Master of Applied Health Services Research - Professional Stream
Halifax Regional Municipality, Canada
Master degree
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
02 Jul 2026
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
CAD 16,388 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
* Includes Program Tuition and Mandatory Fees
Key Summary
The recent global pandemic highlighted the ever-increasing need for evidence-based / research-driven decision-making in critical health services. Professionals with an appreciation of the determinants of health, policy expertise, exceptional communication skills, and advanced qualitative and quantitative research knowledge will possess a distinct competitive advantage in a wide range of health-related disciplines.
The MAHSR - Professional stream program is an interdisciplinary graduate program aimed at developing and enhancing leadership abilities, professional skills, and research capabilities in the realm of health services, regardless of whether you have a background in the healthcare industry or research experience.
Our one-year program offers a fast track to your graduate degree in applied health services research. You'll immerse yourself in an intensive two-term course schedule, followed by a hands-on four-month residency or capstone project, culminating in your well-deserved graduation within three semesters.
The Benefits of MAHSR Professional Program
- Obtain your master’s degree from a top-ranked Canadian university (Saint Mary’s was recently ranked #3 in Canada).
- Web-based courses allow for a flexible graduate education that is both accessible and challenging. Enjoy the best of both worlds with interactive seminar-style sessions through synchronous learning.
- Applied learning opportunities within a practicum or capstone project allow students to hone real-world, in-demand skills and build their professional networks.
- Global Opportunities: Unlock boundless career possibilities worldwide, as you become a sought-after expert in health services research.
Professional Stream
Semester 1 (Fall)
- AHSR 6000: Introduction to Health Services Research
- AHSR 6004: Determinants of Health: Healthy Public Policy
- AHSR 6001: Canadian Health System
Workshop - 3 days virtual Workshop
Semester 2 (Winter)
- Select at least one (1) of the following:
- AHSR 6008: Advanced Qualitative Methods
- AHSR 6009: Advanced Quantitative Methods
- Select four (4) electives from the following:
- AHSR 6005: Policy and Decision Making
- AHSR 6007: Knowledge Transfer and Research Uptake
- AHSR 6826-6849: Special Topics
- AHSR 6011: Indigenous Health
- AHSR 6012: Big Data in Health Care
- AHSR 6120: Residency or AHSR 6299: Applied Health Services Research Capstone Project
The learning outcomes of this program include:
- Development of a critical mass of health services researchers who conduct applied health services research;
- Proficiency in interdisciplinary methodologies;
- Understanding of how to communicate research to decision-makers such that it is used in public policy development.
Financial Support
Full-time students admitted to the program may be eligible for funding administered by Saint Mary’s University. Funding recommendations are made by the program. All successful applicants are automatically considered for graduate funding. Students are encouraged to apply for external scholarships. In addition, student may be eligible for teaching assistantships offered through contributing departments and the CN Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.
MAHSR-Professional is delivered through the Atlantic Regional Training Centre (ARTC) - a collaborative venture among four Atlantic Canada universities - Saint Mary's University, Memorial University of Newfoundland, the University of New Brunswick, and the University of Prince Edward Island.
MAHSR-Professional features synchronous and asynchronous web-based courses that are used to provide a similar learning environment with standardized course content. Generally, a student's study time will take place in front of a computer using the Brightspace platform to access course information, submit assignments and interact with the instructor and other students.
Students also can complete a Students undertake a 240 hour research residency with a decision-making organization. The residency is designed to provide hands-on research and decision-making experience, and to develop and understanding of how knowledge is transferred between the academic community and decision-makers.