University of Saskatchewan

What you'll study

The master's programme combines core public- and population-health theory with applied methods in epidemiology, biostatistics, program evaluation and community-based research. Typical course topics include epidemiologic principles, quantitative and qualitative research methods, health systems and policy, social determinants of health, health promotion and program planning, and Indigenous and rural health. Students tailor their studies through elective modules that may cover areas such as chronic disease epidemiology, infectious disease surveillance, environmental health, maternal and child health, or health economics.

Programme pathways commonly include a thesis-based route focused on an independent research project supervised by faculty, and a course- or project-based route emphasising applied practice, practicums or a major capstone project. Research training emphasises study design, data management and analysis, knowledge translation, and community engagement. Students typically gain hands-on experience through supervised field placements, collaborations with provincial health organisations and community partners, and access to public health datasets for applied analysis.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a four-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as public health, health sciences, nursing, psychology, sociology, statistics, biology or another allied field. A competitive academic record is required; specific grade or GPA expectations vary by intake and stream.

Typical application materials include official transcripts, a statement of research or professional purpose, a current CV, and letters of reference. For the thesis route, prior research experience or coursework in research methods or statistics is strongly recommended. International applicants must meet the university’s English language proficiency requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to careers in provincial and municipal public health agencies, health ministries, health authorities and hospital systems, as well as non-governmental organisations, community health organisations and private-sector health consultancies. Roles commonly held by alumni include public health analyst, epidemiologist or surveillance officer, program planner or evaluator, health promotion specialist, policy analyst, research coordinator and data analyst. The degree also provides a pathway to doctoral study and academic or research careers focused on population health, health equity and community-based interventions.

Why study at University of Saskatchewan

The University of Saskatchewan offers an interdisciplinary environment with faculty expertise in population and community health, epidemiology, Indigenous health and health services research. The programme benefits from close links with provincial health organisations and community partners, enabling applied research, placements and knowledge translation projects that address Saskatchewan’s urban, rural and Indigenous health priorities.

Students have access to research centres and resources that support community-engaged scholarship and patient-oriented research, and they receive mentorship from supervisors active in public health practice and policy. The campus setting in Saskatoon provides opportunities to work on population health issues relevant to northern and prairie contexts while gaining transferable skills in research methods, data analysis and program development.