Anticipated date for this program to receive its first cohort is September 1, 2026.
Summary
- Degree offered: Master of Science (MSc)
- Registration status option: Full-time
- Language of instruction:
- English
- French
- Program option (expected duration of the program):
- with thesis (6 full-time terms; 24 consecutive months)
- Academic units: Faculty of Health Sciences, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences.
Program Description
The MSc in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences challenges students to examine complex issues related to human health, disability, and disease through an interdisciplinary lens. The program emphasizes the critical interactions between biological, psychosocial and behavioral determinants of health across the lifespan.
Other Programs Offered Within the Same Discipline or in a Related Area
- Master of Science Interdisciplinary Health Sciences
- Master of Science Interdisciplinary Health Sciences with Concentration Technologies and Innovation in Health Sciences
- Master of Science Interdisciplinary Health Sciences with Concentration Integrative Health Biosciences
- Doctorate in Philosophy Population Health
Fees and Funding
- Program fees:
The estimated amount for university fees associated with this program are available under the section Finance your studies.
International students enrolled in a French-language program of study may be eligible for a differential tuition fee exemption.
- To learn about possibilities for financing your graduate studies, consult the Awards and financial support section.
Notes
- Programs are governed by the academic regulations in effect for graduate studies.
- In accordance with the University of Ottawa regulation, students have the right to complete their assignments, examinations, research papers, and theses in French or in English.
Program Contact Information
Academic Office, Faculty of Health Sciences
125 University Private, Room 242
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
K1N 6N5
Email: healthsc@uOttawa.ca
For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the specific requirements webpage.
To be eligible, candidates must:
- Hold an honours bachelor’s degree with a minimum average of 70% (B), calculated in accordance with graduate studies guidelines.
- Note: International candidates must check the admission equivalencies for the diploma they received in their country of origin.
- The candidates’ previous studies must include a university-level statistics course.
- For MSc with thesis option, identify at least one professor who is willing to supervise your research and thesis. We recommend that you contact potential thesis supervisors as soon as possible.
Language requirements
Applicants must be able to understand and fluently speak the language of instruction (French or English) in the program to which they are applying.
Applicants whose first language is neither French nor English must provide proof of proficiency in the language of instruction.
Note: Candidates are responsible for any fees associated with the language tests.
Notes
- The admission requirements listed above are minimum requirements and do not guarantee admission to the program.
- Admissions are governed by the academic regulations in effect for graduate studies.
- At the time of admission, the Admissions Committee will determine whether the candidate needs to complete any additional courses (maximum of 9 course units) beyond the basic program requirements in order to strengthen his or her knowledge in a specific area.
Master’s with Thesis
Students must meet the following requirements:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Courses: | ||
| HSS 6101 Interdisciplinary Health Science Research Frameworks and Study Design | 1.5 Units | |
| HSS 6110 Population and Public Health | 1.5 Units | |
| HSS 6111 Advanced Methods for Population Health Research | 1.5 Units | |
| Seminars: | ||
| HSS 6102 Interdisciplinary Health Research Communication and Knowledge Translation | 1.5 Units | |
| Optional Courses: | ||
| 3 optional course units from: | 3 Units | |
HSS 6103 Qualitative Research Methods and Analysis in Health Sciences | ||
HSS 6104 Quantitative Research Methods and Analysis in Health Sciences | ||
HSS 6105 Mixed Methods Research and Analysis in Health Sciences | ||
| 1.5 optional course units from: | 1.5 Units | |
HSS 6106 Health Technologies and Innovation | ||
HSS 6108 Integrative Health Biosciences | ||
| Thesis Proposal: | ||
| HSS 6997 | Thesis Proposal | |
| Thesis: | ||
| THM 7999 | Master's Thesis 1,2 | |
Note(s)
- 1
Students are responsible for ensuring they have met all of the thesis requirements.
- 2
The thesis topic must be aligned to the concentration, as approved by members of the thesis advisory committee.
Fast-Track from Master’s to PhD
Only students enrolled in a master’s program with Thesis at the University of Ottawa may be eligible to fast-track directly into the doctoral program in Population Health without writing a master’s thesis. For additional information, please consult the “Admission Requirements” section of the PhD program.
Research Fields & Facilities
Located in the heart of Canada’s capital, a few steps away from Parliament Hill, the University of Ottawa is among Canada’s top 10 research universities.
uOttawa focuses research strengths and efforts in four Strategic Areas of Research:
- Creating a sustainable environment
- Advancing just societies
- Shaping the digital world
- Enabling lifelong health and wellness
With cutting-edge research, our graduate students, researchers and educators strongly influence national and international priorities.
