Questions? Read through for helpful information about admissions, the practicum and more.Â
Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us at professional.grad.admissions@uwaterloo.ca
- Can someone tell me if I am eligible for the MHIAÂ program before I submit my application?
- Can I be accepted into the program with a 3-year general degree?
- My overall average is below 75%, can I be accepted into the program?
- I completed my post-secondary education many years ago; do I still need to provide an academic reference?
- Do I need to submit GRE scores as part of the admission requirements?
- How much is tuition?
- May I complete an international practicum?
- Is the practicum paid?
- Do I need to find a supervisor before I apply to the program?
- Is the program offered fully online, or are there any on-campus components?
- What software requirements will there be for the MHIA?
- What kind of jobs can I get with a MHIA?
- Can I be admitted directly from an undergraduate program?
Can someone tell me if I am eligible for the MHIA program before I submit my application?
We do not review application materials in advance and cannot confirm your eligibility before you apply. Your application must be submitted through the online system to be formally assessed.
Can I be accepted into the program with a 3-year general degree?
The admission requirements for the program state that applicants must have a 4-year Honours degree with a minimum average of 75% to apply. The 4-year requirement is set by the University of À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ for all graduate programs.
If you completed your undergraduate studies more than 10 years ago and have extensive public health experience, we may be able to petition for a non-standard, probationary admission. This is considered on a case-by-case basis and is not guaranteed.
You must submit a full application before we can assess your eligibility for the program.
My overall average is below 75%, can I be accepted into the program?
When calculating GPAs, we first calculate the overall average. If the overall degree average does not meet the 75% requirement, then we will calculate the last two year average. If the last two years of study meet the 75% requirement, then this admission requirement is fulfilled. If your final two years do not meet the 75% requirement, but your final year of study is 78% or above and you have 3 years of relevant work experience then we may be able to offer a probationary admission.
I completed my post-secondary education many years ago; do I still need to provide an academic reference?
Applicants who completed their post-secondary education five or more years ago are not required to provide an academic reference and may instead submit two professional references. However, at least one referee must be able to speak to your academic ability, readiness for graduate studies, and comment on any workshops, additional courses, or training you have completed. It is your responsibility to ensure your referees understand this requirement.
Applicants who completed their education less than five years ago should include at least one academic reference.
Do I need to submit GRE scores as part of the admission requirements?
We do not require GRE scores for admission into the MPH, MHE or MHIA programs.
You can find tuition information on the University of À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ Finance website. Be sure to look at the most recent term under Online Professional Graduate Programs for either Canadian Citizen/Permanent Resident or International student.
May I complete an international practicum?
Yes. However, the same requirements must be met as for practicums completed in Canada.
The practicum details are negotiated between the student and their practicum host. Some practicum hosts pay the student a stipend. Students who do not receive a stipend from their practicum are eligible to apply for a monetary Practicum Award from the School.
Do I need to find a supervisor before I apply to the program?
You do not need to find a supervisor. The MPH, MHE, MHIA programs do not have a thesis or research component, and students are not assigned supervisors.Â
Is the program offered fully online, or are there any on-campus components?
The MHIA program is designed to be completed entirely online. However, some courses are offered in a blended format where students have the option of coming to campus for small group seminars with the instructor or completing the course entirely online. Most of our students choose to complete the courses online.
What software requirements will there be for the MHIA?
Any modern, powerful laptop will do. We have no special software requirements for what students must buy. Integrated camera and microphone would be good to aid in using Adobe Connect. Students will need a full suite of productivity software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, or equivalents.)
What kind of jobs can I get with a MHIA?
With a Master of Health Informatics and Analytics (MHIA), you can pursue a wide range of roles that bridge healthcare, data, and technology, depending on your professional background and personal interests
The graduates from our MHI program have found employment at Canadian Institution for Health Information, eHealth Ontario (portfolio manager, analyst), healthcare providers such as hospitals and CCAC (clinical analyst, decision support consultant, EMR application specialist), eHealth vendors (application specialist, analyst, HIT solution developer or product manager).Â
Can I be admitted directly from an undergraduate program?
For the MHIA program, experience is considered an asset however is not required. Each year we accept a small percentage of students directly from an undergraduate program. Be sure you have taken an undergraduate course in statistics, mathematics, or computer sciences that serves as evidence of training in logical thinking processes and use your statement of interest to explain your goals, aspirations, and potential for future leadership in the field.