Program Overview

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Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences - Course-based

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences is a professionally-oriented masters program that provides advanced training in health systems, applied research, and interdisciplinary problem-solving. Students examine complex health challenges from multiple perspectives biological, psychological, social, and environmental and learn how to turn research into action.

Program Options

• Coursework only or with co-op placement
• Location: On campus
• Language: French or English
• Notes: Starting Fall 2026

Why Choose the Course-Based MSc

Fast-Track Your Health Career with Real-World Impact

This short-duration, course-based MSc program is ideal for students aiming to build careers in health-related fields, including public health, health policy, clinical research, digital health, or health technology, and in biomedical or community-based settings. With no thesis requirement, the program emphasizes real-world application through a capstone project and provides strong academic training in research methods, knowledge synthesis, and critical thinking. Students also have the opportunity to participate in a co-op placement, gaining valuable workplace experience in their choice of diverse health-related settings.

Flexible, Focused, and Designed for the Workplace

The program is designed to be completed in 12 to 16 months, allowing students to quickly enter the workforce or pivot into applied health work. The capstone project focuses on a meaningful health issue, developing skills in analysis, communication, and applied problem-solving. The optional co-op experience provides four months of paid, full-time work experience in a health organization.

What to Expect

• Workforce-Readiness in 12 to 16 Months: Complete the MSc in one year (coursework only) or 16 months (with co-op placement), gaining a professional credential designed for immediate career impact.
• Capstone Project with Real-World Focus: Tackle a meaningful health issue through a hands-on capstone project that develops skills in analysis, communication, and applied problem-solving.
• Optional Co-op Experience: Gain four months of paid, full-time work experience in a health organization, such as a public health agency, biotech firm, or NGO.
• Applied Interdisciplinary Curriculum: Learn to approach health challenges from biological, social, and behavioral perspectives using practical, research-informed methods.
• Bilingual Flexibility: Study in English, French, or both, with bilingual academic support and access to francophone professors and services.
• Inclusive, Accessible Entry: Open to applicants with an honors bachelor in a wide range of undergraduate fields, including health sciences, psychology, sociology, biology, and more.

Key Subject Areas

Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Health

• Health Theory and Systems Thinking: Study how biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors interact across the lifespan to shape health outcomes.
• Policy and Practice Integration: Examine how health policies are developed, implemented, and evaluated in various health systems and populations.
• Equity and the Social Determinants of Health: Explore how factors like income, education, race, gender, and environment affect health access and outcomes.

Exposure to Diverse Health Disciplines

• Biological, Population, and Technological Approaches: Engage with key concepts in integrative biosciences, population and public health, and health technology and innovation, gaining exposure to all three concentrations through coursework.
• Innovation and Interdisciplinarity: Examine how cross-cutting approaches whether through cellular biology or data-driven tools can address todays most pressing health issues.
• Ethical and Societal Dimensions: Analyze the ethical, legal, and social contexts that shape health research, technologies, and interventions across diverse communities.

Knowledge Mobilization and Communication

• Science Communication Skills: Learn how to effectively communicate research findings to academics, policymakers, practitioners, and the general public through reports, briefs, and presentations.
• Knowledge Mobilization Strategies: Understand how to apply research evidence in real-world settings to inform decisions in healthcare and health policy.
• Engagement with Diverse Communities: Develop skills for collaborating ethically and meaningfully with community partners and populations facing health inequities.

Capstone and Professional Skills

• Applied Knowledge Translation: Communicate evidence-based insights effectively in professional settings through policy briefs, clinical tools, or community health strategies.
• Collaboration and Leadership: Build skills in interdisciplinary teamwork, project coordination, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strategic Problem-Solving: Tackle complex, practice-oriented health challenges through the capstone project or co-op experience, using critical thinking and integrated knowledge.

Career Opportunities

Graduates from the MSc in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences are equipped for a wide range of applied, high-impact careers in the health sector. This option is ideal if youre seeking a quick entry into the workforce or a pivot into applied health work.

Public and Community Health

Graduates support the design, delivery, and evaluation of health programs in positions such as:

• Health promotion officer
• Program coordinator in a public health agency or NGO
• Outreach specialist or community wellness advisor

Policy, Government, and Strategic Planning

Graduates inform evidence-based decision-making and contribute to policy work in positions such as:

• Health policy analyst or program advisor
• Public health consultant or strategic planner
• Surveillance officer or evaluation specialist

Health Research and Project Implementation

Practical research training prepares graduates for roles in both academic and applied settings in positions such as:

• Research assistant or coordinator
• Knowledge mobilization specialist
• Project officer in clinical or community-based health initiatives

Health Technology and Innovation

Graduates support the development and implementation of health-related technologies and tools in positions such as:

• Digital health coordinator or innovation analyst
• Clinical operations associate
• UX researcher or implementation specialist in medtech or healthcare systems

Biosciences and Life Sciences

Through interdisciplinary coursework and applied training, graduates develop the knowledge and skills to contribute to health-focused scientific environments in positions such as:

• Scientific or clinical research assistant
• Biomedical laboratory technician or coordinator
• Regulatory affairs or product development associate in a pharmaceutical, biotech, or diagnostic company
• Research support in biomedical or translational health projects

Further Professional Education

While this MSc is a terminal degree and doesnt lead to PhD studies, graduates are well-prepared for admission to advanced professional programs, including:

• Medicine, nursing, or midwifery
• Physiotherapy or occupational therapy
• Public health or related health fields