The Department of Sciences offers two dynamic, research-intensive graduate programs. Choose from two specializations, including the Master of Science in Health Sciences (MSc) or the Master of Arts in Community Health (MA). Both programs are designed to be flexible and student-focused, combining advanced coursework with hands-on, original research tailored to your interests. You will work closely with expert faculty mentors in a collaborative, transdisciplinary environment that fosters innovation and academic excellence. Whether you are preparing for a career in research, academia, or professional practice, these 2-year (6-term) programs provide you with the theoretical knowledge, methodological skills, and scientific expertise needed to lead in your field.
Message from the Graduate Program Director

Rebecca MacPherson, PhD
Graduate Program director and Associate Professor
Graduate studies are an opportunity to explore the questions that interest you most and develop the skills to become an independent researcher. In our program, you’ll work closely with faculty mentors, engage with innovative research, and gain hands-on experience designing and conducting research in health sciences.
Our MSc in Health Sciences and MA in Community Health are thesis-based programs that combine graduate coursework with an original research project developed with the guidance and mentorship of a faculty supervisor. Whether your interests lie in health sciences, community health, health promotion, or related areas, you’ll have the opportunity to build your expertise and shape your research path.
If you have questions about the program, please reach out at [email protected]. I look forward to connecting with you.
Rebecca MacPherson
Graduate Program Director
CONTACT INFORMATION
905-688-5550 x6620
[email protected]
Joanna Amodeo
Graduate Program Coordinator (MSc and MA)
CONTACT INFORMATION
905-688-5550 x4792
[email protected]
The Master of Arts in Community Health and the Master of Science in Health Sciences provide students with a mix of coursework and laboratory experience in a specialized area of health sciences. Students receive a unique educational experience which combines mentorship by a faculty supervisor and extensive small group work with fellow students and faculty from within the Department of Health Sciences and the other academic departments in the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences. Students gain in-depth training, knowledge and research experience through their thesis work while also benefiting from the broad, cross-disciplinary approach offered in the coursework. The advanced curriculum and strong research experience are intended to prepare students to continue their graduate training at the doctoral level. Students will also be prepared to pursue a wide variety of career possibilities in health sciences and other health-related disciplines.
In the MA program, students can engage in topics ranging from health education, health advocacy, policy development, and health promotion. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in education and teaching, wellness & community health programming, health promotion, public policy and advocacy.
In the MSc program, students can engage in topics ranging from physiology, nutrition, pharmacology, as well as social, cultural and ethical aspects of health. Graduates are well-prepared for doctoral studies or research-oriented careers in academia, healthcare, or industry, including, public and non-profit research scientists.
Successful completion of a four-year Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, from an accredited university in a related discipline, with an average of not less than 75% over the last two years of full-time undergraduate study.
If you satisfy these criteria, prospective students should contact potential supervisors to evaluate research fit and supervisor capacity to accept new students.
Next, complete the online application and submit the non-refundable application fee. The application will include transcripts, 2 references (academic preferred) and a statement of intent. The statement should be a free-form letter or essay of no more than two pages in length, in which applicants indicate their career aspirations/plans, specific research interests, and experience relevant to the program.
APPLICATIONS DUE: February 15th; Please note that applications are accepted until the program is full.
Applications may be considered after the deadline on a first-come, first-served basis until the program is full. International applicants interested in applying after the posted application deadline should contact the program for details on availability.
Full time graduate students in this program are typically awarded Graduate Fellowships and/or Graduate Assistantships (Teaching Assistants and Research Assistant positions). In addition, there are both internal and external funding opportunities to provide competitive graduate funding packages. See a list of opportunities at the link below.
LINK: https://brocku.ca/graduate-studies/scholarships-awards/
Core Faculty

Panagiota (Nota) Klentrou, PhD, FCSEP
Distinguished Professor and Dean, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences
Contact Information
905 688 5550 x4538
[email protected]

Paul Leblanc
Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies
View Paul’s Biography
Contact Information
905 688 5550 x4216
[email protected]


