Program Overview:
About the MHE Program and the GDipHE
StFX is pleased to offer a course-based professional Master of Health Equity (MHE) program that will use a population and public health approach to examine and advance health equity through evidence-based practice. The MHE is a 30 credit, online course-based program completed part-time, one course per semester for 2.5 years. The Graduate Diploma in Health Equity (GDipHE) comprises of 15 credits of core MHE courses and can be completed as a standalone credential or can be stacked into the MHE.
The program is open to students with an undergraduate bachelor’s degree (in any field) and who have at a minimum, one year of professional experience in health or community settings, government or non-for-profit sector. Applications from those without the required one-year professional experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Students in the MHE will complete 30-credits consisting of six core courses (18 credits), two electives (6 credits), and two capstone courses (6 credits). The core courses will introduce students to core topics and knowledge in health equity including the historical and theoretical foundations of health equity. Students in the program will develop the capacity to critically assess research evidence through a health equity lens for application in professional practice settings. Other courses will build competencies around healthy public policy, leadership, program planning, implementation, assessment and evaluation.
The program culminates with the completion of a capstone project that applies health equity principles in a real-world, professional practice setting. Students will work with a community agency or within their own workplace to complete a project such as a health equity (HE) impact assessment, HE audit, application of a HE framework, HE policy review, HE status report or another project as appropriate.
The program is delivered entirely online, making it an accessible option especially for early to mid-career professionals nationally and internationally.
Why Pursue a Master of Health Equity (MHE) or Graduate Diploma in Health Equity (GDipHE) at StFX?
The MHE and the GDipHE will provide opportunities for students to develop knowledge, tools, and professional capacity to work alongside and within communities to identify and redress barriers to health that are embedded in systems, communities, and cultures. The programs reflect current StFX expertise in the field of health and health equity, cooperation with the National Collaborating Centre for the Determinants of Health (hosted at StFX), thematic alignment with StFX’s Victor and Mona Dahdaleh Institute for Innovation in Health, and support national and provincial imperatives to address systemic barriers to health equity. The program will equip graduates with assessment, planning and analytical tools to be informed, effective leaders and co-collaborators in a range of health, social, and community settings.
Program Details
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements to the MHE and GDipHE programs include:
- completion of a previous bachelor’s degree (any field)
- an overall average of 70 (B) or higher in the bachelor’s degree
- a minimum of 1-year professional experience in health or community settings, government or non-for-profit sector. Applications from those without the required one-year professional experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The committee will consider a combination of a shorter period of professional experience, relevant lived experience, volunteer experience, specific undergraduate courses/research experience, etc.
- proof of English language proficiency when applicable
Application Information
The following documents will be required within the application:
- Statement of Intent. This statement should be 250 words outlining your qualifications and interest in the MHE/GDipHE program and reasons for applying to StFX specifically.
- Official transcripts. Submit an official transcript from each post-secondary institution attended. These should be submitted directly from the issuing institution to the Admissions Office by mail or an official school email. Any transcript submitted directly by the student must be received in a sealed envelope from the issuing institution. Graduates of StFX do not need to provide a copy of their transcript from StFX. Transcripts in a language other than English should be provided in their original language, along with a certified translation into English.
- Resume/CV. Submit an up to date resume/CV highlighting your educational background and professional experience to date.
- Reference Letters. Please provide the names and contact information for two referees in your application. Referees will be emailed a link for submission of their reference letters.
- Professional Experience Statement. Please submit a 250-word statement outlining your professional experience in health or community settings, government or non-for-profit sector.
- English proficiency test results. Please submit proof of English language proficiency if required. Test results must be two years old or less, at the time of application to be valid. Acceptable tests include:
- IELTS - minimum score of 6.5 with no band below 6. One Skill Retake accepted.
- MET – minimum score of 55
- TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition – minimum score of 90 with no band score below 20. MyBest Scores accepted.
- CAEL and CAEL online – minimum overall score of 70 with no band score below 60
- C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency – minimum overall score of 180 with no band score below 170
- Duolingo – minimum overall score of 125 with no integrated subscore lower than 105
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) – minimum overall score of 60 with no score below 50
- Oxford ELLT Digital or Oxford ELLT Global – Minimum 7 overall and no lower than 6 in each band
Questions on the MHE and GDipHE can be directed to the following email: @email.
