Master of Health Studies
Regulations effective Sep. 1, 2022, unless otherwise noted.
The Master of Health Studies (MHS) program prepares health professionals to assume leadership positions in the health system. The rapid pace of change in health services requires health professionals to be leaders, equipped to address new challenges. The program provides professionals from various health backgrounds with skills that enable them to discern emerging trends and anticipate future directions in health services and provide leadership in planning, implementation, evaluation, change management, and policy development. Learners may also elect to complete 1 or 2 focus areas: Teaching, Leadership, or Health Research. A Health Promotion focus is planned.
By the application deadline, applicants for admission to the MHS program must possess a 4-year health-related Canadian (or equivalent) baccalaureate degree program from an accredited/recognized university, with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) in the final 30 credits of graduate or undergraduate study. Admission will be considered for applicants who possess a 4-year (or equivalent) non health-related credential, but have relevant work experience in the health care field.
To calculate your Graduate Admission GPA (the GPA AU will use for your entry into the program), please visit the Graduate Admission GPA page on the Faculty of Health Disciplines website.
Non-program admission requirements
To be successful in graduate courses, non-program learners should have attained a minimum GPA of 3.0 undergraduate or graduate course work.
Non-program students must meet the following application requirements:
- A 4-year health-related baccalaureate degree from an accredited university.
- Learners seeking to refresh their practice as a nurse practitioner must hold a master of nursing and have graduated from a recognized nurse practitioner education program.
- Learners seeking to add a Family All Ages designation to their nurse practitioner license must hold a master of nursing and an active nurse practitioner license.
These requirements must be met by the application deadlines.
English language proficiency
There are minimum English language proficiency requirements allowed for admission to a graduate program at Athabasca University. It is the student's responsibility to ensure they meet the minimum requirements.
All applications for admission must be submitted electronically using the online systems described below. Applications will not be accepted by mail or fax. As payment is required at the time of application, please ensure you have met the admission requirements prior to applying to the program. Application fees are not refundable.
Application deadlines
The Faculty of Health Disciplines typically recommends that students start the application process at least 12-16 weeks prior to the application deadline (noted in the chart below). Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. It may take 8-12 weeks after the deadline to receive an admission decision.
Program | Application deadline | Start date |
---|---|---|
Master of Counselling and Graduate Diploma in Counselling | Feb. 1 | September |
Master of Health Studies and Master of Nursing – Generalist | Nov. 1 | May |
March 1 | September | |
July 1 | January | |
Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner and Post-Masters Certificate in Counselling and Post-Masters Diploma – Nurse Practitioner | Dec. 1 | May |
April 1 | September | |
Aug. 1 | January |
These deadlines are final, and no exceptions will be granted. There are no appeals to admissions decisions. Incomplete or late applications are not assessed nor retained for consideration for admission the following year.
Course registration deadlines
For course information and details about deadlines and registering, please see the Athabasca University course listings and follow online course registration procedures.
Step 1: Apply to be an AU graduate learner
The application process has 2 parts. You must first apply to become a graduate learner at Athabasca University and then apply to your program.
Complete the Graduate Program Application Form through the AU Office of the Registrar online services to receive your student ID number, which is needed to apply for your specific program.
Current/returning students
- Click here and login with your existing AU student ID number. Once logged in, click on "Change of Program".
- Click on the "Graduate Application" and complete the required steps.
- Be sure to select the appropriate graduate program.
New to AU
- Click here, and click on "Apply Now" under the Graduate Application heading in the middle of the screen.
- You will be assigned an AU student ID number, which will be used to access all AU services and resources.
- Be sure to select the appropriate graduate program.
Step 2: Pay the application fee
As part of the AU graduate program application process, pay your non-refundable application fee.
Step 3: Apply to your program
Once you have received your student ID number and paid your fee, log into your myAU account to begin the program application process. You will complete your program application using the Faculty of Health Disciplines' Graduate Student Admission System (GSAS).
In your GSAS application, please select the same program as you did in Step 1.
As part of the application process, you will provide information related to:
- Academic background
- Work and volunteer experience
- Professional development activities
- Rationale for applying to the program and other pertinent information
You can log into your GSAS application and change your information at any time during the application process. However, once you finalize and submit your GSAS application for review, it can no longer be modified. You will be able to track completion of various components of the online application through the GSAS Application Checklist after submission (receipt of reference forms and hardcopy documents). You do not need to wait for your Hardcopy Materials Package to be confirmed as received before submitting your online application for review, however, the Hardcopy Materials Package must be received no later than your chosen application deadline.
To check your application status, return to the GSAS application, not myAU.
Letter of reference
Letters of reference must be submitted within the online application process; paper copies will not be accepted. Each applicant is required to provide 3 official letters of reference, including providing the email address of each referee. At least 1 of the letters of reference should come from someone familiar with your academic skills. If an academic reference is not provided, you will be asked to explain within the application why you were unable to meet this requirement.
All referees must be able to provide an objective assessment of your background and capabilities with respect to the prospective graduate program. Letters from friends, family members, clients, colleagues, or people currently registered in an AU graduate program, or general reference letters (letters that are not written in support of your application to the particular graduate program) are not acceptable. For professional or employment references, please select individuals who are familiar with your work, preferably if they have supervised you in some way.
You must submit current letters of reference with your application, even if you have previously applied to an AU graduate program.
Note: The application system does not allow changes in the References section after the application deadline (e.g., to modify a referee email address, changes a referee, etc.).
- Counselling Programs Reference Assistance, contact: gcapgradapply@athabascau.ca
- Nursing and Health Studies Reference Assistance, contact: cnhsgradapply@athabascau.ca
Step 4: Submit required hardcopy materials
We accept transcripts sent through MyCreds™, by mail, or email (directly from the institution attended). Please see the instructions below.
