General information
The Master of Health Sciences (MHSc) program focuses on providing students with opportunities to develop knowledge and skills in one of three key areas in the Health Sciences:
- Community, Public and Population Health
- Health Informatics
- Kinesiology
Students in the Community, Public and Population Health field will develop a broad understanding of how the physical and social context shapes health, illness and health care. In particular, this includes research and analysis of cultural and economic differences and their implications for health and health care for diverse populations. Students will learn strategies to engage communities in efforts to reduce illness and promote health.
Students in the Health Informatics field will develop strategies to actively participate in multidisciplinary collaborations with diverse groups (e.g., patients, clinicians, health care managers, computer scientists, engineers) and will learn to assess and deploy the latest in computing and informatics systems to support efficient health care delivery. The Health Informatics field prepares students to identify, develop and manage health care information systems that support health care administration, management, policy, training, clinical management and clinical research.
Students in the Kinesiology field will synthesize current research and integrate practical and theoretical knowledge. Areas of study can include biomechanics and ergonomics, exercise and environmental physiology, sensory-movement behaviour and development, physical activity and health promotion, and sport and exercise psychology. Opportunities also exist to explore health, performance and well-being in a range of populations, including those with developmental delays; children and adolescents; adults with chronic pain, cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, psychiatric and neurological disease; as well as recreational and high-performance athletes.
There are two options available to complete the MHSc within each of the above fields:
- MHSc thesis option: Students in the thesis option will combine course work, seminars, and independent research to achieve the program’s core objectives under the guidance of a research supervisor and supervisory committee.
- MHSc course-based option: This option offers students the opportunity to gain advanced knowledge and skills in the field of their choosing. This program is suitable for those who are just beginning their careers, and those who have experience and are looking for advanced professional development.
By virtue of the strong research foundation and/or substantive training obtained throughout their education, graduates from the MHSc program will be well prepared to take on higher-level roles within health professions, seek funding for projects or research to be undertaken at their workplace, or pursue a PhD in a research-oriented health sciences or related program.
Admission requirements
In addition to the general admission requirements for graduate studies , MHSc applicants must meet the following program-specific requirements:
All programs require undergraduate preparation in research methods AND either quantitative or qualitative analysis.
Applicants planning to study in the field of Health Informatics should also have training or experience with computing or information technology within the health care domain.
Each applicant who expresses a desire to pursue the field in Kinesiology in the MHSc program will be expected to have an honours undergraduate degree in Kinesiology, or a related field.
If applicable, a minimum score of 580 on the paper-based TOEFL, 92-93 on the Internet-based TOEFL or 7 on the IELTS. Note that these English language proficiency scores are slightly higher than those required for some other graduate programs. Visit the English language proficiency section of this calendar for additional details.
Admission to the thesis option requires a confirmed supervisor that is in agreement to supervise the student and meet the minimum funding requirements of the MHSc thesis option if applicable. Applicants should contact the potential supervisor before formally applying. Applicants must then reference their confirmed supervisor in the application form and/or statement of intent.
A current list of graduate faculty is available on the Faculty of Health Sciences’ website.
Degree requirements for Community, Public and Population Health
To earn the MHSc degree in the Community, Public and Population Health field, students are required to complete a program of study worth 30 credit hours, typically 15 credit hours and a thesis (15 credit hours), or 24 credit hours and the capstone project course (6 credit hours).
Degree requirements for Health Informatics
To earn the MHSc degree in the Health Informatics field, students are required to complete a program of study worth 27 credit hours, typically 12 credit hours and a thesis (15 credit hours), or 21 credit hours and a capstone project course (6 credit hours).
Degree requirements for Kinesiology
To earn the MHSc degree in the Kinesiology field, students are required to complete a program of study worth 27 credit hours, typically 12 credit hours and a thesis (15 credit hours), or 21 credit hours and the capstone project course (6 credit hours).
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