Master of Applied Health Services Research (MAHSR)

The Master of Applied Health Services Research (MAHSR) is a unique collaborative program delivered through four universities:  

  1. Saint Mary’s University (SMU)
  2. University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI)
  3. University of New Brunswick (UNB)
  4. Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN)

The MAHSR is nested within a cooperative unit, the Atlantic Regional Training Centre (ARTC), that helps to coordinate activities among the participating universities and also facilitates building research capacity in applied health services in Atlantic Canada.

Its interdisciplinary approach to issues in health services research, prepares students with the necessary skills to tackle key issues in health service policy, administration, and delivery. This program is intended for students with little or no background in the healthcare field, and little or no experience in conducting research.  Since this program is offered through multiple institutional partners, synchronous and asynchronous web-based courses 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 (based out of Memorial University of Newfoundland) to access course information, submit assignments and interact with the instructor and other students.

The academic objectives of the Master of Applied Health Services Research are:

  • to provide graduate education at the Master’s level in applied health services research from an interdisciplinary perspective;
  • advance reciprocal arrangements between academic communities and decision-maker organizations which facilitate the use of evidence in policy decisions affecting the health of Atlantic Canadians; and
  • be the platform through which interchanges between decision-makers and health researchers, from academic communities, generate policy relevant research. 

The learning outcomes of this program include:

  • development of a critical mass of health services researchers who conduct applied health services research throughout Atlantic Canada;
  • proficiency in interdisciplinary methodologies, and
  • an understanding of how to communicate research to decision-makers such that it is used in public policy development.

The Master of Applied Health Services Research offers two innovative streams:

  1. Under the Thesis stream, candidates complete and present original, scholarly research under the supervision of a Faculty member and Supervisory Committee.  This is a two-year program.
  2. The Professional stream includes a range of relevant course work, culminating in either a Professional Residency or completion of an Applied Health Services Capstone project over the course of 1 year.

Admission Requirements

The MAHSR follows the general admission requirements and procedures of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research as outlined in the Graduate Academic Calendar. In addition, in order to be eligible to make an application for admission to the Program, applicants must have at a minimum:

  1. A Bachelor’s degree of four years or a Bachelor’s with Honours     
  2. A minimum GPA of 3.3 (on a 4.3 scale; equivalent to a “B+” on the undergraduate grading scheme at Saint Mary’s University) in their Bachelor’s degree. 

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.