Master of Health Evaluation (MHE)

The program information below was valid for the spring 2016 term (May 1, 2016 - August 31, 2016). This is the archived version; the most up-to-date program information is available through the current Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.

The Graduate Studies Academic Calendar is updated 3 times per year, at the start of each academic term (January 1, May 1, September 1). Graduate Studies Academic Calendars from previous terms can be found in the archives.

Students are responsible for reviewing the general information and regulations section of the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.

Program information

  • Admit term(s) 
    • Fall
  • Delivery mode 
    • Online
  • Program type 
    • Master's
    • Professional
  • Registration option(s) 
    • Full-time
    • Part-time
  • Study option(s) 

Admission requirements

  • Minimum requirements 
    • An overall 75% average in a four-year undergraduate degree program in a health or related field from a recognized university. Examples of backgrounds would include, but not be limited to, nursing, social science (e.g., psychology, social work), environmental health, medicine, physical and occupational therapy, pharmacy, optometry, and public health.
    • Minimum of one year work or volunteer experience in an area relevant to public health, health promotion, health care, health systems, or program evaluation.
    • An undergraduate course in statistics or research methods (with a minimum 78% average) recommended.
    • A statement of interest explaining the student’s goals, aspirations, and potential for future leadership in the field.
  • Application materials 
    • Résumé/Curriculum vitae
      • Indicating past academic and professional experience.
    • Supplementary information form
    • Transcript(s)
  • References 
    • Number of references:  2
    • Type of references: 
      • 1 from an academic source.
      • 1 from a relevant paid or volunteer work experience.
  • English language proficiency (ELP) (if applicable)

Degree requirements

    Coursework option:

  • Graduate Academic Integrity Module (Graduate AIM)
  • Courses 
    • Required courses
      • PHS 614 Foundations of Program Evaluation
      • PHS 605 Quantitative Methods & Analysis
      • PHS 651 Theory & Applications in Program Evaluation
      • PHS 652 Qualitative and Mixed Methods and Analysis
      • PHS 653 Program Evaluation Practice & Management
      • PHS 654 Systems Thinking and Analysis
      • PHS 655 Survey Methods
    • Elective courses
      • Students must also complete 2 elective courses. The following is a list of possible elective courses offered by the School of Public Health and Health Systems:
        • HSG 609 Population Intervention Research for Chronic Disease Prevention
        • PHS 611 Health Care System
        • PHS 603 Health Policy in Public Health
        • PHS 606 Principles of Epidemiology
        • PHS 608 Health and Risk Communication in Public Health
        • PHS 609 Management and Administration of Public Health Services
        • PHS 617 Population Intervention for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
        • PHS 632 Health Economics and Public Health
        • PHS 638 Special Topics Course: Social Justice and Public Health
  • Link(s) to courses
  • Academic Integrity Workshop
  • Professional Experience Practicum
    • Following completion of the necessary prerequisite courses, students will conclude the program with a supervised Professional Experience Practicum (PHS 641).
    • The professional experience practicum component provides a way for students to gain work experience in the field of health evaluation. The 12-week (420 hours) professional experience component will provide opportunities to gain relevant practical experience working within a local public health unit, provincial and federal governmental agency, or non-governmental organization, etc. Students will build an understanding of the practical realities of health evaluation and be introduced to investigations and collaborative working relationships. Based on the increased demand for health program or policy evaluators in the work force, many practicum sites may be interested in hiring MHE graduates. A professional experience component will enable employers to assess the skills of future graduates, which may lead to potential hire of the student upon graduation.
    • Choosing a practicum: students will be required to find their own workplace opportunity suited to their career goals and aspirations and preferred practice environments and public health issues. However, students will receive on-going information from the School of Public Health and Health Systems throughout their studies regarding potential employers seeking students. The School of Public Health and Health Systems will ensure that workplace settings meet the following conditions:
      • that the employer demonstrates commitment to education and student learning in the area of health evaluation;
      • that the employer provides a meaningful learning experience for the MHE student;
      • that MHE students receive a positive working experience in a practical setting that will enhance the skills acquired in their course work prior to the work term;
      • and that the MHE students’ professional experience component goals are related to the program’s learning outcomes.
    • Supervision and assessment: supervision and assessment of each professional experience component will be the joint responsibility of: a designated field supervisor employed within the organization where the professional experience takes place, and the designated MHE advisor, who will be a School of Public Health and Health System faculty member affiliated with the MHE program. The field supervisor will have primary oversight and responsibility for the day-to-day work experience of the student(s), and may assign specific objectives, work tasks, training exercises, projects, and assignments as part of the basis for assessment of the student. The faculty MHE advisor will ensure that the professional experience is in accord with the overall educational objectives of the MHE program. He or she is available to assist both the student and their field supervisor in questions of an advanced theoretical or conceptual nature, provide helpful
      advice when needed, and ensure the learning and academic integrity of the professional experience by helping to formulate learning objectives for each student and reviewing the assessment of each student at the end of their work experience.
School of Public Health and Health Systems website