Master’s in Actuarial Science | Master’s in Actuarial Science - with thesis |
|---|---|---|
| Orientation described by Laval | Professional | Research |
| Degree and credits | M. Sc., 45 credits | M. Sc., 45 credits |
| Distinctive work | Mandatory 9-credit essay | Research project and thesis |
| Supervision | An essay supervisor is not required for admission; one must be found during the first year | Agreement from a research supervisor is required before admission |
Both paths therefore lead to the same type of degree and have the same number of credits, but the required work and the point at which supervision must be confirmed differ. If you are considering them, read each program page for your intake and confirm the requirements directly with the program. The presence of a program on a page does not guarantee your admission.
Admission: prepare two ways of presenting your application
Start by noting the requirements for each program concerning your previous degree, application file, language and the deadlines that apply to your profile. Write down what you already have, what is missing, and the person or office to contact with questions. If you earned your degree outside Canada, ask how it will be assessed for the program you are interested in.
Then tailor how you present your qualifications to the work required. For a professional program, you could prepare specific examples of problems you have tackled, projects you have worked on, or knowledge you want to deepen. For a research program, also consider the questions that interest you and the work or methods you could describe. These suggestions do not replace the official list of required documents.
Check the supervision requirements before planning your timeline. In the Laval example, you can wait until the first year to find an essay supervisor for the professional master’s, but you need agreement from a research supervisor before admission to the master’s with thesis. Rules are not uniform elsewhere: The University of British Columbia indicates that some of its programs require a commitment before you apply, while others assign a supervisor during the first year.
Funding: compare offers, not labels
Do not assume that a research master’s will automatically be funded or that a professional master’s will not be. For each program, ask about the fees that apply to your status and intake, then distinguish confirmed resources from those for which you will still need to apply.
A useful comparison specifies the period covered, renewal conditions, any required duties and the fees you will still have to pay. Add your living expenses and check when the funds would be paid. If part of the funding is uncertain, keep it separate from the confirmed amount.
The Canada Graduate Research Scholarships—Master’s illustrate why you need to consider both the program and the applicant. Among other requirements, the program must be primarily research-oriented; some joint or clinical programs may be eligible if they include a substantial independent research component. Canadian citizenship, permanent residence or protected person status is also required by the application deadline, among other conditions. This scholarship should therefore not be considered available to all international students.
For more information on calculating and reviewing an offer, also see our guide Funding a Master’s or Doctorate in Canada.
Career opportunities and doctoral studies: start with your intended next step
If you are aiming for a specific role, compare the skills you want to demonstrate with the courses and work in each master’s program. An essay, project or thesis can give you an accomplishment to explain: what problem did you study, what approach did you take, and what was your contribution? For a particular profession or designation, check with the relevant organization about the requirements that apply where you want to work.
If you are interested in a doctorate, check the requirements for the specific doctoral program rather than concluding that only one type of master’s degree provides access. For example, Laval’s doctorate in administrative sciences – management indicates that a 12-credit essay may provide a satisfactory foundation when the other elements of the application are particularly strong. This does not guarantee admission and does not mean that the 9-credit essay in the master’s in actuarial science meets this requirement.
Still deciding between a master’s and a doctoral project? Our guide to Master’s and Doctoral Studies in Canada provides a broader overview.
Your decision worksheet in five questions
Complete a worksheet for each program you are considering, then compare them side by side:
- Required work: What courses, essay, project or thesis will I have to complete? Is this work I want to learn how to do?
- Admission: What requirements and supporting documents apply to my degree, language and intake?
- Supervision: Do I need to obtain an agreement before applying or being admitted? If not, when and how do I find a supervisor?
- Budget: What fees and resources are confirmed for my status? What amounts remain uncertain?
- Next steps: What will I be able to show from my work, and what additional requirements should I check for the next step I am interested in?
Finish with a short list of questions for the program. Ask for written answers on the deciding factors, particularly supervision, fees and admission requirements. You can then make an informed choice, even if your career plans or interest in research change.