University of Saskatchewan

What you'll study

The Master of Health Sciences is an interdisciplinary degree that combines core research training with specialised coursework in topics related to population health, health systems and health policy. Program pathways commonly include a thesis-based route focused on original research and a course- or project-based route emphasising applied practice and professional skills.

• Core research and methods: research design, biostatistics, quantitative methods, qualitative methods, data management and research ethics.
• Health systems and policy: health policy analysis, health services delivery, health economics and system evaluation.
• Population and public health: epidemiology, social determinants of health, chronic disease prevention, community engagement and program planning.
• Specialised topics: Indigenous and northern health, global health, occupational and environmental health, primary care and mental health, depending on supervisor expertise and elective choices.
• Applied learning: practicum placements or community-based projects are available in some streams, and students often collaborate with health agencies, hospitals or community organisations in Saskatchewan and beyond.

Students work closely with a faculty supervisor, select electives to match their interests, and complete either a supervised thesis or a major applied project accompanied by coursework. Seminars and research forums provide exposure to ongoing faculty and student research across the university's health-related centres and institutes.

Entry requirements

Applicants typically need a four-year undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as nursing, medicine, kinesiology, social sciences, public health, pharmacy or a related field, with a competitive upper‑division average. Specific expectations include:

• A strong honours-equivalent undergraduate degree or demonstrated academic preparation in relevant subjects.
• A statement of research interests or purpose outlining intended area of study and potential supervisor alignment.
• Academic transcripts, a current CV, and letters of academic or professional reference (usually two).
• For thesis-route applicants, evidence of research preparedness is advantageous (e.g. course work in research methods, a research proposal, or prior research experience).
• International applicants must meet the university's English language proficiency requirements and provide credential documentation as required by graduate admissions.

Admission may also depend on the availability of a faculty supervisor for research-stream applicants and on departmental approval of proposed study plans for course-based or project-based routes.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master of Health Sciences pursue a range of careers across research, policy, practice and administration. Typical pathways include:

• Research positions in academic, government and private-sector teams (research assistant, analyst, study coordinator).
• Public health and health promotion roles within regional health authorities, public agencies and community organisations.
• Health policy and planning roles in government departments, non-governmental organisations and think-tanks.
• Clinical leadership and management positions in hospitals, primary care settings and allied health services (for those with clinical backgrounds).
• Progression to doctoral studies (PhD) for careers in academic research and higher education.

Because the programme emphasises both methodological rigour and applied skills, graduates are prepared for roles that require data literacy, program evaluation capability and community-engaged approaches to health challenges.

Why study at University of Saskatchewan

The University of Saskatchewan offers an environment that emphasises interdisciplinary health research and strong community partnerships, including work with regional health authorities and Indigenous communities. Students benefit from access to faculty across the College of Medicine, the School of Public Health and related research units, providing breadth in supervision and project opportunities.

Research-active supervisors, regular seminar series and collaborative projects across campus and with provincial health organisations create practical training pathways and networking opportunities. The university's location in Saskatchewan also provides distinctive opportunities to study rural, northern and Indigenous health issues within real-world contexts.

Overall, the Master's in Health Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan is suited to students seeking a flexible, research-informed programme that bridges academic training and applied work in health research, policy and practice.