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Master of Arts in Community Engagement

The School of Public Health offers a course-based degree of Master of Public Health (MPH) with a specialization in General Public Health (GPH), a thesis-based degree of Master of Science (MSc) with several specializations, a PhD with several specializations, and thesis- and course-based degrees of Master of Arts in Community Engagement (MACE).

Why Study This Program?

The Master of Arts in Community Engagement (MACE) program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of community engagement and its applications in various fields. The program is offered through the School of Public Health and is available in both course-based and thesis-based formats.

Entrance Requirements

The School of Public Health values and seeks to recruit Indigenous students and students of diverse racial, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, ability/disability, socioeconomic, and religious backgrounds and experiences. The Admissions Committee will review applications from prospective Indigenous students to determine if special considerations are warranted when the AGPA falls below the minimum required 3.0, but where letters of reference and professional, volunteer, community and/or prior research experience are particularly strong.

Master's Degrees (MPH, MSc, MACE)

The minimum admission requirements for the master's degrees are:

• A baccalaureate degree, or its academic equivalent, in a relevant field from an academic institution recognized by the University of Alberta, and
• A grade point average of at least 3.0 on the 4.0-point scale over the last 60 units of graded coursework completed. Relevant work or volunteer experience is helpful, such as involvement in activities or studying/working/volunteering in a governmental or non-governmental organization in Canada or internationally with a health or community engagement focus.

Doctoral Degrees (PhD)

The minimum admission requirements for the doctoral degrees are:

• A master's (thesis- or course-based) degree, or its academic equivalent, in a relevant field from an academic institution recognized by the University of Alberta, and
• A grade point average of at least 3.4 on the 4-point scale over the last 60 units of graded coursework completed. Demonstrated high-level research aptitude and competence in the application of the applicant's discipline to research is helpful, such as previous engagement with in-depth public health research/practice, research scholarships or fellowships, and/or a research publication track record.

English Language Requirement

If required, a minimum overall score on an approved English language examination as described below:

• PTE Academic score of 61,
• A minimum acceptable TOEFL score of 92 with a score of at least 21 on each of the individual skill areas (Internet-based) or equivalent, or
• A minimum overall band score of 7.0, with at least 6 on each test band on the IELTS. Alternate criteria for English Language Proficiency requirements as outlined by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies may be considered.

Additional Requirements

Applicants are also required to submit:

1. A current resumé or curriculum vitae
2. Letter of intent of no more than 800 words
3. Three (3) letters of reference
4. Academic documents
5. MACE applicants only: Writing sample

Canadian Indigenous History and Contemporary Context Requirement

As a response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action, the School of Public Health requires all incoming students to be familiar with Canadian Indigenous history and contemporary context, which are particularly relevant to public health and community engagement. Therefore, after admission but before registering in the first course of the degree, incoming students must complete preparation activities related to Canadian Indigenous history and contemporary context.

Program Requirements

The MACE program may be completed through either a course-based or thesis-based route.

Thesis-based MA

• Students are required to complete a minimum of 21 units in coursework and a thesis.
  • Coursework (12 units):
    • MACE 501 - The Practice of Community Engaged Scholarship
    • MACE 502 - Theoretical Foundations of the Scholarship of Engagement
    • MACE 503 - Methods of Community Based Research
    • MACE 560 - Community Engagement Practicum
  • Elective Courses (9 units):
    • Electives may be taken through any faculty. One elective must be a 3-unit graduate-level course in research methods. Course selection is determined in consultation with the supervisor
  • Thesis:
    • Registration in 900-level THES

Course-based MA

• Students are required to complete a minimum of 27 units in coursework, including a 6-unit final applied capstone project
  • Coursework (12 units):
    • MACE 501 - The Practice of Community Engaged Scholarship
    • MACE 502 - Theoretical Foundations of the Scholarship of Engagement
    • MACE 503 - Methods of Community Based Research
    • MACE 552 - Evaluation in the Community Context
  • Elective Courses (9 units):
    • Graduate level elective courses chosen in consultation with the advisor.
  • Directed Capstone Project (6 units):
    • MACE 599 - Directed Capstone Project

Length of Program

Students may undertake the MA on a part-time or full-time basis. The maximum time to complete the course-based MA program as set by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies is six years. The maximum time to complete the thesis-based MA program as set by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies is four years.

Tuition and Fees

All students admitted to the School of Public Health must establish their own funding prior to their admission. Graduate students can finance their studies at the University of Alberta in several ways. Some financial programs are administered by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies, and others are administered by other campus offices or outside organizations.

Scholarships and Financial Support

The Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies administers over $29 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for graduate students, as well as financial and loan advising. Additional scholarships are also available for specific faculties and programs.