Program Overview

Master of Science in Public Health in Environmental Health Sciences

The School of Public Health offers a thesis-based degree of Master of Science (MSc) with several specializations, including Environmental Health Sciences.

Why Study This Program?

The School of Public Health offers a range of graduate programs, including a course-based Master of Public Health (MPH) with a specialization in General Public Health (GPH), a thesis-based 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).

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 minimum admission requirements for the masters degrees are:
  • A baccalaureate degree, or its academic equivalent, in a relevant field from an academic institution recognized by the University of Alberta.
  • 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.

Masters Degrees (MPH, MSc, MACE)

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.

Doctoral Degrees (PhD)

The minimum admission requirements for the doctoral degrees are:

• A masters (thesis- or course-based) degree, or its academic equivalent, in a relevant field from an academic institution recognized by the University of Alberta.
• 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 applicants 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.
• A minimum overall band score of 7.0, with at least 6 on each test band on the IELTS.

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

All incoming students must complete preparation activities related to Canadian Indigenous history and contemporary context before registering in the first course of the degree.

Program Requirements

Students must complete the following:

1. Required courses (12 units):

• 6 units of graduate-level courses approved by the students Supervisor.
• SPH 555 - Foundations of Public Health Research.
• SPH 596 - Epidemiology Methods I.

2. Thesis:

• Successfully complete and defend a thesis on a research topic in the area, defined in consultation with the students supervisory committee.

Residence Requirement

The minimum period of residence is one academic year of full-time registration at the University of Alberta.

Length of Program

The time required to complete the program will vary according to the previous training of the applicant and the nature of the research undertaken. The maximum time permitted for completion of the program is four years (part- or full-time) from the date of first registration.

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, including general graduate awards, research grants, and external scholarships.

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.