Frequently asked questions for the Master of Health Informatics (MHI) program

Can someone tell me if I am eligible for the MHI program before I submit my application?

We do not read your application materials before you submit them, and cannot confirm if you will be eligible for acceptance. You need to apply online for your application to be formally assessed.

Can I be accepted into the program with a 3-year general degree?

The admission requirements for the program state that applicants must have a 4-year Honours degree, with a minimum average of 75% to apply. The 4-year requirement is set by the University of Waterloo for all graduate programs. If you have completed your undergraduate studies over 10 years ago, and have extensive public health experience, we might be able to petition to accept you on a probationary, non-standard admission. This is done on a case-by-case basis and there is no guarantee of acceptance. You will need to formally apply with a full application before we can decide your eligibility into the program.

My overall average is below 75%, can I be accepted into the program?

When calculating GPAs, we first calculate the overall average. If the overall degree average does not meet the 75% requirement, then we will calculate the last two year average. If the last two years of study meet the 75% requirement, then this admission requirement is fulfilled. If your final two years do not meet the 75% requirement, but your final year of study is 78% or above and you have 3 years of relevant work experience then we may be able to offer a probationary admission.

I completed my post-secondary education many years ago; do I still need to provide an academic reference?

Applicants who have completed their post-secondary education 5 or more years ago do not need to provide an academic reference; you may provide two professional references instead.  You need to ensure that one of those referees is able to comment on your academic ability, readiness for graduate studies, and comment on any workshops/extra courses/training/etc. you have completed. It is your responsibility to ensure that they know this is required of them. Applicants who have completed their education less than 5 years ago should provide an academic reference.

Do I need to submit GRE scores as part of the admission requirements?

We do not require GRE scores for admission into the MPH, MHE or MHI programs.

How much is tuition?

You can find tuition information on the University of Waterloo Finance website. Be sure to look at the most recent term under Online Professional Graduate Programs for either Canadian Citizen/Permanent Resident or International student.

May I complete an international practicum?

Yes.  However, the same requirements must be met as for practicums completed in Canada.

Is the practicum paid?

The practicum details are negotiated between the student and their practicum host. Some practicum hosts pay the student a stipend. Students who do not receive a stipend from their practicum are eligible to apply for a monetary Practicum Award from the School.

Do I need to find a supervisor before I apply to the program?

You do not need to find a supervisor. The MPH, MHE, MHI programs do not have a thesis or research component, and students are not assigned supervisors. However, when students start the program they are assigned an academic advisor.

Is the program offered fully online, or are there any on-campus components?

The MHI program is designed to be completed entirely online. However, some courses are offered in a blended format where students have the option of coming to campus for small group seminars with the instructor or completing the course entirely online. Most of our students choose to complete the courses online.

What software requirements will there be for the MHI?

Any modern, powerful laptop will do. We have no special software requirements for what students must buy. Integrated camera and microphone would be good to aid in using Adobe Connect. Students will need a full suite of productivity software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, or equivalents.)

What kind of jobs can I get with a MHI?

Health Informatics is a multidisciplinary profession.  There are many career paths in HeaIth Information, depending on your professional background and personal interests. 

The graduates from our MHI program have found employment at Canadian Institution for Health Information, eHealth Ontario (portfolio manager, analyst), healthcare providers such as hospitals and CCAC (clinical analyst, decision support consultant, EMR application specialist), eHealth vendors (application specialist, analyst, HIT solution developer or product manager). 

Can I be admitted directly from an undergraduate program?

For the MHI program, experience is considered an asset however is not required. Each year we accept a small percentage of students directly from an undergraduate program. Be sure you have taken an undergraduate course in statistics, mathematics, or computer sciences that serves as evidence of training in logical thinking processes and use your statement of interest to explain your goals, aspirations, and potential for future leadership in the field.