If transcripts are sent by mail, they should be assembled in one package and sent to the address below. Please print the Hardcopy Application Material Checklist and include this form with your completed hardcopy application package.
Assemble and then mail or courier all required hardcopy information. Photocopies, unsealed/opened transcripts, and transcripts sent as attachments via personal email are considered unofficial and will not be accepted. Send your hardcopy information when you have compiled all the required materials with sufficient time to be received by the Faculty of Health Disciplines and date stamped by the application deadline.
When assembled, send your hardcopy materials to:
Graduate Programs
Faculty of Health Disciplines
Athabasca University
1 University Drive
Athabasca, AB T9S 3A3
Canada
If transcripts are sent by email, they must be received electronically directly from the post-secondary institution to our program office. Please use the following email in your transcript request:
cnhsgradapply@athabascau.ca (Nursing and Health Studies applicants)
gcapgradapply@athabascau.ca (Counselling applicants)
You may also send any additional required documents (e.g., verification of registered nursing (RN) hours and licensure, English language proficiency assessment) by email from the email address you have provided in the program application. Please scan these documents and email them with your full name and student ID number in the email body.
Please send your documents in a hardcopy package either by mail or email—not both. Transcripts are not official unless they are received through MyCreds™, by mail in a sealed envelope, or directly by email from the institution.
Required hardcopy materials
Official transcripts
Submit official transcripts from ALL institutions (including Athabasca University, if applicable) regardless of the number of courses taken or the amount of time spent there. Please note the following:
- To be considered official, transcripts in your package must be received in envelopes that have been sealed and endorsed by the issuing institution, or submitted through MyCreds™.
- Do not include transcripts from high school.
- Transcripts must state the degree awarded and must be dated within 1 year of the application deadline.
- Official transcripts must be issued through MyCreds™ or directly to you and mailed/couriered as part of your hardcopy documents package to the address listed above. AU is not responsible for the delay/loss of transcripts sent directly to the university.
Additional materials for all programs
- Applicants with international credit (completed outside Canada and the US) must request a course-by-course educational assessment from a member of the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada (members include: World Education Services (WES) or International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)). The assessment must be dated within 5 years of the application deadline. If your assessment was issued more than 5 years prior to the deadline, it must be reassessed or reissued by the credentialing agency prior to your package submission.
- Official translated transcripts must be submitted for applicants with transcripts issued in a language other than English (Canadian French language post-secondary institutions included).
- Applicants without Canadian citizenship must provide a photocopy of permanent resident documentation.
- Proof of English language proficiency. See the English language proficiency requirements.
- Applicants requesting transfer credit for courses taken outside Athabasca University must review Transfer credit and follow the steps provided.
- Note: All transcripts, references, test scores, and other documents become the property of Athabasca University and will not be returned to the applicants or forwarded to another program or institute.
Additional materials for Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner and Post-Masters Diploma – Nurse Practitioner ONLY
You must provide the following documents in your Hardcopy Application Package:
- Photocopy of current nursing registration,
- Copy of current Basic Life Support (BLS) Certificate,
- Photocopy of nursing practitioner (NP) license (if applicable), and
- Letter of verification (from employer or College of Registered Nurses) confirming 5,000 hours of recent clinical practice as a registered nurse.
Step 5: Track your application status
Track receipt of your hardcopy documents and your application status by logging into your Graduate Student Admission System (GSAS) application.
Nursing/Health Studies applicants
It is your responsibility to ensure that all components of your application package have been received by the Faculty of Health Disciplines (FHD) program office and date-stamped no later than the application deadline.
Allow sufficient time prior to the deadline for the assembled package containing transcripts, etc. to be received by the FHD program office. Begin the application process early—we recommend that you prepare your application package and mail or email it to our program office at least 8 weeks before your chosen deadline. Late documents will not be accepted.
Please ensure that your former institution does not send your transcripts directly to Athabasca University's Office of the Registrar. You must assemble and mail/courier/email the Hardcopy Materials Package directly to the Faculty of Health Disciplines Graduate Program Office (address or emails listed above).
Once your file has been reviewed the status of your application will be updated online. It is your responsibility to continue to check you GSAS application for updated information. Due to the large volume of applications, the FHD administrative staff are unable to provide information on the status of your application by phone or email.
As already stated, application deadlines are final and no exceptions will be granted. There are no appeals to admission decisions. Incomplete or late application packages will not be assessed nor retained for consideration for admission the following year.
Please read all the application procedures carefully before you begin the application process.
Visiting students and prospective students who have not yet been admitted to the Master of Health Studies or Master of Nursing program may be permitted to register in up to 5 approved MHST or NURS courses on a first-come, first-served basis, space permitting.
Registered nurses in good standing with a Master of Nursing and Nurse Practitioner preparation seeking to return to practice after a period of inactivity may be approved to register in up to 5 courses as a non-program student. Recommendation for the student's learning plan shall be obtained by the student from the College of Registered Nurses in the province where the student wishes to be licensed.
Students who wish to add a Family All Ages designation to their license may be approved to register in a maximum of 5 courses as a non-program student. The number of courses to be taken will depend on the student's individualized learning plan as recommended by their province's College of Registered Nurses. Additional courses may be required by the Nurse Practitioner Program Council.
Courses taken as a non-program student can be applied toward the Master of Health Studies or Master of Nursing program requirements, when a student becomes a program student. Grades on courses completed as a non-program student will be considered in the admission process. However, successful completion of courses as a non-program student does not guarantee admission into the Master of Health Studies or Master of Nursing program.
Non-program student application deadlines
The following deadlines apply to non-program students:
- May 15 for Fall session courses (September to December)
- Sep. 15 for Winter session courses (January to April)
- Jan. 15 for Spring session courses (May to August)
Late applications are not assessed nor retained for future consideration.
