FAQs
We know you'll have a lot of questions while you're preparing your application for admission. We've tried to answer some of the most frequently asked questions here.
Admission for Fall 2023
MPH programs
Application Period
- Fall 2025 admission (course-based): October 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
- Applications and all supporting documents including reference letters by: December 31, 2024 to be considered for admission
MSc and PhD programs
Application Period
- Fall 2025 admission (thesis-based): October 1, 2024 - January 31, 2025
- Applications and all supporting documents including reference letters by: January 31, 2025, to be considered for admission
Admission to our graduate programs is highly competitive and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. The mean grade point average (GPA) of all applicants accepted to the MPH, MSc and PhD programs in Fall 2020 was 3.7.
GPA is not the only criterion for admission. Applicants are evaluated based on a number of criteria, including academic performance (GPA and academic awards), quality of the statement of intent, reference letters and professional experience. A clear and relevant statement of intent and substantial relevant experience in the field of public health will strengthen your chances of admission, particularly to the MPH program. Experience can include professional work, volunteer work or educational history.
Admission to thesis based degrees (MSc and PhD) will depend on establishing a match with a supervisor.
Graduate programs are interdisciplinary in nature. We encourage applicants with prior degrees in social and physical sciences, as well as interdisciplinary degrees. We also have had students with backgrounds in a variety of health sciences.
All new students are expected to participate in SPH 101, an online pre-orientation session through eClass, and are expected to attend the on-campus orientation.
The tuition charges depend on whether you are a course-based (MPH) or thesis-based (MSc and PhD) student. As a course-based student, fees are based on the number of credit courses you take per term and whether you are a Canadian resident or international student. As a thesis-based student, fees are based on whether you are a full-time or part-time and whether you are a Canadian resident or international student. A good place to start calculating what your education might cost is Tuition and Fees.
There are many options to explore, and detailed information is available on scholarships administered through Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, School of Public Health and the University of Alberta administered awards. To be eligible to apply to these awards, you must be an admitted student into the program.
There are several ways to learn about employment opportunities in public health. In a recent survey, we asked our graduates what they're their careers in public health.
Students in the master of public health (MPH) programs are appointed an academic advisor, depending on specialization. Those in the master of science (MSc) and doctor of philosophy (PhD) programs are supervised by their thesis supervisors.