Graduate Academic Certificate in Community and Public Health Policy, Planning & Evaluation

In keeping with McMaster University’s purpose of advancing human and societal health and well-being, the Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI) offers the Graduate Certificate in Community and Public Health Policy, Planning & Evaluation. The Graduate Certificate draws on the strengths of HEI’s Master of Public Health and Public Health Preventative Medicine Program.

The Graduate Certificate in Community and Public Health Policy, Planning & Evaluation is delivered exclusively online, providing professionals and aspiring professionals in social service, mental health and public health roles, as well as recent graduate students, with the knowledge, skills and expansive network they need to forge a rewarding career in community and public health.
Learners will complete coursework in Foundations of Community Health and Policy (PUBHLTH 717) and Planning and Evaluation for Population and Community Health (PUBHLTH 720), and will make the most of an innovative online curriculum, combining synchronous discussions and asynchronous components. Courses are taught by world-class faculty whose research programs inform public health policy and practice locally, nationally and internationally.

The Graduate Certificate in Community and Public Health Policy, Planning & Evaluation can be stacked with the Graduate Certificate in Community and Public Health Research and Knowledge Translation to complete the Graduate Diploma in Community and Public Health (GDCPH). Consistent with the Graduate Calendar. Credentials must be completed within 5 years from the start of the first eligible credential.

Enquiries: E-mail: gdcph@mcmaster.ca
Website: https://gdcph.healthsci.mcmaster.ca/

Admission

Applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Graduate Studies at McMaster University. These include:

Completion, or anticipated completion, of a four-year undergraduate degree in any discipline.
A minimum B- standing (70-72%, equivalent to a McMaster GPA of 7) in the final year of undergraduate study.
Submission of supplementary materials (curriculum vitae and letter of interest) demonstrating suitability for the GDCPH program, as evidenced by relevant academic background, professional experience, and letters of recommendation.
Applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency. An official TOEFL score or other approved evidence of English competency is required. Minimum acceptable scores are:
- TOEFL iBT: 92
- TOEFL paper-based: 580
- TOEFL computer-based: 237
- IELTS: Overall score of 6.5, with no individual band below 5.5

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program, as admission is competitive.

Additional information regarding admission requirements and application procedures is available at:

https://gdcph.healthsci.mcmaster.ca/

Requirements

Students complete the certificates online on a part-time basis. There is no requirement for students to be available on the McMaster campus. Students must have suitable access to internet and computing and may be required to participate in lectures and online tutorial sessions during business hours on Eastern Standard Time. To be awarded the Graduate Certificate, students are required to complete the following four 3.0-unit online courses with minimum B- standing (70%). The courses must be completed simultaneously in the Fall semester.

Program Duration

Program duration is normally 4 months. These courses are done simultaneously. Specific policies and procedures governing the certificate are provided on the website: https://gdcph.healthsci.mcmaster.ca