Steps in the application process
New non-program students must complete and submit a non-program application and then register in their chosen courses. Current non-program students do not have to submit a non-program application. You can just register in your chosen courses.
Non-program application
Must be completed by all new non-program students.
Following are the procedures required to apply as a Centre of Nursing Health Studies (CNHS) non-program student. It is strongly recommended that you print and read this entire document prior to proceeding with your application. Failure to complete all steps will result in your application not being reviewed for approval or processed.
Note: Transcripts are not required for CNHS non-program applications.
-
- You must first log in by clicking the Login link (left-hand side, under the General heading);
- Click on Graduate Application and complete the required steps;
- Be sure to select "Non-program application for the Centre for Nursing and Health Studies." Do not select a major;
- You are required to pay the CNHS Non-Program Application Fee (which is a separate fee than the Program Application Fee) even if you have already applied to a program.
Note that all application fees are non-refundable—review the Centre for Nursing and Health Studies graduate fees. Complete the Application to the Faculty of Graduate Studies online through the Office of the Registrar at Athabasca University. Disregard the request for official transcripts.
Important: If you have been a student at Athabasca University (AU) or have received an AU student ID number as part of a previous application:
If you are new to AU, then you will be required to complete steps b to d as noted above. You will be assigned a student ID number. Your AU student ID number will be used to access all AU services and resources. - Proceed to the Centre for Nursing and Health Studies Graduate Student Admission System.
- Select the non-program option to start your CNHS non-program application.
- Complete all components of the online non-program application. Each component must be finalized.
- Click on the "Proceed to Final Review" button in the checklist after all components have been completed and submitted. At that point you will no longer have access to view or modify your application.
- You can make changes or additions to your application at any time prior to the application deadline (and prior to submitting your application for final review). You will be able to track completion of various components of the online application through an online application checklist. To check your application status, use the link provided in Step 2 above.
- The status of your application will appear as "Under Review" if all steps have been completed and the application has been submitted for final review. All applications will be reviewed for acceptance during the 2-week period prior to the course registration deadline. Note that telephone confirmation will not be provided.
- If the status of your application appears as "Review Complete," your application has been processed. Click on the link beside your status to review the results of your application.
Non-program course registration deadlines
The following deadlines are for non-program course registrations:
- July 1 for Fall session courses
(September to December) - Nov. 1 for Winter session courses
(January to April) - Mar. 1 for Spring session courses
(May to August)
Register in courses
New non-program students must complete and submit their Non-Program Application prior to registering in courses. Existing non-program students can proceed to registering in courses.
- View course offerings to review the syllabus for your course selection. Note: Non-program students cannot normally register for NURS 518, NURS 522, NURS 524, NURS 526, NURS 528, NURS 530, MHST/NURS 611, MHST/NURS 719, or MHST/NURS 720. Please contact fhdgradadvise@athabascau.ca to request an exception. Access to courses will depend on availability with priority given to program students.
- Review Centre for Nursing and Health Studies graduate fees. Ensure you include the appropriate Course Tuition Fee as well as the Athabasca University Graduate Student Association (AUGSA) Fee.
- For those students taking a CNHS course through the Western Dean's Agreement, online registration cannot be completed. Refer to the second paragraph in step 4 below. Note that the fully completed and approved Western Dean's Authorization Form must be received in the CNHS office by the applicable course registration deadline noted below.
- Complete the online course registration—refer to Course regulations and procedures. Ensure you are aware of the applicable course withdrawal regulations. Contact the FHD program office at cnhsgrad@athabascau.ca at least 1 month before the applicable course registration deadline.
- Tuition paid by student loans: you must contact the Student Financial Aid Office at Athabasca University 3 months prior to your anticipated start date to ensure funding is in place for your start date. For more information, contact AU Student Financial Aid.
- Late registrations will not be accepted.
Only after you've been accepted to your Athabasca University program, can you apply for transfer credit for courses previously taken at other institutions towards your AU program.
To apply for transfer credit, please complete the following steps:
- Carefully review the transfer credit allowance for the program to which you are applying to.
- Complete the Transfer Credit Evaluation Request Form, making sure to include the following information for each course:
- a clear indication of the Faculty of Health Disciplines course you are seeking transfer credit toward and
- institution name, course title and number, and number of credits of the previously completed course that you want to have evaluated for transfer credit.
- Provide a complete syllabus for each course, including course description, learning objectives, course materials list, evaluation procedures, outline of core topics covered, and program regulations related to mark required for a passing grade. It is your responsibility to ensure that the information provided is complete.
Submit all the following components for transfer credit assessment:- official transcripts
- Transfer Credit Evaluation Request Form
- course syllabi
- other pertinent materials
Transfer Credit Assessment Forms are to be emailed to the graduate academic advisor at fhdgradadvise@athabascau.ca.
Payment for transfer credit evaluation
You can pay your fees either by credit card or by electronic funds transfer (e-transfer). E-transfer information can be found on the Office of the Registrar site. More information on fees can be found here. Please do not submit your payment until the amount has been confirmed by your academic advisor.
