Program Overview
Master of Science Program Overview
The Master of Science (MSc) program in the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in health sciences research. The program is tailored to help students develop their research skills and knowledge in a specific area of health sciences.
Program Structure
The MSc program is a research-based program that typically takes two years to complete. The program consists of coursework, research, and a thesis. Students are required to complete a minimum of 24 credits of coursework, including required and elective courses.
Course Planning
Course planning is completed in cooperation with the student's supervisor and committee. The FHS MSc Program Plan is designed to help students plan their courses, term by term. Students are responsible for being aware of any course prerequisites and program requirements necessary for graduation.
Continuity of Enrollment
To maintain continuity of enrollment, MSc students are required to be enrolled in one of the following courses each term that they are not on a leave of absence:
- HSCI 886 every semester until the confirmation of acceptability for their thesis is signed and submitted
- HSCI 887 every semester until they graduate
Transfer to a Doctoral Program (PhD)
MSc students in the FHS can apply to transfer to the PhD program with the support of their supervisor and committee. The requirements for the transfer to a doctoral program are outlined in the Graduate General Regulations (GGR) 1.3.7b.
Supervisor Relationship
A good supervisory relationship is essential for the success of the student. The supervisor will guide the student throughout the program, and the student is expected to meet regularly with their supervisor. A Supervisory Agreement will be established to guide the progress throughout the program.
Graduate Committee
A supervisory committee is required to help graduate students stay on track and to advise their research. The committee includes the supervisor and at least two other members. The committee members should complement the student's research and program goals and should be available for regular consultation.
Forming the Committee
The committee is formed in consultation with the supervisor, and the student is expected to meet with their committee early in their graduate program. The initial committee meeting is to ensure that the student is set up for success from the outset.
Sensitive or Classified Material
Students, in consultation with their supervisors, will need to read the guidelines for sensitive and classified material. Both the student and the supervisor must confirm that they have reviewed the guidelines by signing and returning the approval of supervisory committee form.
FHS Research Seminar
The Faculty of Health Sciences interdisciplinary research seminar series focuses on the research of the FHS faculty and related researchers. Attendance is mandatory for first-year MSc and PhD students as a requirement of HSCI 902 and HSCI 903.
Graduate Progress Report
In collaboration with their supervisor, students are required to meet with their committee once per year to discuss their progress as a graduate student. The Graduate Progress Report (GPR) is a requirement of the Graduate General Regulations (GGR) 1.8.1.
MSc Thesis Proposal Defence
As a program requirement, students will write and present (defend) their thesis proposal to their supervisor and committee members, typically before the end of the 4th term of their program.
MSc Thesis
All MSc candidates must write a thesis and pass a formal oral thesis defence that is conducted in accordance with University Graduate General Regulations (1.9 & 1.10). The thesis should integrate theory, current research, and methods in the fields related to the student's research area.
Faculty of Health Sciences
The Faculty of Health Sciences is committed to providing a comprehensive education in health sciences research. The faculty offers a range of programs, including the MSc program, and is dedicated to supporting the success of its students.