Public Health [Graduate]

Entrance Requirements

The School’s minimum GPA requirements for the Master’s degrees (MPH and MSc) are those set out as minimum acceptable standards by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. These include a baccalaureate degree or its academic equivalent in a relevant field from an academic institution recognized by the University of Alberta, with a grade point average of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale over the last ★60; at least one year of relevant experience is required for the MPH degree; and preference will be given for those applicants that have some relevant experience for the MSc degree.

The School’s minimum GPA requirements for the Doctoral degree (PhD) are higher than those set out as acceptable standards by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. These include a master’s (thesis- or course-based) degree, or its academic equivalent in a relevant field from an academic institution recognized by the University of Alberta, with a grade point average of at least 3.4 on the 4 point scale over the last ★60; preference will be given to applicants who have demonstrated high-level research aptitude and competence in the application of their discipline to research. The evidence for aptitude and competence includes previous engagement with in-depth public health research/practice, research scholarships or fellowships, and/or a research publication track record.

If required (see English Language Requirement ), a minimum overall score on an approved English language examination as described below: PTE Academic score of 59; a minimum acceptable TOEFL score of 580 (paper-based) or a total score of 92 with a score of at least 20 on each of the individual skill areas (Internet-based); or a minimum overall band score of 7.0, with at least 6 on each test band on the IELTS. Applicants should arrange for their English language test results to be sent directly to the School.

Applicants are also required to provide

1. A current curriculum vitae
2. Three letters of reference
3. At least one year of relevant experience or significant volunteer experience is preferred.
4. a. Course-based applicants – A letter of not more than 800 words that outlines a synthesis of the applicant’s background (scholastic/academic training and work/research experience), motivation for applying to this degree and career goals.
   b. Thesis-based applicants – A letter of not more than 800 words that outlines the anticipated research topic(s) or areas of thesis research. The applicant should also identify appropriate faculty members from the School of Public Health as a potential supervisor.

Financial Assistance

All students admitted to the School of Public Health must establish their own funding prior to their admission.

Graduate students can finance their studies at the University of Alberta in several ways. Some financial programs are administered by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, and others are administered by other campus offices or outside organizations.

Students in public health are eligible to compete for the general graduate awards listed at www.gradstudies.ualberta.ca.

Students are urged to seek awards from other agencies, such as SSHRC, NSERC, CIHR, AHFMR, etc.

Support may be available to some students from research grants held by individual staff members. The amount of support will vary with the nature of the research grant and the regulations of the granting agency.