Future graduate students

Graduate studies at the forefront of health research

In the School of Public Health Sciences, our researchers are working to reduce the global burden of illness through health promotion, disease surveillance and implementation of healthy public policy.

Our research, education and training aims to solve significant local, provincial, national and international challenges in public health and health sciences.

students and professor sitting around a table talking

Professional, course-based graduate programs

These online course-based master's programs offer flexible study options and feature a professional experience component. With world renowned researchers instructing each class, students benefit from learning theory and practice from experts.

Graduate measures child's height outside of a family tent in the desert.

Master of Health Evaluation

  • Coursework-based, online
  • 4 terms | 11/3 years (Full-time)
  • 11 terms | 3 2/3 years (Part-time) 
  • 7 required courses + 2 elective courses
  • 420 hour practicum placement
Student working on laptop.

Master of Health Informatics

  • Coursework-based, online
  • 4 terms | 11/3 years (Full-time)
  • 11 terms | 3 2/3 years (Part-time) 
  • 8 required courses + 2 elective courses
  • 420 hour practicum placement
Hand points to computer monitor showing health statistics.

Master of Public Health

  • Coursework-based, online
  • 2 years (Full-time)
  • 4 years (Part-time) 
  • 9 required courses + 2 elective courses
  • 2 on-campus experiences: foundations course and capstone presentation
  • 12-16 week 420 hour practicum placement in a public health setting

Thesis-based graduate programs 

These graduate degrees provide an interdisciplinary focus, specialized training, advanced research skills and work closely with a faculty member under a research apprenticeship model.

Student works on a table showing health infographic.

MSc in Public Health Sciences

Professor and student examine health informatics research on a computer monitor.

PhD in Public Health Sciences

Resident at retirement community reads on a tablet.

Collaborative PhD in Aging, Health, and Well-being

  • Research-based, on campus
  • 12 terms | 4 years (Full-time from Master's level)
  • 24 terms | 8 years (Full-time from Master's level)
  • Doctoral thesis

Grad life from a grad perspective

Over a period of time during their studies, we asked graduate students to take footage of their lives. These short one-minute videos showcase graduate student life here at Waterloo.

Watch the series →

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Danielle Brandow (MSc Public Health Sciences) investigated the links between contaminant exposure, nutritional status, and food use in First Nation and Metis communities in the Northwest Territories.

When Wilfrid Ntiamoah discovered that Waterloo offered remote courses for its Master of Public Health (MPH) program, he was keen to apply. He credits graduating from the MPH program as a having a direct impact on his current role as director of population health in Qikiqtaaluk, Nunavut.

Your future

Our graduate students go into academic research positions and assume professional and leadership roles in many areas of health

including health promotion, health planning, policy and health information analysis, research management healthcare coordination, epidemiology and program evaluation.

Read our alumni career stories →

Why Waterloo? 

Canada's most innovative university for over a quarter of century, the University of Waterloo is a global leader for hands-on, experiential learning and comprehensive research. Our one-of-a-kind entrepreneurship ecosystem is fueled by our creator-owned intellectual property policy and our full spectrum of support.

Learn more about Waterloo campus and city →

Campus tour

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Faculty of Health tour

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Waterloo city tour

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