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 at the University of Saskatchewan is a highly competitive program with up to 1000 applicants for approximately 120 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.  

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 four years. 

Questions

 

1. What is the start date?

2. Is my background appropriate for this program?

3. What does "proof of degree completion mean"?

4. Must I write an English proficiency test?

5. What do I need for my reference letters?

6. Can I apply if I have not completed my degree?

7. How do I upload documents?

8. What if I was not able to pay my application fee during the application process?

9. How do I know if my application fee has been received?

10. How do I check the status of my application?

11. What does my "application status mean"?

12. Who do I contact if I am have trouble accessing my application?

13. Will you preview my transcript?

14. Should I submit my WES (World Education Services) evaluated credentials?

15. Is the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) required?

16. Do I need a supervisor before I can apply?

17. How do I provide Proof of Permanent Residency?

18. Are there scholarships available for the MPH Program?

19. What is the tuition fees schedule?

20. Can tuition be paid in installments?

21. How long does it take to complete my degree?

22. What services are available to International Students?

23. What does 'Conditional' mean on my admission letter?

24. Can I defer my entry?

25.  What are the Recommended Technology Requirements at U of S?

 

 

1. What is the start date?

The MPH Program has two start dates.   Fall (September) and Winter (January) each year.  Make sure to apply to the term that best suits your ability to attend if accepted.

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2. Is my background appropriate for this program?

It is strongly recommended that students hold a bachelor's or higher degree in health sciences, life sciences, social sciences, or business.

If you are unsure of the program requirements which will help you make a decision to apply or not apply, please review the 5 core streams of public health.

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3. What does "proof of degree completion mean"?

We must also receive documentation to indicate that your degree has been awarded.  Some transcripts will note this information, while other institutions will provide a separate certificate.  Upload the page from your transcript that indicates the degree has been awarded or a degree certificate.

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4. Must I write an English proficiency test?

Please review the College of Graduate Studies & Research website details for requirements and possible exemptions: http://grad.usask.ca/admissions/admission-requirements.php#Englishlanguageproficiencyrequirements

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5. References

Whom should I obtain my references from?

Your referees must be able to speak to your employment and study experiences which relate to your interest in public health, your ability to pursue a degree in interdisciplinary public health and to your education and career aspirations in public health.

Two of your three references, must be academic referees who can speak to your education experience.

How do I know if my referees received and submitted a reference?

Once a reference is submitted electronically by your referee, it will be updated automatically to your check in list.  It may be necessary for you to follow up with your referees to ensure that the reference is submitted by the deadline. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the referee to confirm that they received the request and submitted the reference.

Please ensure you have the correct email addresses for your referees.

Once you submit an application, your referees will be contacted very shortly by email with a link to complete their reference for you.  Sometimes the link for the reference form goes to the spam/junk folder on your referees’ email account.  Please ensure that you have:

• Confirmed that your referee will be able to provide a reference for you.
• Enter the correct email address for your referee.
• Inform them when you apply, as the link will be sent to them very shortly, so they may monitor their email for receipt of the link.

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6. Can I apply if I have not completed my degree?

You may apply and send your current transcripts.  If you are accepted to the program you must supply your final transcripts with degree awarded indicated.  If you are admitted prior to completing your degree, your admission is conditional until the final transcripts and degree awards are received. 

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7. How do I upload documents?

Google Chrome is the preferred browser to use.

http://grad.usask.ca/admissions/uploading-documents.php

Please scan both sides of a transcript unless the back is blank.

Each preliminary academic transcript must be accompanied by a grading scale or key.  These are typically found either on the back of the transcript itself, or as a separate page attached to the transcript.  If this is not provided, your application cannot be reviewed. 

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8. What if I was not able to pay my application fee during the application process?

Please read “Application Fee Payment” at the following web link: http://grad.usask.ca/admissions/after-youve-applied.php#Payapplicationfee

Your application fee is checked in by a different department on campus, so you will have to keep checking online to see if it has been received.

Check Application Status: http://grad.usask.ca/admissions/after-youve-applied.php

We cannot review any application until the application fee is paid.  

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9. How do I know if my application fee has been received?

Check Application Status: http://grad.usask.ca/admissions/after-youve-applied.php

It will show up as received in your application checklist once the payment has been processed. If your payment does not show up on your account, you can enquire with Student Central using this form.

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10. How do I check the status of my application?

Check your Application Status through the link below.  The checklist will indicate what documents have been received.

http://grad.usask.ca/admissions/after-youve-applied.php

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11. What does my "application status" mean?