For more information contact fhdgradadvise@athabascau.ca
Fall 2022 | ||
---|---|---|
Sept. 1 | First day for students to register in Winter session courses starting in January. | |
Sept. 5 | Labour Day | University closed |
Sept. 7 | First day of Fall session courses is Wednesday, Sept. 7. | |
Sept. 15 | Last day to complete and submit online non-program applications for Winter session starting in January. | |
Sept. 30 | National Day of Truth and Reconciliation | University closed |
Oct. 7 | Last day for early withdrawal from Fall session courses. No record of the course will appear on the transcript. | |
Oct. 10 | Thanksgiving Day | University closed |
Nov. 1 | Last day for students to register in Winter session courses starting in January. Tuition fees are due. Late registrations are not allowed. *Note: Online registration services are available during the 8-week period before the registration deadline (see Course regulations and procedures). | |
Nov. 1 | Last day for receipt of all application documents for admission to the Master of Health Studies and Master of Nursing – Generalist programs starting in May. | |
Nov. 6 | Last day for late withdrawal from Fall session courses. Transcripts will reflect a withdrawal in good standing. | |
Nov. 11 | Remembrance Day | University closed |
Dec. 1 | Last day for receipt of all application documents for admission to the Post-Master's Diploma – Nurse Practitioner and Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner programs starting in May. | |
Dec. 6 | Last day of Fall session courses | |
Dec. 24/22 – Jan. 2/23 | The university will close at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 23, 2022 and will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023. | |
Winter 2023 | ||
Jan. 1 | First day for students to register in Spring session courses starting in May. | |
Jan. 4 | First day of Winter session courses | |
Jan. 15 | Last day to complete and submit online non-program applications for Spring session starting in May. | |
Feb. 4 | Last day for early withdrawal from Winter session courses. No record of the course will appear on the transcript. | |
Feb. 20 | Family Day (Alberta) | University closed |
March 1 | Last day for students to register in Spring courses starting in May. Tuition fees are due. Late registrations are not allowed. *Note: Online registration services are available during the 4-week period before the registration deadline (see Course regulations and procedures). | |
March 1 | Last day for receipt of all application documents for admission to the Master of Health Studies and Master of Nursing – Generalist programs, starting in September. Deadline for nurse practitioner students (Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner and Post-Master's Diploma – Nurse Practitioner) to submit a Preceptor Request Form (and Release and Indemnity Agreement, if applicable) for the nurse practitioner practicum activities during the Fall session. | |
March 4 | Last day for late withdrawal from Winter session courses. Transcripts will reflect a withdrawal in good standing. | |
April 1 | Last day for receipt of all application documents for admission to the Post-Master's Diploma – Nurse Practitioner and Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner programs starting in September. | |
April 4 | Last day of Winter session courses | |
April 7 – 10 | Easter break | University closed |
Spring 2023 | ||
---|---|---|
May 1 | First day for students to register in Fall session courses starting in September. | |
May 3 | First day of Spring session courses | |
May 15 | Last day to complete and submit online non-program applications for Fall session starting in September. | |
May 22 | Victoria Day | University closed |
June 2 | Last day for early withdrawal from Spring session courses. No record of the course will appear on the transcript. | |
June 15 – 17 | Convocation 2023. Visit the Convocation website for more information on this hybrid event. | |
July 1 | Last day for students to register in Fall courses starting in September. Tuition fees are due. Late registrations are not allowed. *Note: Online registration services are available during the 8-week period before the registration deadline (see Course regulations and procedures). | |
July 1 | Last day for receipt of all application documents for admission to the Master of Health Studies and Master of Nursing – Generalist programs starting in January. | |
July 2 | Last day for late withdrawal from Spring session courses. Transcripts will reflect a withdrawal in good standing. | |
July 3 (in lieu) | Canada Day | University closed |
Aug. 1 | Last day for receipt of all application documents for admission to the Post-Master's Diploma – Nurse Practitioner and Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner programs starting in January. | |
Aug. 1 | Last day of Spring session courses | |
Aug. 7 | Civic holiday | University closed |
Fall 2023 | ||
Sept. 1 | First day for students to register in Winter session courses starting in January. | |
Sept. 4 | Labour Day | University closed |
Sept. 6 | First day of Fall session courses | |
Sept. 15 | Last day to complete and submit online non-program applications for Winter session starting in January. | |
Oct. 5 | Last day for early withdrawal from Fall session courses. No record of the course will appear on the transcript. | |
Oct. 9 | Thanksgiving Day | University closed |
Nov. 1 | Last day for students to register in Winter session courses starting in January. Tuition fees are due. Late registrations are not allowed. *Note: Online registration services are available during the 8-week period before the registration deadline (see Course regulations and procedures). | |
Nov. 1 | Last day for receipt of all application documents for admission to the Master of Health Studies and Master of Nursing – Generalist programs starting in May. | |
Nov. 4 | Last day for late withdrawal from Fall session courses. Transcripts will reflect a withdrawal in good standing. | |
Nov. 13 | Remembrance Day (in lieu) | University closed |
Dec. 1 | Last day for receipt of all application documents for admission to the Post-Master's Diploma – Nurse Practitioner and Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner programs starting in May. | |
Dec. 5 | Last day of Fall session courses | |
Dec. 22/23 – Jan. 2/24 | The university will close at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023 and will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. |
Program students
Program students are enrolled in any of the degrees, diplomas, or certificates offered by Athabasca University. Students who change from non-program to a program category may use credits earned while in the unclassified category provided the course(s) meet the program requirements, including any restrictions on the age of a course, if applicable.
Program residency requirements
In keeping with Athabasca University’s mandate of open access, residency requirements for the Master of Health Studies program are satisfied when the student has successfully completed 18 credits in MHST/NURS graduate courses through Athabasca University. The remaining credits may be transferred from other institutions, provided they are applicable to the student’s program.
Program requirements
The MHS program is composed of a total of 33 credits: 11 courses in the course-based route, or 8 courses in the thesis-based route.
MHS routes
Students may choose from a course-based or thesis-based route.
- Course-based route: Students complete 4 core courses, 5 curriculum courses, and 2 elective courses. Students may elect to complete 1 or 2 focus areas.
- Thesis-based route: Students complete 2 core courses, 2 curriculum courses, 1 elective, and 3 thesis-related courses. Students may elect to complete a focus area.
Program completion timelines
Students must complete the MHS program requirements within 7 years of their initial admission to the program.
