[MPH Programs in Canada]

Hi there,

Just trying to find others who will be starting SFU's MPH program in the Fall

Cheers

[Simon Fraser U]

Is anyone looking for roommates? I will be starting Simon Fraser in September in their Master of Public Health program. If anyone is interested let me know and I'll send you my information.

[MPH Programs in Canada]

Are you from Toronto?

I am also waiting to hear from U of T but my plans are to move out West especially having done my undergrad at U of T- I need change!

USask is far but I really think it would be more beneficial than an online program especially if you are not yet in the field. I am no expert but I think online programs benefit people who are already working and would like to pursue advanced degrees-- the online program probably provides them with a little bit more flexibility especially in terms of where they are situated.

Let me know if you decided on USask!

HI everyone!

Its really great to hear everyones comments and perspectives on the different schools. Sadly I didnt apply to SFU and UBC. But I did apply to USask and I am accepted there and Waterloo.

My only dilemma is that waterloo is online and I dont think anyone here applied to Waterloo. At the time of applying I thought online was a good option because you can work and start your career early and study at your own pace.

But when I talked to professors and TAs and other people, I get mixed messages about studying online or going the traditional way. I have until monday to accept/decline.

Also, I applied to USask..but the only thing is distance. Ideally I would like to go to UofT for health promotion, but they dont let you know until end of april and chances of getting in are low anyway.

Any thoughts? Or anyone in the same boat?

Thanks!

[MPH Programs in Canada]

I am in the exact same position as you (except for one "tiny" difference)-- I've been accepted at USask and SFU and am leaning towards USask but just waiting on the official acceptance from SFU to see what they will offer. I was actually in Saskatoon in February and spoke with the director and assistant director. They seem to really be pushing for accreditation for the program and so it is constantly undergoing changes--which can be positive (keeps getting "better") or negative (not very consistent). May I ask what you finished your undergrad in?

I have been leaning towards U Sask and when I couldn't make a decision I did a coin toss with one of those Canadian Silver Dollars from eons ago with a best out of 3 ... U Sask won all three times and as silly as this sounds it confirmed my desire to go to U Sask ... There are alot of interesting coures offered such a Public Health Nutrition or a Special Topics Class in Emergency Pepardness and Disaster Response and focus in social epidemiology that appeal to me and what I think I want to do once I am finished. Plus tuition is cheaper at U Sask and there are opportunities for funding as well as to be a Research Assistat or Teaching Assistant in both 1st and 2nd Year which I am very very interested in. Plus it is close to AB so if I get lonely I can drive (granted it is 6-8 hours) home to visit family and friends ... The only thing I am not looking forward too is the cold winters. The only thing that may change my mind at this point is if SFU made an offer I couldn't turn down. Apparently, official letters go out tomorrow ... A lot of the comments on here have raised my opinion of SFU!!!!

[MPH Programs in Canada]

Hi everyone,

So I've been accepted at SFU and UofSask, though as many of you I am still waiting for any official correspondence from SFU.

I was just wondering if anyone knew more (than the website provides) about the UofSask program?

I've visited the campus and other than the cold weather it is actually one of the nicest campuses I have seen (small but all the buildings are made of the same stone and dont remind me of prisons). I also know that a new health sciences building is being built where the School of Public Health will be moved (it is currently in the hospital).

Help!

[Significant others and the application process]

And I thought I was the only one with these problems...

This past year was the first my boyfriend and I have carried on a (VERY)-long distance relationship (he got into Law school in the west while I live in the east--of Canada). Now it was my turn to apply to grad schools and although I applied mostly out west, one school is 6 hours away from him, one is a short but $$ flight away, and the third is actually the school he is at. We have been together for 4+ years and we both agree that our relationship will remain long term. The issue is that I have no idea how to balance my decision-- I really do want to live with him, but what if the programs at the other schools are superior? The problem here is that for the MPH programs I have applied to there is very little information out there in terms of ranking. I cant help but think that if I dont choose his school I will regret my decision, or if I do choose his school I will regret my decision. AH!

Just venting....

[MPH Programs in Canada]

Not sure I have a first choice. Right now I'm leaning towards SFU though if U of S decides to give me any money that could sway my decision. I'm also currently graduating from a Global Health undergrad program and U of A is the only school to which I applied for the Global Health stream...so that might be another thing I look at. Like you, I haven't been able to find a good source of information out there comparing the programs so my decisions are really up in the air. I haven't heard anything about funding but then again for both programs I was accepted by email and have yet to receive any formal packages.

Will you be going to U of A?

Yah I was interviewed. It was super super informal. Basically it's just an opportunity for you to ask them questions about their program and why you want to pursue an MPH at their school.

Looks like you got accepted to a few, so which is your first choice?

Are any of your other already accepted MPH programs giving you funding?

[MPH Programs in Canada]

For U of A were you interviewed prior to being accepted?

I applied to the Global Health stream and was emailed today about choosing an interview time.

I was just wondering what the interview consists of? Though I am sure it is somewhat different between streams.

Great idea for a thread! I've been digging and digging trying to find more info (non-official/site info) about MPH programs in Canada. I applied to UBC, and UofA for the MPH as well, Queens for MPA. Was accepted to UofA Epi stream, and Queens, rejected at UBC unfortunately.

Since the MPH programs in Canada are so new, I've had a really hard time differentiating between Universities though. From what I've been able to learn, as the above posters have said a few Universities in Canada, including UofA are accredited. If you are planning to move out of the country for work, this may be something to consider.

As for program content, UofA, UofT, SFU, and UofS have concentrations (i.e. Epi, Global health, health policy, etc. etc.), some other schools don't (I can only recall UBC right now, but I think another University have general MPH degrees as well). All of the ones I've listed also have practicums, this is becoming fairly common though now.

I am leaning towards the UofA program right now because it seems quite developed. There are only about 5-7 students per stream so you should get fairly individual attention in terms of supervisors eventhough it is a professional program. The one drawback of UofA would that they do not have an established network/database for practicums like other schools. From my understanding, UBC, SFU, and Waterloo for sure have established networks. At UofA I was told I would have to find my own, they would of course support me in this process, but it would be nice to have somewhere to start.

UBC also seems like a strong program. You should be able to graduate about half a semester earlier here. Between UofA and UBC, UBC has 2-3 fewer classes. UBC is alo a bit more generous with the funding though from what I hear. They give student stipends during practicums ($2500), while UofA does not.

Overall, there are pros and cons to all of these programs, I would love to hear what other people think about this!

[Simon Fraser U]

Hi!

I was also accepted into the MPH program...still waiting on a few others and then time to make a decision.

-Dominika