Master of Science in Public Health Sciences - Water

Our world and nation have big public health and health system challenges. Rising health care costs are unsustainable. Millions become ill or die before they should. The burden of illness and the benefits of health are not shared equitably. Population aging and growth, global economic conditions, environmental degradation, climate change, and human conflict increase the urgency for taking action. It emphasizes the health of populations by altering social, economic, behavioural, political, biological, and environmental determinants of health. Systems approaches consider the dynamic interrelationships of these factors over time. System thinkers recognize that the world is constantly changing, and so should the policies, practices, structures, processes and tools we use to improve health and health care. An important dimension of our School is its focus on enhancing health care through reform, integration, effectiveness and efficiency. Rather than focus on improving single procedures or service providers, we take a whole system view. Our research and education is geared towards better understanding how services should fit together into a coherent, effective system.

Global water issues are becoming increasingly complex and often require a collaborative approach across the breadth of disciplines. The MSc Public Health and Health Systems offers a water specialization. Facilitated by the University of Waterloo's Water Institute, this collaborative approach provides access to more than 140 faculty members involved in water research across Waterloo's campus. The program allows you to develop specialist expertise in public health and health systems, while matching the knowledge and skills required to communicate across disciplines and within interdisciplinary teams in the water sector.

Successful completion of a four-year Honours Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with a minimum 75% average. The Bachelor's degree will normally be in the biological sciences, behavioural health, health, public health, or social sciences.
A letter indicating reasons for pursuing graduate studies.
For students applying to the School of Public Health Sciences (SPHS), the undergraduate experience including coursework in one or more of the behavioural, biological, developmental, health, or social sciences is advantageous, given the multidisciplinary nature of the program. Students should also have a suitable background in research design and statistics to meet prerequisite standards for all graduate level courses.
Supervisors

Review the finding a supervisor resources

Resume
Supplementary information form (SIF)
The SIF contains questions specific to your program, typically about why you want to enrol and your experience in that field. Review the application documents web page for more information about this requirement
If a statement or letter is required by your program, review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion
Transcript(s)
Writing sample
Students must submit one copy of a term paper written during the last two years of their undergraduate education
References
Two references are required, preferably from faculty members
If applicants have been out of school for an extended period of time (>5 years) and are unable to supply an academic reference they may submit two professional references. Please ensure that one professional referee is able to comment on the applicants academic ability and potential
Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
TOEFL 100 (writing 26, speaking 26), IELTS 7.5 (writing 7.0, speaking 7.0)

The School of Public Health Sciences does not consider international applications whose English language proficiency scores fall below the minimum requirements