MSc Program (FAQs)

Go to main MSc page on our parent site (Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary)

Description

Students admitted to the MSc program typically have completed a 4-year undergraduate degree. Many also have work experience in health related fields and/or health research.

The maximum length of time in the program is 4 years; however, the majority complete their degree in 2.5 years.

Graduates from the MSc program are expected to have developed the competencies to work in a research team. Preparation includes participation in course work, seminars, journal clubs as well as working on a research project.

The final step in the MSc program is to develop a research proposal that is approved by the Conjoint Ethics Board and complete, write-up and defend the thesis.

If you choose to apply to the general CHS MSc your course requirements are http://www.ucalgary.ca/communityhealthsciences/current/msc/requirements

If you want to do the MSc under CRDS the required courses can be found at http://www.ucalgary.ca/communityhealthsciences/files/communityhealthsciences/CRDS Competencies - Revised November 26 2009_0.pdf

MSc Application Procedures

Application Deadline - January 15 for admission the following September. (This includes all supporting documentation for your application.)

1. Submit an online application to the Department of Community Health Sciences (CHS). Select the following:
   Degree: Master of Science (MSc)
   Program: Community Health Sciences
   (enter specialization area from within the application)
   Note: Master of Community Medicine program is only open to physicians registered in the Community Medicine Residency Training Program
2. Submit a non-refundable Application Fee of $100.00 CDN ($130.00 CDN for international students).
3. Obtain a letter from a CHS faculty member to indicate an interest in supervising your studies in CHS. (This support letter can be emailed directly to the Graduate Administrator by the faculty member.)
4. Submit supporting documentation together in one package to the Graduate Program Administrator in the Department of Community Health Sciences:
   • curriculum vitae or resume that includes publications, presentations and funding
   • official transcripts (and degree certificates if the transcript does not mention the granting of the degree) from all post secondary institutions attended, regardless of the number of courses taken or the amount of time spent there.
     *"official" = submitted in an unopened, original envelope sealed by the academic institution.
     *for non-English official transcripts, a certified English translation must also be provided.
   • two letters of reference on Faculty of Medicine reference forms
     *submit reference letters in their original sealed unopened envelopes, with the signature of the referee across the seal
   • "application fee if not submitted online with the application

Application Review Criteria and Suggestions provide tips for improving your application.

Please go here for further information http://www.ucalgary.ca/communityhealthsciences/node/175

Admission Requirements for the MSc and PhD

For all thesis-based programs, the minimum grade-point average (GPA) is 3.2 on a 4-point system; approximately equivalent to a B+ on courses in the last two years of undergraduate study.
MSc

• Baccalaureate degree or equivalent from a recognized institution
• Successful applicants typically have a GPA greater than 3.4

PhD

• MSc or equivalent from a recognized institution
• Successful applicants typically have a GPA greater than 3.6

For foreign transcripts, grade conversions and minimum GPA's are found at International Requirements for Admission

http://www.ucalgary.ca/communityhealthsciences/prospective/admission/min

Interdisciplinary Degrees

A student wishing to pursue a thesis-based degree in an area not sufficiently represented by one graduate program may be admitted both to a home program and a conjoint program in an interdisciplinary specialization. CRDS does have this arrangement for students interested in an interdisciplinary thesis-based degree. Please go to: http://ucalgary.ca/igp/ for further details.

How do classes take place for the MDSC, MSc and PhD within the CRDS program?

Required courses for the MDSC, MSc and PhD are delivered in a work-study model. Students come to Calgary, Alberta (FCJ Conference Centre) for five intensive sessions.

In year one, students are expected to attend a 5 -7 day institute in January, April and September.

In year two, students are expected to attend sessions in January and April. Elective courses are taken at the discretion of the student and are based on course availability.

Students missing a required course during one of the sessions will have to register for it in the following year; this may cause the student's program to go beyond the time normally expected.
http://www.ucalgary.ca/communityhealthsciences/node/219
For example, the following courses are delivered during these intensive sessions.
January
CORE 630 Foundations & Futures of Disability and Community Studies
CORE 631 Politics of Inclusion & Exclusion: A study of law, policy, and ethics
April
CORE 632 Leadership & Innovation
September
CORE 676 Consultations in Human Services & Systems
CORE 633 Social Construction: Health Capacity & Disability

How do I register for classes once I am accepted into the program?

Registration for courses is done on-line through the my.ucalgary.ca website.

What does TBA mean on the course timetable?

TBA = to be announced. This is used for our courses delivered during the intensive session and on-line courses.