Population and Public Health Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you for your interest in the Master of Public Health – Population and Public Health (MPH-PPH) program. For full details on the program, including application procedures, course requirements, and fees, please visit the following resources:


General Information
Tuition and Funding
Application Process
Undergraduate Degree Requirements
Undergraduate Statistics Requirement
References
English Proficiency Requirements
Acceptance Information
Other Inquiries

General Information

What is the program start date?
New students are admitted in the Fall term each year. The exact start date for each academic year is listed in the University Diary.

How long does it take to complete the program?
The MPH-PPH program can be completed in three semesters (one year) for full-time students. This includes five courses and a seminar course in the first two semesters, followed by a practicum in the final semester.

Part-time students may take 4–5 years to complete the program, depending on the number of courses taken each year and the availability of specific courses.

Can I complete the program entirely online?
Many of the courses in the Master of Public Health have online offerings. However, some courses may not have an online offering every year. As such, we do not recommend that students planning on taking the program on a full-time basis attempt to do the program online. Part-time students would be able to complete the program at a distance. However, it could take longer to complete than a part-time student living in the province.

Are all classes in-person for full-time students?

Full-time students may be required to take a course only offered online as not all courses have in-person offerings. Courses may be delivered asynchronously (i.e., no associated class time) or remotely (i.e., classes are online, but you must show up on a specific day and time).

Do I need to identify a supervisor when applying?
As a course-based program, you do not need to identify a supervisor.

How many applications do you receive, and how many students are accepted?
The program typically receives 400-500 applications annually and admits 25 students, including 2-3 international students.

Tuition and Funding

Are there scholarships or awards available?
The MPH-PPH program does not offer entrance scholarships. However, general scholarships and funding opportunities for graduate students in Medicine can be found on the Research and Graduate Studies website.

What are the tuition and fees for the program?
Tuition fees are outlined on the Minimum Expense Form. In addition to standard fees, a special fee of $1,460 is required for the program, split over the first two semesters ($730 per semester).

Application Process

When can I start submitting my application?
Applications open in the Fall each year. Please monitor the official MUN site for specific dates.

What is the application deadline?
The deadline for applications is January 15th for Fall admission (i.e. January 15th, 2024 for a Fall 2024 start date). Late applications will not be considered.

What happens if I miss the application deadline?
The January 15th deadline is strict. All application materials, including references, must be submitted by this date. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

What happens if I have issues with the application system?

Any issues related to the application system can be directed to the School of Graduate Studies. The program does not have control over the application software to resolve these issues.

Undergraduate Degree Requirements

Do I need a specific undergraduate degree?
Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree with a minimum 75% average in the last two years of full-time study. A background in biological sciences, health administration, or social sciences is recommended but not required.

I have an MBBS, BMBS, DDS, or BDS. Am I eligible to apply?
Yes, medical and dental credentials from accredited programs are recognized.

What if my grading system differs from the Canadian system?
The program uses the World Education Services (WES) as a guide for grade equivalencies. Please ensure your transcripts include a grade equivalency table.

How can I ensure that I meet the minimal GPA requirements of the program if my degree is graded on a Pass or Fail grading system?

The program recognizes that some international Medical and Dental schools use a Pass or Fail grading system. The program considers a Pass to have met the minimal GPA admission requirement. In these situations, the application is scored more heavily on different aspects considered in the application process, such as the statement of interest, leadership, and volunteer experience.

Do you consider applicants with a Second Class Lower?
Applicants with a Second Class Lower are unlikely to pass the screening process due to the competitive nature of the program and high volume of international applicants.

Will the program review my transcripts to see if I am eligible to apply for the program?

Due to the high volume of applications, feedback cannot be provided on individual transcripts and grades before applying to the program.  

Undergraduate Statistics Requirement

Is an undergraduate statistics course required?
Yes, you must have completed an undergraduate statistics course. This requirement is necessary for admission. Please ensure that you have stated which course you are using as your statistics course in the Pre-requisites section of the application.

If I completed statistics as part of my Medical or Dental degree, but it is not listed as a specific course, does this meet the requirement for an undergraduate statistics course?

Yes, students who have completed a Medical or Dental degree are considered to have completed statistics as part of the degree program.

How can I confirm if my statistics course meets the requirements?
If unsure whether your course qualifies, please send the course details and syllabus to phahs.gradadmin@mun.ca for evaluation.

Do I need a specific grade in the statistics course?
There is no specific grade requirement. As long as the course was passed, it meets the admission criteria.

Do online courses like Coursera, Udemy or EdX met the requirements?
Certificates from online platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, or EdX are not accepted as fulfilling the statistics requirement.

References

Can my application be considered if one of my references is missing?
You are responsible for submitting all application materials, including references, by the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Can my reference submit a letter instead of the form provided by MUN?
While the program prefers referees to use the provided form, reference letters are also acceptable.

Can I submit two professional references?
At least one reference must be academic. In exceptional cases, such as applicants who have been out of academic study for many years (e.g., more than 10 years), two professional references may be considered. Please contact phahs.gradadmin@mun.ca in these cases.

English Proficiency Requirements

Do I need to provide proof of English proficiency?
No proof of English proficiency is required for applicants from Canada, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom. If the language of instruction at your institution is English, a letter from your institution confirming this will be sufficient.

Which English proficiency tests are accepted?
Please refer to the School of Graduate Studies website for information on acceptable tests and required scores.

Do I need to provide my English proficiency test scores?
Yes, you must submit your test scores if required. Applications without valid test scores or a supporting letter will be considered incomplete.

Acceptance Information

When will I know the results of my application?
Admissions decisions are typically made in late March or early April. Applicants will be notified by email.

Can I defer my admission?
Deferrals are not generally allowed except in exceptional cases, such as visa delays. In those instances, a deferral to the Winter semester may be considered, but it could extend your time in the program.

If my application is declined, can I get feedback or reapply?
Due to the high volume of applications, feedback is not provided. Declined applications must be re-submitted in the next application cycle if you wish to reapply.

Other Inquiries

What if I still have questions?
If you have additional questions, please contact the admissions office at phahs.gradadmin@mun.ca.