Program status
To maintain program status, course-based students must successfully complete 6 credits of course work during each academic year (Sep. 1 to Aug. 31). Students who do not meet the requirements for maintaining program status will be withdrawn from the program. If a student is unable and not expected to make progress in the program, the student may request a deferral in order to suspend the program requirements for a period of time by submitting a Deferral Request Form. The maximum length of 1 deferral is 1 year. In special circumstances, students may reapply for a second year of deferral during their time in their program.
Thesis-based students must also successfully complete 6 credits of course work during each academic year (Sep. 1 to Aug. 31) to maintain program status. Students who do not meet the requirements for maintaining program status will be withdrawn from the program.
Program withdrawal
Students may withdraw from their program by submitting a Program Withdrawal Form. Students who withdraw may re-apply to the program by following the regular application procedures. Students re-applying to a graduate program will be competing against all other applicants and will not receive special consideration.
Two failures in 1 or more courses will result in the automatic removal of the student from the program with no option for re-admission to Faculty of Health Disciplines graduate programs.
Use of MHS credential
The MHS program does not have candidacy exams; therefore, the use of MHS (C) during your program is not permitted. When you have completed your program of study, applied to graduate, and your degree has been conferred, you may use the relevant credential: MHS. You may use this credential only after the degree is conferred.
Graduation requirements
To be awarded the MHS degree, a student must:
- successfully complete the program requirements. Students must achieve an overall average of B- (70%) to graduate. The minimum passing grade requirement for all graduate MHST courses is C- (60%), with the exception of those graded on a pass/fail basis.
- complete and submit an Application for Graduation Form to the Office of the Registrar and
- meet all other regulations and requirements. In addition, students must have paid all necessary fees owed to the university and have returned all library resources.
MHS program requirements
The MHS program is composed of a total of 33 credits (11 courses). See Program regulations for additional program information.
MHS routes
Students may choose from a course-based or thesis-based route.
Course-based route: Students complete 4 core courses, 5 curriculum courses, and 2 elective courses. Students may elect to complete 1 or 2 focus areas: Health Promotion, Health Research, Leadership, or Teaching.
MHS courses
Core courses
The following courses apply to the course-based routes:
MHST 601 - Critical Foundations in Health Disciplines* | (3) |
MHST/NURS 603 - Facilitating Inquiry** | (3) |
MHST/NURS 609 - Trends and Issues | (3) |
MHST/NURS 611 - Dissemination Strategies (Taken in final session) | (3) |
*MHST 601 is a pre-requisite to all courses in the MHS program, except MHST/NURS 603, to which it is a co-requisite. MHST 601 must be taken as the student's first course.
**MHST/NURS 603 is a co-requisite for all courses in the MHS program. It must be taken as the student's second course. It may be taken at the same time as MHST 601 or at the same time as any other course in the program.
Curriculum courses
Students enrolled in the course-based routes must complete 5 of the following FHD graduate courses:
Elective courses
In addition to the core and curriculum courses, 2 electives are required in the course-based route. These electives may be completed prior to or concurrently with MHST/NURS 611. These elective courses may include: FHD graduate courses, as listed in the above table of curriculum courses; other Athabasca University graduate level courses; or pre-approved graduate courses from other universities (refer to Letter of Permission to Complete a Course at Another University).
MHS focus areas – course-based route
A focus area is a subject concentration within your degree program. Students in the course-based route may elect to complete 1 or 2 focus areas in Health Promotion, Health Research, Leadership and/or Teaching. Students must declare their selection by submitting a Faculty of Health Disciplines Change of Program Form.
Health Promotion focus area
The Health Promotion focus area includes: 4 core courses (MHST 601, MHST/NURS 603, MHST/NURS 609, MHST/NURS 611), 3 health promotion focus courses (MHST/NURS 631, MHST/NURS 632, and MHST/NURS 633), 2 curriculum courses, and 2 elective courses.
Required: |
4 core courses |
3 health promotion focus courses |
2 curriculum courses |
2 elective courses |
Total: 11 courses (33 credits) |
Health research focus
The health research focus includes: 4 core courses (MHST 601, MHST/NURS 603, MHST/NURS 609, MHST/NURS 611), 3 health research focus courses (MHST/NURS 610, MHST/NURS 712, MHST/NURS 713), 2 curriculum courses, and 2 elective courses.
This focus area is closed to students in the thesis route.
Required: |
4 core courses |
3 health research focus courses |
2 curriculum courses |
2 elective courses |
Total: 11 courses (33 credits) |
Leadership focus area
The Leadership focus area includes: 4 core courses (MHST 601, MHST/NURS 603, MHST/NURS 609, MHST/NURS 611), 3 leadership focus courses (MHST/NURS 604, MHST/NURS 621, MHST/NURS 622), 2 curriculum courses, and 2 elective courses.
Required: |
4 core courses |
3 leadership focus courses |
2 curriculum courses |
2 elective courses |
Total: 11 courses (33 credits) |
Teaching focus area
The Teaching focus area includes: 4 core courses (MHST 601, MHST/NURS 603, MHST/NURS 609, MHST/NURS 611), 3 teaching focus courses (MHST/NURS 623, MHST/NURS 624, and MHST/NURS 625), 2 curriculum courses, and 2 elective courses.
Required: |
4 core courses |
3 teaching focus courses |
2 curriculum courses |
2 elective courses |
Total: 11 courses (33 credits) |
Adding a second focus area
You can add a second focus area using your remaining 2 curriculum courses, and 1 of your 2 remaining elective courses. The option of 2 focus areas is closed to students in the thesis route.
Required: |
4 core courses |
3 courses for first focus area |
3 courses for second focus area |
1 elective course |
Total: 11 courses (33 credits) |
It is the student's responsibility to declare their first and second (if applicable) focus area by submitting a Faculty of Health Disciplines Change of Program form.