Research at the Faculty of Health Sciences
Research at the Faculty involves many important aspects of health, including women's health, health in the elderly, health needs of francophones in a minority context, Aboriginal health, physical activity and health, multiple interventions in population health, palliative care, rehabilitation and functional autonomy, health and technology, and evidence based practice.
The Faculty of Health Sciences is involved in the following Research Centres and Institutes:
- LIFE Research Institute
- Music and Health Research Institute
- Centre for Research on Health and Nursing
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health
The Faculty of Health Sciences has strong collaborations with the region’s hospital-affiliated research institutes:
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
- The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute
- The Bruyère Research Institute
- The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research
- L’Institut du Savoir Montfort
- University of Ottawa Heart Institut
For more information, refer to the list of faculty members and their research fields on Uniweb.
IMPORTANT: Candidates and students looking for professors to supervise their thesis or research project can also consult the website of the faculty or department of their program of choice. Uniweb does not list all professors authorized to supervise research projects at the University of Ottawa.
HSS 5901 Perspectives interdisciplinaires en sciences de la santé / Interdisciplinary Perspectives in Health Sciences (3 crédits / 3 units)
Perspectives théoriques et empiriques sur les processus biologiques, comportementaux et sociaux qui opèrent de façon indépendante, cumulative et interactive au cours de la vie pour influencer le développement de la santé, de la maladie, du handicap et du bien-être. Étude des théories actuelles et évaluation critique des évidences empiriques supportant chacune de celles-ci dans différents domaines de la santé. / Theoretical and empirical perspectives on the biological, behavioural and social processes that operate from conception to death independently, cumulatively and interactively to influence the development of health, disease, disability and well being. Examination of current theories and critical appraisal of the empirical evidence supporting each of these theories in different areas of health.
Volet / Course Component: Cours magistral / Lecture
Prerequiste: passive knowledge of French. HSS 5902 is corequisite to HSS 5901.
HSS 59011 Perspectives interdisciplinaires en sciences de la santé (Partie 1 de 2) / Interdisciplinary Perspectives in Health Sciences (Part 1 of 2)
Perspectives théoriques et empiriques sur les processus biologiques, comportementaux et sociaux qui opèrent de façon indépendante, cumulative et interactive au cours de la vie pour influencer le développement de la santé, de la maladie, du handicap et du bien-être. Étude des théories actuelles et évaluation critique des évidences empiriques supportant chacune de celles-ci dans différents domaines de la santé. (Partie 1 de 2) / Theoretical and empirical perspectives on the biological, behavioural and social processes that operate from conception to death independently, cumulatively and interactively to influence the development of health, disease, disability and well being. Examination of current theories and critical appraisal of the empirical evidence supporting each of these theories in different areas of health. (Part 1 of 2)
Volet / Course Component: Cours magistral / Lecture
Préalable: connaissance passive de l’anglais. HSS 59021 est concomitant à HSS 59011. / Prerequiste: passive knowledge of French. HSS 59021 is corequisite to HSS 59011.
HSS 59012 Perspectives interdisciplinaires en sciences de la santé (Partie 2 de 2) / Interdisciplinary Perspectives in Health Sciences (Part 2 of 2) (3 crédits / 3 units)
Perspectives théoriques et empiriques sur les processus biologiques, comportementaux et sociaux qui opèrent de façon indépendante, cumulative et interactive au cours de la vie pour influencer le développement de la santé, de la maladie, du handicap et du bien-être. Étude des théories actuelles et évaluation critique des évidences empiriques supportant chacune de celles-ci dans différents domaines de la santé. (Partie 2 de 2) / Theoretical and empirical perspectives on the biological, behavioural and social processes that operate from conception to death independently, cumulatively and interactively to influence the development of health, disease, disability and well being. Examination of current theories and critical appraisal of the empirical evidence supporting each of these theories in different areas of health. (Part 2 of 2)
Volet / Course Component: Cours magistral / Lecture
Préalable: connaissance passive de l’anglais, HSS 59011. HSS 59022 est concomitant à HSS 59012. / Prerequisite passive knowledge of French, HSS 59011. HSS 59022 is corequisite to HSS 59012.
HSS 5902 Méthodes de recherche interdisciplinaire et statistique en sciences de la santé / Interdisciplinary Research Methods and Statistics in Health Sciences (3 crédits / 3 units)
Étude des différentes méthodes de recherche (qualitatives, quantitatives et de laboratoire) et des modèles statistiques qui peuvent servir à identifier, définir, mesurer et résoudre des problèmes de santé complexes. Il s'agira de démontrer comment certains modèles/méthodes permettent de mettre en évidence la contribution des processus biologiques, comportementaux et sociaux dans le développement de la santé. / Study of the different research methods (qualitative, quantitative and laboratory) and statistical models used for identifying, defining, measuring, evaluating and mitigating complex health problems. Involves demonstrating how certain methods/models can be used to highlight the contribution of biological, behavioural and social processes to the development of health.
