Master of Public Health (MPH) program

The School provides a thriving academic environment that embraces diversity.  We encourage individuals from all minority groups to apply and self-identify.

The MPH program starts in mid-August with a compulsory orientation. This is followed by the two-week intensive Foundations for Public Health (PUBH 804) class, which runs all day, Monday to Friday. Foundations for Public Health is a required course. 

The MPH Program at the University of Saskatchewan is a highly competitive program with up to 500 applicants for approximately 40 spots. While a minimum cumulative weighted average of 70% for the last two years of study is the minimum admission average required by the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, the MPH program is highly competitive, and meeting minimum admission criteria does not guarantee admission to the program. In recent admission cycles, successful applicants have had a minimum converted GPA of at least 80% over the last two years of study.

Only application packages that are complete will be considered for review.  We encourage students to complete their application packages as soon as possible.  It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that his/her application is complete, keeping in mind that a complete application package includes all reference letters.  It is the applicant’s responsibility to follow up with referees to ensure that the letters are completed and uploaded prior to any deadline.

The MPH program requires a high degree of numeracy, and it is recommended that applicants have successfully completed math or stats courses at the 300 or 400 undergraduate level.  During the Foundations course (PUBH 804) in the first two weeks you will be required to pass a statistics review.  Failure to do so will mean you are required to take a department approved University of Saskatchewan 400 level quantitative statistics course.

Due to the high volume of applicants, we are unable to respond to individual inquiries.  We ask that you read the information on the MPH program on this website, our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website.

The MPH is a professional course-based degree with a practicum. It is an interdisciplinary program intended to prepare individuals for professional practice and leadership in public health. The program is designed for completion in two academic years of full-time study. Students may also choose to study part-time over a maximum of five years. 

Courses

Required courses:

• GSR 960.0 - Introduction to Ethics and Integrity
• GSR 961.0 - Ethics and Integrity in Human Research
• PUBH 800.3 - Epidemiology for Public Health
• PUBH 803.3 - Health Promotion
• PUBH 804.3 - Foundations of Public Health (Last two weeks in August)
• PUBH 805.3 - Biostatistics for Public Health
• PUBH 807.3 - Health Program Planning and Evaluation
• PUBH 810.3 - Environmental Public Health I
• PUBH 840.3 - Inter-disciplinary Public Health Practice
• PUBH 867.3 - Health Policy and Politics
• PUBH 990.0 - Public Health Seminar
• PUBH 992.6 - Public Health Practicum

Students are also required to complete five additional elective courses (15 credit units) according to area of interest. As knowledge of the basic principles of biology in health and disease is fundamental to practice of public health, students who do not have a health sciences background (degrees in Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy and Physical Therapy) must complete PUBH 806 – Public Health Pathobiology as one of the 5 elective courses.

Please note that not all elective courses are offered in any given year, and students are encouraged to review the University of Saskatchewan's online course calendar for available courses.

The Master of Public Health program can also be completed as an online program. The online option is most suitable for part-time study (3-5 years). Applicants interested in this option should state so clearly at the beginning of their Letter of Interest.

MPH Distance (online) students are required to attend Orientation and Foundations for Public Health (PUBH 804) on campus for two weeks in mid-August. The distance program is only available to students residing in North America.

The total MPH program (course-based) tuition is assessed at set rates for domestic students and for international students. Rates are based on three-credit courses. Students pay tuition related to the number of courses they take each term.  The single flat fee amount is as follows:

This single flat fee amount is presented on your fee assessment in 3 credit-unit amounts.  The "per 3 credit unit" course amount is approximately  Canadian: $963.40 and International: $1743.75

For general tuition and fees information, visit the official tuition website.

Click here for information about funding. 

On completing the MPH-Thesis program, students will have both the professional credentials to practice in public health and the research experience necessary to pursue a PhD. The students admitted to this program will have sufficient time to complete the course load for the MPH program, in addition to a thesis that is consistent with the expectations for an MSc at the University of Saskatchewan.

• A minimum of a four-year bachelor’s or higher degree, from a recognized college or university in health sciences, life sciences, social science or business
• A minimum Cumulative Weighted Average of 70% for the last two years of study is required in order for students to apply
  • NOTE: The competitive admission average for the 2018-19 intake was 83%
• Demonstrated ability for independent thought, advanced study and research
• Proof of English language proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English

Take a look at our FAQs before you apply.

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