Program requirements
The MHS program is composed of a total of 33 credits (8 courses) in the thesis-based route: one of the thesis courses is 12 credits. See Program regulations for additional program information.
MHS routes
Students may choose from a course-based or thesis-based route.
Thesis-based route: Students complete 2 core courses, 2 curriculum courses, 1 elective, and 3 thesis-related courses. Students may elect to complete 1 of 2 focus areas: Teaching or Leadership.
Students considering the thesis-based route need to secure a thesis supervisor as early in their MHS program as possible. The purpose of the thesis route is to provide you the opportunity to learn the research process from and with one of our FHD researchers. Please review FHD – Our People and select Research from the left side column to consider whose research program you are interested in joining for your thesis research. Email those faculty members to discuss the thesis research opportunities they may have for you.
MHS courses
Core courses
The following core courses apply to the thesis-based route:
MHST 601 - Critical Foundations in Health Disciplines* | (3) |
MHST/NURS 603 - Facilitating Inquiry** | (3) |
*MHST 601 is a pre-requisite to all courses in the MHS program, except MHST/NURS 603, to which it is a co-requisite. MHST 601 must be taken as the student's first course.
**MHST/NURS 603 is a co-requisite for all courses in the MHS program. It must be taken as the student's second course. It may be taken at the same time as MHST 601, or at the same time as any other course in the program.
Curriculum courses
Students enrolled in the thesis-based route must complete 2 of the following FHD graduate courses:
Elective and thesis courses
Elective courses: In addition to the core and curriculum courses, 1 elective is required in thesis-based route. This elective course may include: FHD graduate courses, as listed in the above table of curriculum courses; other Athabasca University graduate level courses; or pre-approved graduate courses from other universities (refer to Letter of Permission to Complete a Course at Another University).
Some thesis-route students enrol in MHST/NURS 695: Independent Study in consultation with their thesis supervisor to support their thesis project proposal. This course is completed before their Advanced Research course (MHST/NURS 712 or 713 which is only offered in summer session).
Thesis courses: In addition to the core, curriculum, and elective courses, 3 thesis courses are required in the thesis-based route. Students enrolled in the thesis-based route must complete 1 advanced research methods course (either MHST/NURS 712 or MHST/NURS 713) and 2 courses during which the thesis will be completed (MHST/NURS 719 and MHST/NURS 720).
MHS focus areas – thesis-based route
A focus area is a subject concentration within your degree program. Students in the thesis-based route may elect to complete a focus area in Teaching or Leadership. Students must declare their selection with the Faculty of Health Disciplines Programs Office or on their program application.
Teaching focus area
The teaching focus area includes 2 core courses (MHST 601 and MHST/NURS 603), 3 thesis courses and 3 teaching focus courses (MHST/NURS 623, MHST/NURS 624, and MHST/NURS 625).
Required: |
2 core courses |
3 teaching focus courses |
3 thesis courses |
Total: 8 courses (33 credits) |
Leadership focus area
The leadership focus area includes 2 core courses (MHST 601 and MHST/NURS 603), 3 thesis courses and 3 leadership focus courses (MHST/NURS 604, MHST/NURS 621, MHST/NURS 622).
Required: |
2 core courses |
3 leadership focus courses |
3 thesis courses |
Total: 8 courses (33 credits) |
Course registration
It is the student's responsibility to register by the course registration deadline and ensure that all prerequisite requirements are fulfilled. If a student registers in a course that they are not eligible to take, the registration will be cancelled and the tuition fee refunded. The tuition will not be applied to an alternative course.
NURS 675, NURS 676, and NURS 678 are Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner practicum courses. All clinical practice must be completed in Canada and the student must hold current registered nurse licensure in the province where they are completing their clinical practice program.
If a preceptor request is not received by the appropriate deadline as outlined in each student’s Nurse Practitioner Guide, the student will be automatically withdrawn from the corresponding course. Students taking clinical courses are required to submit proof of a criminal record check, respiratory fit testing, and current immunization status, at the student’s expense, before they are accepted as a practicum student. Participating health authorities may require additional documentation.
Course registration procedures
Log in at the Office of the Registrar Online Services site and select "Register for a Course."
Note: Online registration services are only available during the 8-week period before the registration deadline (see Academic schedule)
For other forms of registration, please contact the Faculty of Health Disciplines.
Course re-registration
Students will be permitted 1 registration and 1 re-registration in each course. Courses for which students withdraw from prior to the start date or within the first 30 days of the course start date will not count towards this total. Subsequent registrations in the same course require approval of the appropriate graduate program director or designate.
Students may not re-register in a course in which they have attained a passing grade. Students seeking to re-register in a course from which they have previously withdrawn in good standing or received a final course grade of F must pay the full course tuition fee. Students re-registering in a course will be required to complete all course requirements. Assignments completed previously cannot be carried forward or re-submitted when re-registering in a course. Practicum hours in the nurse practitioner program must be repeated in full when re-registering in NURS 675, NURS 676, and/or NURS 678.
Course withdrawal
Students may withdraw from a course up until 1 month before the end of the session (refer to the current Academic schedule). To withdraw from a course, students submit a Graduate Course Withdrawal Formto their program office. The date of withdrawal will be the date of the emailed form.
Learners who withdraw from a course any time after their course registration is finalized and up until the early withdrawal deadline (1 month after the course start date) will have the record of registration deleted from their official transcript and will be refunded the course tuition less the Course Withdrawal Processing Fee. Do not return course materials (if applicable) as there will be no additional refund.
Learners who withdraw from a course after the first month of the course start date and before the last month of the course will have their official record and transcript indicate that they withdrew without credit and without prejudice or academic penalty (W). No fees will be refunded for withdrawals after the first month of a course.
