205
Graduate Programs
205.30
Health Promotion Studies
205.30 Health Promotion Studies
Centre for Health Promotion Studies
School of Public Health
University of Alberta
3-300 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy
11405-87 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1C9
E-mail: sph.programs@ualberta.ca
205.30.1 General Information
The graduate programs in Health Promotion (course-based and thesis-based) respond to the demand from individuals in the health sector to provide integrated multidisciplinary programs focused on the new knowledge and skills needed to successfully engage in health promotion activities. Strategies for health promotion are comprehensive and include research, teaching, advocacy, community development, social marketing, program development, delivery and evaluation, and policy development and implementation.
Health Promotion activities are widely recognized as essential for improving the health of the public. Such activities are particularly important as the health system moves toward a wellness perspective and individuals and communities are encouraged to take increased responsibility for their health. The types of health promotion workers who would benefit from the graduate programs include health educators, community nurses, dietitians and nutritionists, occupational and physiotherapists, fitness and lifestyle counsellors, dental hygienists, occupational health workers, workers in drug and alcohol prevention, sexuality educators, and smoking cessation counsellors, among others.
Students graduating with the Postgraduate Diploma will acquire the theoretical foundation for health promotion practice.
Students graduating with the MPH in Health Promotion (course-based) degree will acquire the knowledge and skills in health promotion that will allow them to function effectively in a variety of public, private, and not-for-profit agencies in a reformed health system.
Students graduating with the MSc (thesis-based) degree will acquire a strong research orientation that will prepare them for doctoral study, or positions, which involve research and evaluation in health promotion.
The Postgraduate Diploma and MPH in Health Promotion (course-based) programs are available through distributed learning (distance education).
The deadline for all applications is January 31. Applicants who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents who wish to be considered for a Queen Elizabeth II Scholarship must submit the Queen Elizabeth II Scholarship application by January 31.
Entrance Requirements
The Centre's minimum admission requirements 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; and if required (see §203.2.4) 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 department.
Applicants are required to provide
A current curriculum vitae | |||||
Three letters of reference | |||||
At least one year of relevant experience or significant volunteer experience is preferred. | |||||
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Educational Test Scores – the GRE or GMAT is recommended for all applicants with qualifications from outside Canada. The omission of a GRE or GMAT test score will materially weaken the applicant’s chance of being recommended for admission. | |||||
A prerequisite for admission is a recent course in introductory statistics such as STAT 141 or 151. Admission may be granted provisionally pending successful completion of one of these courses, or equivalent. Applicants with prior statistics training may have this prerequisite waived by demonstrating satisfactory knowledge. |
Financial Information
Some graduate courses that are offered directly by the Centre have a higher than normal instructional fee index. Please refer to specific course listings for more details.
A number of graduate research assistantships (GRA) are available. These are awarded on a competitive basis and preference is given to full-time students in the master's program (thesis-based) who have completed sufficient course work for the GRA experience to be mutually beneficial for both students and researchers. Graduate assistantships are awarded in September and January of each academic year. Graduate students are also eligible for general awards, fellowships and bursaries listed at www.gradstudies.ualberta.ca
205.30.2 The Postgraduate Diploma
Program Requirements
Students must complete the following:
Required courses ( | |
Electives: four ( |
Length of Program
Students may undertake the Diploma program on a part-time or full-time basis. The maximum time permitted for completion of the program is four years (part- or full-time) from the date of first registration.
205.30.3 The Degree of MPH in Health Promotion (course-based)
Program Requirements
Students must complete the following:
Required courses (
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Electives: two ( |
Length of Program
Students may undertake the MPH on a part-time or full-time basis. The maximum time permitted for completion of the program is six years (part- or full-time) from the date of first registration.
205.30.4 The Degree of MSc (thesis-based)
Program Requirements
Students must complete the following:
Required courses ( | |
Electives: two ( | |
Thesis: successfully complete and defend a thesis on a research topic in the area defined in consultation with the student's supervisory committee. The scope and quality of the thesis should be appropriate to form the basis for a refereed journal publication. Students are required to present the results of their thesis at a student seminar prior to the defense. |
Length of Program
Students may undertake the MSc on a part-time or full-time basis. The maximum time permitted for completion of the program is four years (part- or full-time) from the date of first registration.
205.30.5 Graduate Courses
Graduate courses can be found in §231, Course Listings, under the subject heading Health Promotion Studies (HPS).
