Frequently asked questions for the Master of Public Health (MPH) program

Can someone tell me if I am eligible for the MPH 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.

What do you mean by public health experience?

For purposes of the MPH admission requirements, we define public health experience as work with a whole community or population of people, and which is preventive in nature. Work within health care or research per se is generally not public health work. Public health research that impacts or has the potential to have an impact on communities or populations may be considered public health experience.

How should I demonstrate my public health experience in my application?

It will be your responsibility to argue how your work experiences are related to public health in your resume, 500-word application essay and the letters from your referees. You should also use the essay to demonstrate your understanding of public health concepts and to show your commitment and passion for working in this field.

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 public health work experience then we may be able to offer a probationary admission.

Can the MPH program be completed entirely online?

No. The Foundations and Capstone course each include 2 weeks of on-campus classes. The Foundations course is completed at the beginning of the program in the middle two weeks of August; the Capstone course is the final course of the program completed in the spring term (the on-campus portion of the capstone course is normally held the middle two weeks of June). The remaining required and elective courses are completed online.

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 and admission requirements on the Master of Public Health program page. 

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.

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

You do not need to find a supervisor. The MPH, MHE and 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.

What kind of work do students find after they graduate the MPH program?

The field of public health is a very broad area and the employment opportunities for our graduates depend largely on their specific interests, their previous academic and public health experiences, and the courses they choose to focus on in our program. The Master of Public Health program will enhance your opportunities in finding relevant employment, by providing you with knowledge, competitive skills and experience.

Graduates of our Master of Public Health program find work in areas of public health both locally, nationally and internationally. This includes opportunities at the municipal, provincial or federal levels of the government, in non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and others. The Centre for Career Development at the University of Waterloo can provide workshops and individual appointments for career exploration and job searching. This service is free to all students enrolled at the University of Waterloo.