Learners may not withdraw from a course within 30 days of the final day of the course.
A learner will only be allowed to withdraw from a core course 2 times (non-medical) before being asked to leave the program. Continued enrolment and withdrawing from a course—in particular a core course—is interpreted as the inability to successfully meet the academic requirements of the program.
Course extensions
In exceptional circumstances, and where the course instructor concurs, students can receive a 1-month extension to complete and submit their course work.
Students must receive written permission from the appropriate graduate program director or designate to extend their course and must submit an Extension Request Form and pay the Course Extension Fee. One month after the original course completion date, a final grade will be assigned to the course based on the assignments completed prior to that date. If no assignments have been submitted, a final grade of F will be assigned.
Thesis continuations
Thesis students will be permitted one continuation of up to 12 months in which to complete course requirements of MHST/NURS 719, and 1 continuation of up to 12 months in which to complete course requirements of MHST/NURS 720. A continuation fee equivalent to one 3-credit course registration will apply to each continuation.
For each continuation, students obtain the approval of their thesis supervisor and program director when submitting the Thesis Continuation Request Form and the continuation fee.
Grading system
Some MHST/NURS courses are pass/fail. The remainder are graded using a percentage system. A minimum of C- (60%) is required to pass any course, however, some course minimums are higher. Please visit the Evaluation section of each course syllabus for that course's assessment structure. Students must achieve a B- (70%) overall average to graduate.
All final course percentage grades are converted and recorded on student transcripts according to the Alpha/4.0 grading scale.
Please review the Graduate Grading Policy and information about academic records on the Office of the Registrar site for more information on grading scales.
Late assignments
Late assignments may be penalized 5% for each day that they are late. Late assignments will not be accepted after 5 days unless there are extenuating circumstances that have been discussed with the instructor before the assignment deadline, and the instructor has agreed to extend the deadline.
Transfer credit and letter of permission
Students wishing to take graduate courses from other institutions and/or wishing to transfer graduate credit from coursework completed at other institutions may apply to receive credit towards the completion of a Centre for Nursing and Health Studies (CNHS) graduate program for up to a combined total of 15 credits.
Letter of permission to complete a course at another university
Students enrolled in Centre for Nursing and Health Studies (CNHS) programs may take up to 5 graduate-level courses (15 credits) from other post-secondary institutions in fulfillment of the program requirements, provided such courses are applicable to the CNHS program. Students are not normally permitted to seek credit for core program courses from other institutions.
Students wishing to take courses from other institutions must obtain and submit a detailed course outline, Letter of Permission Request Form, and the appropriate Letter of Permission Fee to the Faculty of Health Disciplines office for review. If approved, the Office of the Registrar will issue a Letter of Permission.
Students may take courses through the Western Dean's Agreement and submit a form through the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
To allow for the paperwork, requests for a Letter of Permission or a Western Dean's Agreement course should be made at least 1 month before the registration deadline at the institution where the student plans to complete the course. To receive credit for the course, an official transcript must be submitted to the CNHS office after the course is completed.
Transfer credit
Some students may have completed course work at other post-secondary institutions that is applicable to the Centre for Nursing and Health Studies (CNHS) graduate programs. Students seeking transfer credit are required to submit to the CNHS a written request including supporting rationale, official transcripts (if these were not submitted in support of their application for admission), detailed course descriptions and outlines for such courses, and appropriate fees.
Transfer credit application informationThe program director will review such work to determine if the student should be awarded transfer credit and/or "not to takes" for specific courses in the student's CNHS program. Only graduate-level courses that were successfully completed with a final grade of B (75%, or 3.0 on a 4-point scale) or higher within the last 10 years will be considered for transfer credit. Students may apply for transfer credit for up to 15 credits of graduate study from other post-secondary institutions in fulfillment of the program requirements. Transfer credit for 500-level courses in the nurse practitioner program must have been completed in the past 5 years.
Stale dating of courses
CNHS clinical courses (NURS 518, NURS 522, NURS 524, NURS 526, NURS 527, NURS 528, NURS 530, NURS 531, NURS 675, NURS 676, NURS 678) will be stale dated 5 years after completion in the Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner program. These courses will not be stale dated in the Master of Nursing – Generalist or Master of Health Studies program when a Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner learner changes to the Master of Nursing – Generalist program..
CNHS theory courses (i.e. all courses except those listed above) will not be stale dated; this applies for the Master of Health Studies, Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner, and Master of Nursing – Generalist programs.
Clinical Placement
FHD students in a clinical placement are bound by the Clinical Placement Misconduct Policy. Any actions or behaviours that fall under the scope of the university’s Academic Misconduct Policy, Non-Academic Misconduct Policy, or Academic Integrity Policy will continue to be dealt with under those policies.
Grade appeals
A student may appeal any grade assigned to written assignments or participation that contribute to the student’s final course grade. If appealing a grade assigned to group work, the entire group must submit the appeal and the entire group will receive the subsequent outcome of the remark. Appeals must be submitted within 30 days from the time that the students receive the mark for the assignment being appealed.
Face-to-face class presentations and demonstration examinations that cannot be reproduced in original format are not open to appeal on substantive grounds. The student shall determine whether the grounds of their appeal are substantive or procedural and follow the appropriate guidelines.
Academic grade appeals on substantive grounds
The student shall FIRST contact the course instructor who assigned the grade to discuss the grade in question. If the student is dissatisfied with the outcome of the meeting with the course instructor, the student shall forward the Appeal Request Form and provide the reason for the appeal as well as include all additional information or documentation you wish to have considered to the CNHS graduate administrative assistant at cnhsgrad@athabascau.ca.