Volet / Course Component: Cours magistral / Lecture
Prerequiste: passive knowledge of French. HSS 5901 is corequisite to HSS 5902.
HSS 59021 Méthodes de recherche interdisciplinaire et statistique en sciences de la santé (Partie 1 de 2) / Interdisciplinary Research Methods and Statistics in Health Sciences (Part 1 of 2)
Étude des différentes méthodes de recherche (qualitatives, quantitatives et de laboratoire) et des modèles statistiques qui peuvent servir à identifier, définir, mesurer et résoudre des problèmes de santé complexes. Il s'agira de démontrer comment certains modèles/méthodes permettent de mettre en évidence la contribution des processus biologiques, comportementaux et sociaux dans le développement de la santé. (Partie 1 de 2) / Study of the different research methods (qualitative, quantitative and laboratory) and statistical models used for identifying, defining, measuring, evaluating and mitigating complex health problems. Involves demonstrating how certain methods/models can be used to highlight the contribution of biological, behavioural and social processes to the development of health. (Part 1 of 2)
Volet / Course Component: Cours magistral / Lecture
Préalable: connaissance passive de l’anglais. HSS 59011 est concomitant à HSS 59021. / Prerequiste: passive knowledge of French. HSS 59011 is corequisite to HSS 59021.
HSS 59022 Méthodes de recherche interdisciplinaire et statistique en sciences de la santé (Partie 1 de 2) / Interdisciplinary Research Methods and Statistics in Health Sciences (Part 2 of 2) (3 crédits / 3 units)
Étude des différentes méthodes de recherche (qualitatives, quantitatives et de laboratoire) et des modèles statistiques qui peuvent servir à identifier, définir, mesurer et résoudre des problèmes de santé complexes. Il s'agira de démontrer comment certains modèles/méthodes permettent de mettre en évidence la contribution des processus biologiques, comportementaux et sociaux dans le développement de la santé. (Partie 1 de 2) / Study of the different research methods (qualitative, quantitative and laboratory) and statistical models used for identifying, defining, measuring, evaluating and mitigating complex health problems. Involves demonstrating how certain methods/models can be used to highlight the contribution of biological, behavioural and social processes to the development of health. (Part 2 of 2)
Volet / Course Component: Cours magistral / Lecture
Préalable: connaissance passive de l’anglais, HSS 59021. HSS 59012 est concomitant à HSS 59022. / Prerequiste: passive knowledge of French, HSS 59021. HSS 59012 is corequisite to HSS 59022.
HSS 5903 Séminaire de maîtrise I / Master's Seminar I (1.5 crédit / 1.5 unit)
Discussion concernant la manière dont les approches interdisciplinaires à la recherche et aux pratiques peuvent être utilisées dans l'application des connaissances aux problèmes de santé complexes. L'étudiant doit assister à six séminaires au cours de l'année et doit préparer un bref rapport sur les dits séminaires où il présente une vue d'ensemble de tous les séminaires. Noté S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant). / Discussion as to how interdisciplinary approaches to research and practice can be applied to complex health problems. Students must attend six seminars and prepare a summary report providing an overview of all the seminars attended. Graded S (Satisfactory) / NS (Not satisfactory).
Volet / Course Component: Séminaire / Seminar
Préalable : connaissance passive de l'anglais. / Prerequiste: passive knowledge of French.
HSS 59031 Séminaire de maîtrise I (Partie 1 de 2) / Master's Seminar I (Part 1 of 2)
Discussion concernant la manière dont les approches interdisciplinaires à la recherche et aux pratiques peuvent être utilisées dans l'application des connaissances aux problèmes de santé complexes. L'étudiant doit assister à six séminaires au cours de l'année et doit préparer un bref rapport sur les dits séminaires où il présente une vue d'ensemble de tous les séminaires. Noté S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant). (Partie 1 de 2) / Discussion as to how interdisciplinary approaches to research and practice can be applied to complex health problems. Students must attend six seminars and prepare a summary report providing an overview of all the seminars attended. Graded S (Satisfactory) / NS (Not satisfactory). (Part 1 of 2)
Volet / Course Component: Séminaire / Seminar
Préalable : connaissance passive de l'anglais. / Prerequiste: passive knowledge of French.
