St. Francis Xavier University is offering new graduate-level opportunities for professionals seeking to develop the knowledge and skills needed to advance health equity in communities and organizations across Canada and internationally.
The university’s new Master of Health Equity (MHE) and Graduate Diploma in Health Equity (GDipHE) are fully online, course-based professional programs designed for early- to mid-career professionals working in health, community, government, and non-profit settings.
The programs take a population and public health approach to examining health equity and are grounded in evidence-based practice. Students will explore the historical and theoretical foundations of health equity while developing practical skills in areas including healthy public policy, leadership, program planning, implementation, assessment, and evaluation.
“Health equity requires people who have the knowledge, tools and capacity to understand how systems, communities and policies affect health outcomes,” said Dr. Arlinda Ruco, StFX Associate Professor in Health and Graduate Coordinator of the MHE and GDipHE.
“These programs will provide professionals with an opportunity to deepen their expertise while applying what they learn directly to their workplaces and communities.”
The 30-credit Master of Health Equity is completed part-time over approximately 2.5 years, with students taking one course per semester. The 15-credit Graduate Diploma in Health Equity can be completed as a standalone credential or applied toward the MHE.
A defining feature of the MHE is its capstone project, which allows students to apply health equity principles in a real-world professional setting. Working with a community agency or within their own workplace, students may undertake projects such as a health equity impact assessment, health equity audit, policy review, status report or application of a health equity framework.
“The applied nature of the program is particularly important,” notes Dr. Erin Morton, Associate Vice President of Research and Graduate & Professional Studies. “Students will have the opportunity to connect evidence and theory with the challenges and opportunities they encounter in their own professional and community settings.”
The programs build on StFX’s expertise in health and health equity, including the university’s relationship with the National Collaborating Centre for Determinants of Health, hosted at StFX, and thematic connections with the Victor and Mona Dahdaleh Institute for Innovation in Health.
The National Collaborating Centre for Determinants of Health contributes to knowledge exchange and capacity building related to the social and structural determinants of health and the Victor and Mona Dahdaleh Institute for Innovation in Health brings together research and innovation focused on improving health and well-being.
“Improving health and well-being requires new ways of thinking and working together across disciplines, sectors and communities,” said Dr. Kara Thompson, Director of the Victor and Mona Dahdaleh Institute for Innovation in Health. “The new Master of Health Equity program reflects this vision by building capacity among professionals to address health inequities and translate knowledge into meaningful action in the communities and systems where they work.”
The programs are open to applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree in any field and who normally have at least one year of professional experience in health or community settings, government or the non-profit sector. The program will also have dedicated funding for student support, including designated seats for Mi’kmaw and African Nova Scotian students.
The online delivery provides flexibility for professionals who want to pursue graduate education while continuing to work. Graduates of the programs will be equipped with assessment, planning and analytical tools to support their work as leaders and collaborators in health, social and community settings.
For more information about the Master of Health Equity and Graduate Diploma in Health Equity, including admission requirements and how to apply, www.stfx.ca/mhe or email @email.
