School of Health Administration

Dalhousie University

MHA Thesis Stream

Application Deadlines

Deadline for September entry:
January 31st

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MHA Graduate Handbook 2024-25 - [PDF - 2Mb]

 

Aligned with Certified Health Executive Designation

Launch Your Health Systems Research Career

The MHA Thesis Stream is a powerful opportunity to work with the outstanding School of Health Administration Research Labs.  Under the direct supervision of exceptional faculty, you will enhance your research skills and build a publication record.  The Thesis Stream is particularly valuable for students who intend to pursue a PhD, or work in research-related roles.

Key features of our Program:

A Research Powerhouse

Your curriculum will be designed by leaders in international health systems research, and informed by innovative best practices across the sector.

 

The ELEMENT Mentor Scheme

A one-to-one connection with a serving healthcare leader, to review your goals, overcome challenges and discuss career progression.


CHE Designation

Your program fulfils requirements for the Certified Health Executive designation, providing your fast-track to this benchmark of quality within Canadian health leadership.

 

A 4-Month Residency

A bespoke placement, arranged for you, with a senior health leader. Experience innovation in action and develop meaningful leadership experience.

 

A LEADS Affiliated Program

Your education will be mapped to Canada's preeminent health leadership framework, enabling seamless transition to health systems across the nation.

 

The Nova Scotia Advantage

Live, learn and grow in Halifax, Nova Scotia: the best of the city with the beauty of the ocean, and a world-class University to call home.

 

How Does The Thesis Stream Work?

Thesis Stream students apply for the core Master of Health Administration program, following the same procedures as all other applicants. 

Once you are accepted onto the program, our Faculty will share the details of the current Thesis projects.  You will be able to meet with the project leads to discuss each opportunity, before choosing which to apply for.  In the meantime, you will continue through your first term courses (as listed below). 

You will be notified about acceptance to the Thesis Stream late in the Fall of your first term, and either move into the Thesis Stream in the Winter, or continue with the core Master of Health Administration program. 

Thesis Stream Program Details

Note that while the core MHA is a 16 month program, Thesis Stream students will almost always graduate later than their core MHA counterparts.  Furthermore, although the course load is extremely similar, the Thesis Stream is not a CAHME-Accredited program.  

The Residency usually runs from May to August

Term 4 - September to December

Term 6 - May to August

Term 1

Term 2

Residency

The Residency usually runs from May to August

Term 4

Term 4 - September to December

Term 5

Term 6

Term 6 - May to August

Admission Requirements & Process

You will apply for this program through the Faculty of Graduate Studies, who then forward your application to the School of Health Administration for detailed consideration.

All candidates must satisfy the general requirements for admission to the Faculty of Graduate Studies; a 4-year bachelor degree (honours or equivalent), with a minimum B+ average (3.3 GPA)

B+ average (3.3 GPA) is the MINIMUM accepted to be considered for entrance in the Master of Health of Adminsitration.

In addition to this, all applicants must complete the GMAT, achieving a minimum score of 515.  Candidates applying for the JD/MHA program may use the LSAT.  Candidates who cannot access the GMAT may use the GRE as an alternative.  Please don't hesitate to get in touch with any questions about this requirement.

Your application will be forwarded to the School for consideration.  Exceptional candidates may be offered a place through our early admission process. From early April we reach out to all applicants with initial decisions, and continue to consider new applications until the cohort is complete.  We therefore actively encourage you to apply as early as possible, rather than waiting for the formal deadlines.

Your application package should include:

  • the completed application form
  • original transcripts of all previous academic work (1 copy, B+ average)
  • at least 2 academic letters of reference
  • resume/curriculum vitae
  • a statement of career interests and reasons for applying to the MHA program
  • evidence of GMAT (minimum score 550), or equivalent - see note above.
  • for international students: proof of English language proficiency, in line with FGS guidance.  This does not replace the need for the GMAT.

Full details on the requirements, and how to submit them to the Faculty of Graduate Studies, can be found here.

Admission

You will apply for this program through the Faculty of Graduate Studies, who then forward your application to the School of Health Administration for detailed consideration.

All candidates must satisfy the general requirements for admission to the Faculty of Graduate Studies; a 4-year bachelor degree (honours or equivalent), with a minimum B+ average (3.3 GPA)

GPA

B+ average (3.3 GPA) is the MINIMUM accepted to be considered for entrance in the Master of Health of Adminsitration.

GMAT Requirement

In addition to this, all applicants must complete the GMAT, achieving a minimum score of 515.  Candidates applying for the JD/MHA program may use the LSAT.  Candidates who cannot access the GMAT may use the GRE as an alternative.  Please don't hesitate to get in touch with any questions about this requirement.

Consideration

Your application will be forwarded to the School for consideration.  Exceptional candidates may be offered a place through our early admission process. From early April we reach out to all applicants with initial decisions, and continue to consider new applications until the cohort is complete.  We therefore actively encourage you to apply as early as possible, rather than waiting for the formal deadlines.

Application Package

Your application package should include:

  • the completed application form
  • original transcripts of all previous academic work (1 copy, B+ average)
  • at least 2 academic letters of reference
  • resume/curriculum vitae
  • a statement of career interests and reasons for applying to the MHA program
  • evidence of GMAT (minimum score 550), or equivalent - see note above.
  • for international students: proof of English language proficiency, in line with FGS guidance.  This does not replace the need for the GMAT.

Full details on the requirements, and how to submit them to the Faculty of Graduate Studies, can be found here.

The MHA Residency

The residency is a pivotal component of the Master of Health Administration (MHA) program.  We will match you with a senior health executive to serve as your preceptor through-out the 4-month placement which is tailored to your career goals. 

Part-time students can complete their residency in a number of ways, often working with a past or current employer to develop their leadership skills. 

Host organizations may include, but are not limited to, the Department of Health, district and regional health organizations and other public-sector organizations.

Where next?

You can use the following links to learn more about the key elements of the program, but please don't hesitate to reach out with questions healthadmin@al.ca, or to sign up for an online Open House.