HSS 59032 Séminaire de maîtrise I (Partie 2 de 2) / Master's Seminar I (Part 2 of 2) (1.5 crédit / 1.5 unit)
Discussion concernant la manière dont les approches interdisciplinaires à la recherche et aux pratiques peuvent être utilisées dans l'application des connaissances aux problèmes de santé complexes. L'étudiant doit assister à six séminaires au cours de l'année et doit préparer un bref rapport sur les dits séminaires où il présente une vue d'ensemble de tous les séminaires. Noté S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant). Préalable : connaissance passive de l'anglais. (Partie 2 de 2) / Discussion as to how interdisciplinary approaches to research and practice can be applied to complex health problems. Students must attend six seminars and prepare a summary report providing an overview of all the seminars attended. Graded S (Satisfactory) / NS (Not satisfactory). Prerequiste: passive knowledge of French. (Part 2 of 2)
Volet / Course Component: Séminaire / Seminar
HSS 5904 Séminaire de maîtrise II / Master's Seminar II (1.5 crédit / 1.5 unit)
Discussion concernant la manière dont les approches interdisciplinaires à la recherche et aux pratiques peuvent être utilisées dans l'application des connaissances aux problèmes de santé complexes. En plus de présenter ses propres recherches dans un séminaire, l'étudiant doit assister à cinq autres séminaires au cours de l'année. Il doit préparer un bref rapport où il présente une vue d'ensemble de tous les séminaires. Noté S (satisfaisant) / NS (non satisfaisant). / Discussion as to how interdisciplinary approaches to research and practice can be applied to complex health problems. Students must present their research ideas at one seminar, attend five other seminars, and prepare a summary report providing an overview of all the seminars attended. Graded S (Satisfactory) / NS (Not satisfactory).
Volet / Course Component: Séminaire / Seminar
Préalable : connaissance passive de l'anglais / Prerequiste: passive knowledge of French.
HSS 59041 Séminaire de maîtrise II (Partie 1 de 2) / Master's Seminar II (Part 1 of 2)
Discussion concernant la manière dont les approches interdisciplinaires à la recherche et aux pratiques peuvent être utilisées dans l'application des connaissances aux problèmes de santé complexes. En plus de présenter ses propres recherches dans un séminaire, l'étudiant doit assister à cinq autres séminaires au cours de l'année. Il doit préparer un bref rapport où il présente une vue d'ensemble de tous les séminaires. Noté S (satisfaisant) / NS (non satisfaisant). (Partie 1 de 2) / Discussion as to how interdisciplinary approaches to research and practice can be applied to complex health problems. Students must present their research ideas at one seminar, attend five other seminars, and prepare a summary report providing an overview of all the seminars attended. Graded S (Satisfactory) / NS (Not satisfactory). (Part 1 of 2)
Volet / Course Component: Séminaire / Seminar
Préalable : connaissance passive de l'anglais / Prerequiste: passive knowledge of French.
HSS 59042 Séminaire de maîtrise II (Partie 2 de 2) / Master's Seminar II (Part 2 of 2) (1.5 crédit / 1.5 unit)
Discussion concernant la manière dont les approches interdisciplinaires à la recherche et aux pratiques peuvent être utilisées dans l'application des connaissances aux problèmes de santé complexes. En plus de présenter ses propres recherches dans un séminaire, l'étudiant doit assister à cinq autres séminaires au cours de l'année. Il doit préparer un bref rapport où il présente une vue d'ensemble de tous les séminaires. Noté S (satisfaisant) / NS (non satisfaisant). (Partie 2 de 2) / Discussion as to how interdisciplinary approaches to research and practice can be applied to complex health problems. Students must present their research ideas at one seminar, attend five other seminars, and prepare a summary report providing an overview of all the seminars attended. Graded S (Satisfactory) / NS (Not satisfactory). (Part 2 of 2)
Volet / Course Component: Séminaire / Seminar
HSS 5995 Études dirigées en sciences interdisciplinaires de la santé / Directed Studies in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences (3 crédits / 3 units)
Études individuelles conçues pour parfaire la formation de l'étudiant dans son champ de recherche. / Individual study designed to complement the student's knowledge related to his or her research area.
Volet / Course Component: Recherche / Research
Permission of the Department is required.
HSS 6912 Thèmes choisis en sciences interdisciplinaires de la santé / Selected Topics in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences (3 crédits / 3 units)
Analyse approfondie d'une problématique ou d'une question liée aux nouvelles tendances en recherche ou aux nouveaux thèmes de recherche en sciences interdisciplinaires de la santé. / In-depth examination of a question or topic linked to new trends or research areas in interdisciplinary health sciences.
Volet / Course Component: Cours magistral / Lecture
Préalable : Connaissance passive de l'anglais. / Prerequisite: Passive knowledge of French.
HSS 6997 Projet de thèse / Thesis Proposal
Volet / Course Component: Recherche / Research