Overview
Prepare for a leadership position in the health system with Athabasca University's Master of Health Studies. This online program will give you the skills to anticipate future directions in health services, and provide leadership in:
- planning
- implementation
- evaluation
- change management
- policy development
You will also learn how to develop successful research and project proposals. If you're interested in teaching, a teaching focus route is available.
Why take the Master of Health Studies?
The rapid pace of change in health services requires health professionals to be leaders, equipped to address new challenges. The MHS will prepare you to take on these challenges.
Application deadlines and start dates
| Application deadline | Start date |
| March 1 | Sept. |
| July 1 | Jan. |
| Nov. 1 | May |
The Master of Health Studies is a 33-credit online graduate program. You must complete at least 18 credits through Athabasca University.
There are 3 intakes each year: in Sept., Jan. and May.
Application deadlines All courses are online grouped study, with defined start and end dates.
Routes and options
You can choose from a course or thesis-based route with the option of a teaching or leadership focus. A health research focus is also available in the course-based route only.
Learn more about Master of Health Studies routes Completion times
You can take up to 7 years to complete all requirements.
Tuition and fees
Understanding how higher education fees and tuition are calculated is important to ensure you stay within your budget and make informed decisions.
Financial aid and awards
We're dedicated to supporting your academic goals and committed to helping you overcome financial barriers by providing many funding and award options.
Explore financial aid and awards Fees
The following fees are effective for courses starting Sep. 1, 2024, to Aug. 31, 2025. 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.
program application and admission fees | Program application fee (non-refundable) required each time a person applies to a program: | $197 |
| Program admission fee (payable upon acceptance into the program and non-refundable) | $255 |
| Non-program application fee (non-refundable) | $124 |
fees for students in canada and out | Students living in Canada | $1,8661 |
| Students living outside Canada | $2,1111 |
1The course tuition fees include a Course Administration and Technology fee of $58, a Course Materials fee of $37, and Athabasca University Graduate Students Association (AUGSA) fees of $14 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 $20,526 ($1,866 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
Other fees | Transfer credit evaluation Fee | $334/course |
| Course extension fee (this fee applies to extensions of all FHD graduate courses, regardless of credit weight) | $334 |
| Continuation fee | $1,822 |
| Letter of Permission fee | $100 |
| Western Deans' Agreement Administration fee (non-AU visiting students) | $250/course |
| Comprehensive examination fee (repeats) | $334 |
| AU Graduate Student Association fee (per credit): | $14 |
| Course withdrawal processing fee2 | $453 |
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
lab 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, 2024, to Aug. 31, 2025.
Courses
In the Master of Health Studies program, you'll start with core courses that lay the foundational knowledge in health disciplines and inquiry methods. As you advance, you'll have the flexibility to choose from a diverse range of curriculum courses, covering everything from leadership roles in health to policy analysis, allowing you to tailor your education to your professional interests.
To complete the program you will need to fulfill all the general requirements of the Master of Health Studies.
Our program regulations plans can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program. If you’re feeling stuck, our academic advisors can help.
Program regulations
Courses to explore
Below are some of the courses that our students take in this program. Please consult an advisor to confirm any course planning, as some of these courses may not apply to you.
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Career options
After completing the Master of Health Studies program, you'll be well-equipped to step into leadership roles within a variety of health care settings, such as hospitals, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Your newfound expertise in planning, implementation, and policy development will also open doors to roles like healthcare administrator, health policy analyst, or even an educator in health disciplines.
Some possible careers could include:
- health care administrator
- health policy analyst
- clinical manager
- public health advisor
- health services manager
- health educator
- research coordinator
- community health organizer
- health promotion specialist
- health care consultant