The program director will review submitted documentation and determine if there are grounds for an appeal. If so, the program director or designate will forward the written assignment/examination to a second marker who is familiar with the course and assignment/examination expectations, but who is unaware of the grade originally assigned to the assignment/examination or the feedback of the original marker provided.
The assignment/examination will be remarked and the grade awarded communicated to the student within 1 month of the request for remarking. The appeal of a grade, and subsequent remarking, will result in 1 of 3 possible outcomes: (1) the grade remains the same; (2) the grade is raised; (3) the grade is lowered. The resulting grade will be the grade that is used to calculate the student’s final, composite grade in the course whether that grade is higher, lower, or the same.
If the student is dissatisfied with the result of the remarking, the student may appeal in writing to the dean of the Faculty of Health Disciplines within 1 month of the second marking. The student must specify in detail the reasons for making the appeal and enclose all additional information or documentation they wish to be considered. The dean shall review the case, consulting as needed with faculty, staff, the student concerned, and other persons they consider appropriate.
The dean shall inform the student in writing of the decision within 1 month of the appeal. The dean’s decision of an appeal on substantive academic grounds shall be final. A copy of the correspondence will be kept in the student’s file.
Academic appeal on procedural grounds
For information related to appeals on procedural grounds please consult with the program director, or reference the Athabasca University Calendar Student Code of Conduct and Right to Appeal Regulations.
A non-refundable convenience charge will be charged when using Visa or Mastercard to pay student fees. American Express is no longer an accepted method of payment. For more information on the convenience charge, please visit the Financial Services website.
The following fees are effective for courses starting Sep. 1, 2022 to Aug. 31, 2023. All fees are quoted in Canadian dollars and are subject to change. Academic-related fees are exempt from the Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST). GST is added to all other goods and services, for example, workshops, some publications, self-help seminars, and Athabasca University promotional sales items.
The following fees apply to all CNHS graduate programs and courses, unless specifically noted otherwise.
Course tuition fees (includes all required materials)
Students living in Canada | $1,7661 |
Students living outside Canada | $1,9981 |
1The course tuition fees include a Course Administration and Technology Fee of $55, a Course Materials Fee of $33, and Athabasca University Graduate Students Association (AUGSA) Fees of $13 per credit.
Students applying for financial assistance should apply for funding a minimum of 3 months before the applicable course registration deadline.
Estimated program tuition cost for MN and MHS students (2022–2023):
The total tuition cost for a student living in Canada who takes all courses from Athabasca University would be $19,426 ($1,766 x 11 three-credit course equivalents). AUGSA fees are included in this calculation. Application and admission fees are not included in the above calculation.
Other fees
Transfer Credit Evaluation Fee | $309/course |
Course Extension Fee | $297 |
Continuation Fee | $1,727 |
Letter of Permission Fee | $88 |
Western Deans' Agreement Administration Fee (non-AU visiting students) | $250/course |
Comprehensive Examination Fee (repeats) | $297 |
AU Graduate Student Association Fee (per credit): | $13 |
Course Withdrawal Processing Fee2 | $402 |
2The Course Withdrawal Processing Fee is a mandatory administrative fee charged when a student withdraws from a course. For early withdrawal only, the student will be refunded the full course tuition fees less the Course Withdrawal Processing Fee. Refer to course withdrawal.
Special course related fees
NURS 518 Laboratory Fee: | $1,058 |
MHST/NURS 720 (12 credit course) is 4 times the regular Course Registration Fee, plus applicable AUGSA Fees. |
Fee information effective Sep. 1, 2022 to Aug. 31, 2023.
A non-refundable convenience charge will be charged when using Visa or Mastercard to pay student fees. American Express is no longer an accepted method of payment. For more information on the convenience charge, please visit the Financial Services website.
The following fees are effective for courses starting Sep. 1, 2023 to Aug. 31, 2024. All fees are quoted in Canadian dollars and are subject to change. Academic-related fees are exempt from the Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST). GST is added to all other goods and services, for example, workshops, some publications, self-help seminars, and Athabasca University promotional sales items.
The following fees apply to all CNHS graduate programs and courses, unless specifically noted otherwise.
Course tuition fees (includes all required materials)
Students living in Canada | $1,8611 |
Students living outside Canada | $2,1061 |
1The course tuition fees include a Course Administration and Technology Fee of $58, a Course Materials Fee of $35, and Athabasca University Graduate Students Association (AUGSA) Fees of $13 per credit.
Students applying for financial assistance should apply for funding a minimum of 3 months before the applicable course registration deadline.
Estimated program tuition cost for MN and MHS students (2023–2024):
The total tuition cost for a student living in Canada who takes all courses from Athabasca University would be $20,471 ($1,861 x 11 three-credit course equivalents). AUGSA fees are included in this calculation. Application and admission fees are not included in the above calculation.
Other fees
Transfer Credit Evaluation Fee | $325/course |
Course Extension Fee | $312 |
Continuation Fee | $1,822 |
Letter of Permission Fee | $93 |
Western Deans' Agreement Administration Fee (non-AU visiting students) | $250/course |
Comprehensive Examination Fee (repeats) | $312 |
AU Graduate Student Association Fee (per credit): | $13 |
Course Withdrawal Processing Fee2 | $423 |
2The Course Withdrawal Processing Fee is a mandatory administrative fee charged when a student withdraws from a course. For early withdrawal only, the student will be refunded the full course tuition fees less the Course Withdrawal Processing Fee. Refer to course withdrawal.
Special course related fees
NURS 518 Laboratory Fee: | $1,116 |
MHST/NURS 720 (12 credit course) is 4 times the regular Course Registration Fee, plus applicable AUGSA Fees. |
Fee information effective Sep. 1, 2023 to Aug. 31, 2024.
Helpful links and resources:
Updated April 06, 2023 by Office of the Registrar (calendar@athabascau.ca)