Health Science Education, M.Sc.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the School of Graduate Studies requirements, candidates for admission to this health science education program will have an honours-equivalent, four-year bachelor’s degree or related health professional degree (e.g., Bachelor of Health Sciences from the Nursing, Physician Assistant or Midwifery Programs, or Bachelor of Social Work), an MD, or a Master of Science in Physiotherapy or Occupational Therapy, etc. Additional requirements include:

• A four-year undergraduate degree with at least a B+ from an AUCC Member School (equivalent to a McMaster 8.5 GPA out of 12.0) in the final year in all courses in the [health science related] discipline.
• An official transcript of academic work completed to date at all post-secondary institutions attended, sent directly from the issuing institution(s). If the final degree does not show that a completed degree has been conferred, an official copy of the diploma is also required.
• Two confidential letters of recommendation from recent mentors (either those in an academic position or health practitioners) most familiar with the applicant’s academic work.
• Curriculum Vitae to include work experience and list of educational experiences.
• Written personal Statement of Intent that explains why the applicant is seeking graduate education in this program (2 pages, 12 pt font, 1” margins):
  • Explanation of what is desired from this degree, and if they are applying for the course-based or thesis-based stream, full or part time.
  • Explanation of their area of interest.
• Preference will be given to those with teaching experience in a health-related discipline. However, applicants without teaching experience will be considered.
• Full time thesis students can find information on funding at http://sfas.mcmaster.ca/, and item 5.2.1 (Financial Support for Full-time Students)  in the Graduate Calendar.

Admission is competitive. Meeting the minimum standards does not guarantee admission to the program.

To apply and pay the application fee online, consult the Graduate Studies website at http://graduate.mcmaster.ca/prospective-students/application-procedure

Program Requirements

The general regulations for Master’s degrees may be found at the beginning of this Calendar. Minimum requirements for candidates of the MSc in Health Science Education program are outlined below.

Course-based option students must:

• Complete, with at least a B- standing:
  • The program’s five required courses (two quarter courses and two half courses)
  • Three graduate approved electives (half courses)
  • A scholarly paper

Thesis-based option students must:

• Complete, with at least a B- standing
  • The program’s five required courses (two quarter courses and two half courses)
  • One graduate approved elective (half course)
  • A thesis