PUBLIC HEALTH SCIENCES
CREATE A HEALTHIER FUTURE
In the School of Public Health Sciences, our researchers are working to reduce the global burden of illness through health promotion, disease surveillance and implementation of healthy public policy.
Our seven research fields highlight the expertise of our world-renowned faculty members.
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND BIOSTATISTICS
HEALTH EVALUATION
HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT
HEALTH INFORMATICS
GLOBAL HEALTH
AGING AND HEALTH
WORK AND HEALTH
At the School of Public Health Sciences, we offer programs in two main degree types:
Our professional graduate degree programs are online course-based master’s programs. This gives you flexible study options – even allowing you to gain an advanced degree without a gap in employment. These programs feature a professional experience component, giving you access to new networks and in-the-field exposure.
Research-based graduate degree programs provide an interdisciplinary focus, specialized training and advanced research skills. You’ll work closely with a faculty member as your supervisor under a research apprenticeship model. By focusing on one of the seven research fields, you'll be able to deepen your knowledge of an area of public health - allowing you to focus on making an impact in an area that matches your interest.
PROGRAMS
PROFESSIONAL, COURSEWORK-BASED DEGREE PROGRAMS
Master of Health Evaluation (MHE)
- Coursework-based, online
- 4 terms | 1 and one-third years (full-time)
- 11 terms | 3 and two-third years (part-time)
- 7 required courses + 2 elective courses
- 420 hour practicum placement
Master of Health Informatics (MHI)
- Coursework-based, online
- 4 terms | 1 and one-third years (full-time)
- 11 terms | 3 and two-third years (part-time)
- 8 required courses + 2 elective courses
- 420 hour practicum placement
- Coursework-based, online
- 2 years (full-time)
- 4 years (part-time)
- 9 required courses + 2 elective courses
- 2 on-campus experiences: foundations course and capstone presentation
- 420 hour practicum placement
Meet some of our current and past students as they explain the value and experience of the Master of Public Health program at the University of Waterloo.
RESEARCH-BASED DEGREE PROGRAMS
MSc Public Health and Health Systems
- Research-based, on campus
- 6 terms | 2 years (full-time)
- 15 terms | 5 years (part-time)
- Master’s thesis
- Collaborative water specialization also available
PhD Public Health and Health Systems
- Research-based, on campus
- 12 terms | 4 years (full-time from master’s level)
- 24 terms | 8 years (part-time from a master’s level)
- Doctoral thesis
- Collaborative water specialization also available
Collaborative PhD Aging, Health and Well-being
- Research-based, on campus
- 12 terms | 4 years (full-time from master’s level)
- 24 terms | 8 years (part-time from a master’s level)
- Doctoral thesis
- Collaborative water specialization also available
Eden Amare (MHE ’18), Program Evaluator, City of Toronto
YOUR FUTURE
Our students are highly sought after by governments, NGOs, community health agencies and industry.
“Connections are so important. I’ve started on a great, new career track because of the relationships I made with other MHE and Waterloo graduate students.”
While juggling full-time work, a part-time online master’s degree, volunteering with the Canadian Evaluation Society and networking with health professionals, Eden Amare created a peer network of connections and resources that have helped launch her new career. Eden credits the Master of Health Evaluation (MHE) program with giving her the confidence and knowledge she needed to truly make a difference for diverse populations in her role as Program Evaluator at Toronto Public Health.
