The intent of the Master of Science (MSc) program in the School of Public Health and Health Systems is to produce graduates with an interdisciplinary focus, having fundamental knowledge and research capabilities.
Admission Requirements
Successful completion of a four-year Honours Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with a minimum B average (75%) is required for students applying to the MSc program. The Bachelor's degree will normally be in biological, health behavioural, or social sciences.
For students applying to the School of Public Health and Health Systems, the undergraduate experience including coursework in one or more of the behavioural, biological, developmental, health, or social sciences is advantageous, given the multidisciplinary nature of the program. Students should also have a suitable background in research design and statistics to meet prerequisite standards for all graduate level courses.
Each applicant must submit two letters of reference (preferably from faculty members), and a letter indicating reasons for pursuing graduate studies. In addition, applicants for the MSc degree must submit one copy of a term paper written during the last two years of their undergraduate education.
Provide proof of proficiency in English (if applicable); accepted examinations and required minimum scores for graduate studies are listed on the English Language Proficiency page.
Students who do not meet admission requirements for the Master's program, but otherwise show promise for graduate work, may be admitted to a qualifying program. Admission requirements for a qualifying program are listed in this calendar. (See Graduate Studies Calendar, Academic Regulations, Admission Requirements) Successful completion of the qualifying program does not guarantee admission to the graduate program.
Deadline for applications to the Master's program is February 1st.
Degree Requirements
The minimum requirement will be six one-term (0.5 unit weight) graduate courses and a thesis. Courses normally include the required courses of HSG 601, HSG 606, and HSG 605 series, or approved equivalents.
At a minimum, and in accordance with University policy, students must obtain an average of at least a B- (70%) in aggregate on the course presented in fulfillment of the degree requirements. A failing grade in any course will necessitate a review of the candidate's status by the department, and may result in a candidate being required to withdraw from the program. (See Graduate Studies Calendar, Academic Regulations, Grading Scheme)
Information about Courses by Areas of Interest
Faculty members in our Department have interest in several research areas and therefore, often the courses reflect these areas. Courses on biohealth include Psychoneuroimmunology, Psychopharmacology and Addiction (HSG 671), Cancer Prevention and Control, Nutrition and Chronic Disease (depending on choice of biohealth or behavioural topics for major assignments) and Risk Assessment and Management, as well as courses in the biohealth area from other departments (such as courses in the BCNS collaborative program) or other universitites (e.g. University of Toronto’s Tobacco Control course or University of Guelph’s Immunology course). Some of the HSG courses may be offered through the Special Topics Series HSG 620 or HSG 720 and on alternate years, depending on student demand and teaching loads. Consult your academic advisor.
Courses on health behaviour include Health Behaviour Change (HSG 609), Evaluation of Health and Human Service Programs (HSG 604), Health Policy (HSG 603), Fundamentals BNS (HSG 677), Nutrition and Chronic Disease (depending on choice of biohealth or behavioural topics for major assignments) as well as relevant courses from other departments (e.g., Selected Topics in Health Psychology: PSYCH 849). Some of the HSG courses may be offered through the Special Topics Series HSG 620 or HSG 720 and on alternate years, depending on student demand and teaching loads. Consult your academic advisor for relevant courses offered during your tenure.
Courses on gerontology and aging include Evaluation of Health and Human Service Programs (HSG 604), Program Development and Service Delivery for the Elderly (HSG 610), and Health Policy (HSG 603). Some of the HSG courses may be offered through the Special Topics Series HSG 620 or HSG 720 (e.g., Health Status Assessment) and on alternate years, depending on student demand and teaching loads. Consult your academic advisor for relevant courses offered during your tenure.
The Department reserves the right to stipulate additional coursework if it is necessary for the candidate's preparation.
Master's Thesis
For the Master's thesis, an approved topic is required and will be defended in an oral examination. The MSc thesis committee consists of a minimum of three faculty and includes the student's supervisor, appointed in the student's department, and at least one other member of the School of Public Health and Health Systems faculty. One committee member may be from outside the department (whether from within the university or from another university). The composition of the Thesis Advisory Committee must be approved by the department graduate committee.