The Master of Science (MSc) in Health Sciences encompasses two fields of study: Molecular and Medical Sciences (MMS) and Community Public Population Health (CPPH). We welcome applications for both fields of study in either a course-based or thesis format.
You’ll have the opportunity to choose your focus and start conducting research with a faculty supervisor. An interdisciplinary group of research-intensive faculty supervisors will ensure an outstanding degree experience for you. The MSc in Health Sciences will prepare you for research, policy and direct-service careers in the broader health sector.
Intensive, hands-on research opportunities.
Unique cell-to-society approach to human health and disease.
Strong interdisciplinary and research-intensive faculty.
The program has two fields of study and two options. Each field of study will have unique program requirements.
For thesis students, there is a strong emphasis on lab-based research, working closely with a Health Sciences faculty member and their team. You’ll have the opportunity to choose your focus and start conducting research with a faculty supervisor. This collaborative environment helps students refine their laboratory skills and generate data for their final thesis. Students in this field are encouraged to attend conferences, publish their findings in field-specific, peer-reviewed journals, and participate in scientific outreach within the community.
We have also developed a dynamic and engaging new course-work option, enabling students to achieve an MSc in just one year. This program features a diverse array of courses that immerse students in timely and relevant issues within health sciences. Through this comprehensive curriculum, graduates gain the knowledge and skills to actively contribute to innovative solutions in the field, preparing them for impactful careers in research, industry, and beyond.
The Molecular and Medical Science field explores health through a natural science lens. In this field, you will explore the molecular and cellular pathways related to human health, including the immune system, stem cell and regenerative medicine, and models of disease.
The thesis option is normally completed in 6 consecutive academic terms. Thesis students must complete the following:
Pending Senate Approval
The coursework option is normally completed in 3 academic terms and requires the completion of 4.5 credits. Coursework students must complete the following:
And all of the following:
Students may also select up to 2 courses from the following:
The Community Public Population Health field examines health challenges through health and social sciences theories and methods. Faculty in this field attend to issues of health equity, the social determinants of health, public health practice, health care access, and population health. With a significant focus on vulnerable or marginalized populations, faculty in this field recognize that health problems are complex and require interdisciplinary solutions. As a student, you will be involved in research that attends to real-world health problems and will be encouraged to develop skills in several areas.
The thesis option is normally completed in 6 consecutive academic terms. Thesis students must complete the following:
Pending Senate Approval
The coursework option is normally completed in 3 academic terms and requires the completion of 4.5 credits. Coursework students must complete the following:
And all of the following:
Students may also select up to 2 courses from the following:
"Students who want to link their passion for learning, research, and making community impacts will be mentored and trained to conduct impactful research by leading researchers in diverse and interdisciplinary health fields."
Melody Morton Ninomiya, Associate Professor, Health Sciences and Canada Research Chair (T2) in Community-Driven Knowledge Mobilization and Pathways to Wellness
Take the first step in your graduate education and apply to one of our graduate programs. Follow our three-step admission process — we’ll walk you through how to apply and prepare for your first day as a graduate student.
MSc Health Sciences Application Deadlines
Both the thesis and coursework options are offered in a full-time format. Please see the table below for a list of application deadlines based on program option and entry term.
| Option | Start | Applications Open | Application Deadline | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Applicants | Domestic Applicants | ||||
| Thesis Option | Fall (September) |
March 16 (international applicants) July 31 (domestic applicants) |
March 15 |
March 15 (first consideration) July 30 (final application deadline) |
|
| Winter (January) |
July 16 (international applicants) Nov. 16 (domestic applicants) |
July 15 |
Nov. 15 | ||
| Spring (May) |
Nov. 16 (international applicants) March 16 (domestic applicants) |
Nov. 15 |
March 15 | ||
| Coursework Option |
Fall (September) |
Dec. 9 |
Feb. 28 | Feb. 28 | |
After you have submitted your OUAC application, paid the non-refundable application fee, and Laurier has received your application, you'll receive an email from gradadmissions@wlu.ca advising you to upload the additional required documentation t Laurier’s Online Registration and Information System (LORIS).
An application for admission to our Master of Science (MSc) in Health Sciences program must include:
Visit our Graduate Admissions Toolkit for more information about applying.
Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential to graduate studies at Laurier. Applicants whose language of instruction during their previous postsecondary education was not in English must submit evidence of proficiency in English. If applicable, results from accepted testing services must be uploaded to LORIS.
Questions? Contact Emily Young at hegradadvising@wlu.ca or 548.889.3714.
"Hands-on experiences in internationally-recognized research labs in combination with an integrative seminar series will provide students with both depth and breadth in the field of health sciences."
Diane Gregory, Associate Professor, Kinesiology and Physical Education and Health Sciences
Regardless of the type of graduate degree program you intend to pursue, financial planning is important. At Laurier, we want to provide you with as much information as possible about a variety of scholarship and funding opportunities and equip you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.
The MSc in Health Sciences will open many doors for graduates. The research and practical skills you acquire will position you for further education leading to a professional role as a clinician, but it can equally prepare you to take on challenging roles in a wide range of health-related careers.
ASPIRE is Laurier's professional skills development training program for graduate students. The program helps you craft an individualized, extracurricular learning plan tailored to your professional journey and entry to the workplace.
Learn about the interests and ongoing research of our faculty members. If their research interests you, email the professor directly to set up a meeting. Include information about yourself, your skills, your experience, and why you’re interested in their research. If you are looking for more information about this program, have questions, or want to set up a meeting, contact a member of our team.
Stephanie DeWitte-Orr
Professor, Health Sciences and Biology
Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies, Faculty of Science
Diane Gregory
Associate Professor, Kinesiology and Physical Education and Health Sciences
Nirosha Murugan
Assistant Professor, Health Sciences
Sarah Poynter
Associate Professor, Health Sciences
Nicolas Rouleau
Assistant Professor, Health Sciences
Todd Coleman
Associate Professor, Health Sciences
Rebecca Godderis
Associate Professor, Health Studies
Undergraduate Officer, Health Studies
Renee S. MacPhee
Associate Professor, Health Sciences and Kinesiology and Physical Education
Janet McLaughlin
Associate Professor, Health Studies
Melody Morton Ninomiya
Associate Professor, Health Sciences
Kate Rossiter
Associate Professor
Ketan Shankardass
Associate Professor, Health Sciences
Graduate Coordinator, Health Sciences
Robb Travers
Chair, Health Sciences
Professor, Health Sciences
