At a glance
84 mo
Duration
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IELTS
€15k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Master's degreeCredential
- 33 creditsTotal Credits
- Fully OnlineDelivery Mode
- 3 intakes per yearStart Dates
- 7 yearsMaximum Completion Time
- Course-based or Thesis-based routesFlexible Study Options
Athabasca University's Master of Health Studies (MHS) is a fully online graduate program designed for health professionals aiming for leadership roles within the health system. This program equips you with the skills to identify and respond to emerging trends in healthcare, providing leadership in planning, implementation, evaluation, change management, and policy development. You will also learn to develop successful research and project proposals. The MHS program can be tailored to your interests, with options for a teaching or leadership focus. The rapid evolution of health services necessitates leaders who are well-prepared to address new challenges. The MHS program is specifically designed to meet this demand, preparing you to confidently navigate and lead in a dynamic healthcare environment.
Curriculum
The Master of Health Studies program begins with core courses that establish foundational knowledge in health disciplines and inquiry methods. As you progress, you will have the flexibility to select from various curriculum courses, enabling you to customize your education to align with your professional interests, from leadership in health to policy analysis. You must complete at least 18 of the 33 credits through Athabasca University.
- Core and Elective Courses
- Critical Foundations in Health DisciplinesMHST 601
- Facilitating InquiryMHST 603
- Leadership Roles in HealthMHST 604
- Trends and IssuesMHST 609
- Dissemination StrategiesMHST 611
Careers
Graduates of the Master of Health Studies program are well-prepared for leadership positions across various healthcare sectors, including hospitals, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Your advanced skills in planning, implementation, and policy development will open doors to a range of professional opportunities.
- Healthcare Administrator
- Health Policy Analyst
- Clinical Manager
- Public Health Advisor
- Health Services Manager
- Health Educator
- Research Coordinator
- Community Health Organizer
- Health Promotion Specialist
- Health Care Consultant
Frequently asked questions
- What are the admission requirements for the Master of Health Studies program?
- You need a 4-year health-related baccalaureate degree with a minimum GPA, or a 4-year non-health-related credential along with relevant healthcare experience.
- How much does the Master of Health Studies program cost for international students?
- The estimated total tuition for international students is $23,617 CAD, which includes course fees and association fees. A $197 CAD non-refundable application fee and a $260 CAD non-refundable admission fee are also required.
- How long does the Master of Health Studies program take to complete?
- The program requires 33 credits and can be completed in a maximum of 7 years. It is delivered fully online with three intakes per year.
- What are the application deadlines for the Master of Health Studies program?
- For a September intake, apply by March 1; for a January intake, apply by July 1; and for a May intake, apply by November 1.
- What career opportunities are available after completing the Master of Health Studies?
- Graduates are prepared for leadership roles such as Healthcare Administrator, Health Policy Analyst, Clinical Manager, and Health Services Manager in various healthcare sectors.
Entry requirements
Baccalaureate DegreeA 4-year health-related baccalaureate degree with a minimum grade point average (GPA), OR a 4-year non-health-related credential with relevant experience in the healthcare field.
Further details on specific admission requirements can be found on the university calendar.
Fees
Tuition (international)The estimated total tuition cost for international students completing all 11 three-credit courses through Athabasca University is $23,617 CAD (CAD $2,147 per course x 11 courses). This includes Course Administration & Technology Fee ($59), Course Materials Fee ($37), and Athabasca University Graduate Students Association (AUGSA) Fees ($14 per credit).
Tuition (home)The estimated total tuition cost for Canadian students completing all 11 three-credit courses through Athabasca University is $20,922 CAD (CAD $1,902 per course x 11 courses). This includes Course Administration & Technology Fee ($59), Course Materials Fee ($37), and Athabasca University Graduate Students Association (AUGSA) Fees ($14 per credit).
Living—
All fees are in Canadian dollars (CAD) and are subject to change, effective September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026. A non-refundable program application fee of $197 CAD is required each time you apply to a program. A non-refundable program admission fee of $260 CAD is payable upon acceptance. These application and admission fees are not included in the estimated total tuition cost. Other potential fees include Transfer Credit Evaluation Fee ($348/course), Course Extension Fee ($334/month), Thesis Course Extension Fee ($608/term), Continuation Fee ($1,860), Letter of Permission Fee ($100), Western Deans' Agreement Administration Fee ($250/course for non-AU visiting students), Comprehensive Examination Fee (repeats) ($334), and a Course Withdrawal Processing Fee ($453). There may also be special course-related fees such as NURS 518 Laboratory Fee ($1,138).
How to apply
1. Review Admission RequirementsCarefully check the specific academic and any English language proficiency requirements for the Master of Health Studies program. This includes holding a 4-year health-related baccalaureate degree with a minimum GPA or a non-health-related credential with relevant healthcare experience.
2. Choose Your Intake and Apply OnlineSelect your preferred start date (September, January, or May) and note the corresponding application deadline (March 1, July 1, or November 1). Complete the online program application form.
3. Pay Application and Admission FeesSubmit the non-refundable Program Application Fee ($197 CAD) when you apply. If accepted, you will pay a non-refundable Program Admission Fee ($260 CAD).
4. Await Admission DecisionThe university will review your application and supporting documents. You will be notified of your admission status.
5. Register for CoursesUpon acceptance, you can register for your courses according to the program regulations. Remember to apply for financial assistance a minimum of 3 months before course registration deadlines if needed.
Frequently asked questions
What are the admission requirements for the Master of Health Studies program?
+
You need a 4-year health-related baccalaureate degree with a minimum GPA, or a 4-year non-health-related credential along with relevant healthcare experience.
How much does the Master of Health Studies program cost for international students?
+
The estimated total tuition for international students is $23,617 CAD, which includes course fees and association fees. A $197 CAD non-refundable application fee and a $260 CAD non-refundable admission fee are also required.
How long does the Master of Health Studies program take to complete?
+
The program requires 33 credits and can be completed in a maximum of 7 years. It is delivered fully online with three intakes per year.
What are the application deadlines for the Master of Health Studies program?
+
For a September intake, apply by March 1; for a January intake, apply by July 1; and for a May intake, apply by November 1.
What career opportunities are available after completing the Master of Health Studies?
+
Graduates are prepared for leadership roles such as Healthcare Administrator, Health Policy Analyst, Clinical Manager, and Health Services Manager in various healthcare sectors.