The intent of the MSc program in Health Studies and Gerontology is to produce graduates with an interdisciplinary focus, having fundamental knowledge and research capabilities.
Successful completion of a four-year Honours Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with a minimum B average (75%) is required for students applying to the Master's in Health Behaviour. The Bachelor's degree will normally be in biological, health behavioural, or social sciences. For students applying to the Health Studies and Gerontology program, the undergraduate experience including coursework in one or more of the behavioural, biological, developmental, health, or social sciences is advantageous, given the multidisciplinary nature of the program. Students should also have a suitable background in research design and statistics to meet prerequisite standards for all graduate level courses.
Each applicant must submit two letters of reference (preferably from faculty members), and a letter indicating reasons for pursuing graduate studies. In addition, applicants for the MSc degree must submit one copy of a term paper written during the last two years of their undergraduate education.
Proof of competency in English is required (if applicable) including TOEFL score of 550 (213 in the computerized version) and TWE of 4.0 for students taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (See Graduate Studies Calendar, Academic Regulations, English Language Proficiency Certification for other acceptable tests of English.)
Students who do not meet admission requirements for the Master's program, but otherwise show promise for graduate work, may be admitted to a qualifying program. Admission requirements for a qualifying program are listed in this calendar. (See Graduate Studies Calendar, Academic Regulations, Admission Requirements) Successful completion of the qualifying program does not guarantee admission to the graduate program.
Deadline for applications to the Master's program is February 1st.
The minimum requirement will be six one-term (0.5 unit weight) graduate courses and a thesis. Courses normally include the required courses of HSG 601, HSG 606, and HSG 605 series, or approved equivalents. At a minimum, and in accordance with University policy, students must obtain an average of at least a B- (70%) in aggregate on the course presented in fulfillment of the degree requirements. A failing grade in any course will necessitate a review of the candidate's status by the department, and may result in a candidate being required to withdraw from the program. (See Graduate Studies Calendar, Academic Regulations, Grading Scheme)
To graduate from the Biohealth stream, a student is normally required to complete at least one course from topics courses HSG 620 or HSG 720, such as Cancer Prevention and Control, Nutrition and Chronic Disease, Psychopharmacology and Addiction, Risk Assessment and Management, Psychoneuroimmunology, or courses from other departments approved by the Graduate Studies Committee. To graduate from the Health Behaviour stream, a student is normally required to complete at least two courses such as, Evaluation of Health and Human Service Programs(HSG 604), or HSG 620(topics) or HSG 720(topics), such as Cancer Prevention and Control, or courses from other departments approved by the Graduate Studies Committee.
To graduate from the Gerontology stream, a student is normally required to complete two of the following courses: Evaluation of Health and Human Service Programs (HSG 604) ; Program Development and Service Delivery for the Elderly (HSG 610); or courses from HSG 620 (topics) or HSG 720(topics) such as Health Assessment, Health and the Aging Person, or courses from other departments approved by the Graduate Studies Committee.
Additional courses to complete the number of required courses may be taken from those associated with any stream, or otherwise approved by the department.
The Department reserves the right to stipulate additional coursework if it is necessary for the candidate's preparation.
For the Master's thesis, an approved topic is required and will be defended in an oral examination. The MSc thesis committee consists of a minimum of three faculty and includes the student's supervisor, appointed in the student's department, and at least one other member of the Health Studies and Gerontology faculty. One committee member may be from outside the department (whether from within the university or from another university). The composition of the Thesis Advisory Committee must be approved by the department graduate committee.