MPH in GPH program at the University of Alberta – Curriculum Explained
Before seeking admission into an MPH program, it’s important to choose a program that fulfills your goal. Therefore, its also important to understand the curriculum of an MPH program, to have a better idea on what competencies and skill-sets will you be acquiring during your course.
–30 units of required courses. This consists of 10 courses (each course ranging from 2 to 6 credits). All students must complete these courses.
–15 units of elective courses. This consists of typically 5 courses, 3-credit each. Students may select from a choice of courses according to their needs and learning objectives.The program begins with a two-weeks intensive practical work oriented course calledSPH 530: This is Public Health. This 3-credit required course is a mandatory for all MPH students and typically takes place in August, ahead of the Fall session. In this course, you get to do a simulation of Real-time experiential learning projects related to public health and case studies.The actual program begins in September, which is also known as the Fall semester. In the fall session (Sep-Dec), you need to take the required courseSPH 535 (i)(3 credit). This is the first of two consecutive courses offering an overview of the evidence utilized by communities, governments, health systems, and academics to guide public health actions. This course consists of research and statistical components, which helps to build a foundation and core competencies required for public health practitioner. This is a 3 credit course.The second part of this course
SPH 537 (ii)(3 credit) is typically offered in the winter session (Jan-April). This course covers social science methods (surveys, analysis of qualitative evidence), sampling approaches, quality appraisal and synthesis of pre-existing evidence, and quantitative methods.Other required courses are as follows:
SPH 536 – Engagement for Public Health Action (2 credit)
SPH 541 – Public Health Practice & Professional Skills (2 credit)
SPH 546 – Public Health Practice & Professional Skills II (2 credit)
SPH 562 – Understanding and Improving the Health of Populations (3 credit)
SPH 563 – Evaluation in Public Health Practice (3 credit)
SPH 547 – Public Health Practice Project (3 credit): This is a capstone project, where you get real-life work experience working with an actual Canadian organization. SPH 598 – Public Health Practice Experience and Capping Project (6 credit): This is the practicum project. To learn more about practicum projects, please see my previous blog where I explained why an MPH program is a good choice for enthusiastic public health international students who wishes to practice in Canada.More details about all these required courses can be found here.
UofA typically offer courses in the Fall (Sep-Dec), Winter (Jan-Apr), and Spring (May-June) session. In each session, as a full time international student you have to take at least 9 credits at minimum which is typically 3 courses. During my time, the maximum amount of credit we could take in each semester was 15 credit. You can take your time to complete the MPH program. But most students usually complete the program within 5 semesters (including summer session) , which can take around 20 months to complete. But if you don’t have hurry and want to do the course lightly with break in the summer, you can complete the course at a broader duration.
✍️Tips when writing a Statement of Purpose for admission in the UofA: If you have a good understanding of the courses that UofA offers, you can mention in your SOP, how specific courses will help you gain the desired knowledge and competencies. This shows that you are a genuinely interested student with a thorough knowledge of the curriculum. This might stand you out from the rest of the applicants.