Status: “Complete Ready for Review” means it will be passed to the committee to review.  You will be notified of the decision.

Decision: “Please contact the Admissions Office” means your file has been reviewed.  You will be notified of the decision.

Decision:  “Department Recommend” means the SPH is recommending you for admission.  An electronic admission letter will follow. 

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12. Who do I contact if I am having trouble accessing my application?

Forgotten WEB ID and PIN: grad.studies@usask.ca

Locked Out of account/application: grad.studies@usask.ca

Assistance with NSID and password or accessing PAWS: itsupport@usask.ca; 306-966-2222 or 1-800-966-4817, itsupport.usask.ca

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13. Will you preview my transcript?

No, previews of transcripts for grade conversion are not done.

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14. Should I submit my WES (World Education Services) evaluated credentials?

The University of Saskatchewan does its own assessment either at the unit level or by an International Credential Evaluator assigned to the College.  The WES evaluations would not be accepted.

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15. Is the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) required?

No.

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16. Do I need a supervisor before I can apply?

The MPH Program is course-based and you do not need a supervisor.

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17. How do I provide Proof of Permanent Residency?

If accepted into the program, you would show your proof of permanent residency to Student Central.

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18. Are there scholarships available for the MPH Program?

There are scholarships available to incoming and continuing students in the MPH program.   These are offered through the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.  More information is available here: https://students.usask.ca/money/awards/graduate-awards.php

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19. What is the tuition fees schedule?

Tuition rates are on the Graduate Tuition and Fees website: https://students.usask.ca/money/tuition-fees/graduate-tuition.php)

The MPH Program is a professional course-based degree where students are required to complete a minimum of 45 credit units (cu).

• 8 core – required courses (24 cu)

• Practicum (6 cu)

• 15 credit units of elective courses (15 cu)

Tuition is in Canadian dollars and is assessed based on the number of courses taken each term. Tuition does not include student fees.

For more information on tuition and student fees, please visit: https://students.usask.ca/money/tuition-fees/graduate-tuition.php#Studentfees

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20. Can tuition be paid in installments?

No, tuition cannot be paid in installments.  Tuition fees are due to be paid in full for each term by the dates listed here

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21. How long does it take to complete the degree?

The MPH 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 4 years.

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22. What services are available to International Students?

The International Student and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC) provides valuable information for international students, including Study Permit and Work Permit information.

https://students.usask.ca/international/index.php

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23. What does Conditional mean on my admission letter? 

Conditional means that an official document(s) has yet to be submitted by the student.

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24. Can I defer my entry?

Deferral of admission must be requested and is considered on a case-by-case basis.  The maximum deferral time allowed is 1 academic year.

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 25.  What are the Recommended Technology Requirements at the U of S

Before you begin your classes, please review the following page to ensure that your devices meet or exceed the technology requirements for effectively functioning in the U of S environment.

https://students.usask.ca/study/tech-requirements.php

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The School of Public Health Master of Public Health Program provides practicum opportunities for students to formally integrate their academic studies while working within a local public health unit, provincial and federal governmental agency, or non-governmental organization. This experience forms an essential part of the learning experience for students, giving them direct hands-on experience, in combination with the theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom, to provide a well-rounded 'ready-to-work' education demanded by employers in the public health field.

• SPH Practicum Factsheet
• MPH Practicum FAQs

Please consult the University Catalog entry for Masters of Public Health for the most current list of required core courses.

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 (3-4 years). Applicants interested in this option should state so clearly at the beginning of their Letter of Interest.  The distance program is only available to students residing in North America.

The MPH thesis option is only open to students currently enrolled in the MPH program. An application form is sent out to all first year MPH students in mid-November.

Students interested in pursuing the thesis option should identify a supervisor in the first term of their program to identify an appropriate thesis topic and practicum site. 

The deadline to submit the thesis option application to the School of Public Health is May 1st of each year.

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.

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.  

This single flat fee amount is presented on your fee assessment in 3 credit-unit amounts.  

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

You will find tuition information for the MPH (Course Based) Program in the section entitled "Programs assessed a single flat fee".  You will find information for the MPH (Thesis Based) program in the section entitled "Programs assessed per term".

Please Note: Tuition fees are set at the University level and are subject to change on a yearly basis. The new tuition amounts are generally released in late April/early May, so please refer to the official tuition website regularly.

Check here for information about funding. 

The most current admission requirements for the Masters of Public Health program are found here, on the University Catalogue website