The videos below feature the field leader for the Applied Health Sciences program and answer some commonly asked questions in relations to program content, structure and research integration.

Applicants must meet the following admission requirements:

• An undergraduate degree from a recognized university
  • Minimum B average based on the last two years or 20 half credits of study
• Advanced computer skills
• Two references
  • One academic (if attended university within the last five years) and one professional
• Demonstrated English language proficiency, including both written and oral communication
• Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language by a satisfactory achievement within the last two years in one of the following: 
  
  • The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The minimum acceptable score is 105 (internet-based test); 620 (paper-based test); 260 (computer-based test). [Western's TOEFL ID is 0984]. 
  • The International English Language Testing Service (IELTS Academic). The minimum acceptable score is 7.5 out of 9. 
  • The Duolingo English Test.  The minimum acceptable score is 135.
• Applicants who are required to present evidence of proficiency in English must make their own arrangements to complete one of the above tests or programs and to have the official results sent directly to SGPS by the testing agency. 
• The English language proficiency requirements outlined above do not apply to students from Quebec 
• Completion of the Supplemental Questionnaire
• Evidence of prior work experience in a health-related field may strengthen the application

The Master’s Degree in Applied Health Sciences is designed by leaders in the fields of education and healthcare with input from students and employers. Over the course of study, students will learn to:

• Appraise the scope and complexity of the body of knowledge in health sciences and health care
• Differentiate among various facets of health sciences and explain their interconnections
• Value the interrelationships of health knowledge applied by different professions and disciplines
• Articulate one’s belief systems about professional practice and reflect on one’s individual behaviours
• Develop an understanding of the concepts of critical thinking and critical analysis, and appreciate how these approaches inform the examination of health and healthcare
• Defend the choice of research methodologies in examining, creating, and recommending health care alternatives
• Use appropriate research strategies to explore health information
• Synthesize complex knowledge in a rapidly evolving health-sciences evidence base
• Articulate verbally and in writing relevant arguments of complex issues grounded in ethical principles and practices
• Critically analyze health issues in light of new and existing knowledge and perspectives, through application to a range of health questions in variety of contexts
• Formulate new inferences based on critical analysis contribute to human health potential through critical understandings and appraisal of complex health information and Interprofessional and interdisciplinary health  contexts
• Reconcile one’s understandings of personal health values with those of others
• Act in accordance with one’s ethical and moral compass to reflect equity, fairness, and accountability for one’s behaviours articulate integrated understandings of health sciences to diverse audiences
• Formulate informed and convincing arguments within inter-professional and interdisciplinary teams
• Express value judgments with appreciation of others’ value systems critically appraise the inherent complexities of human health and health systems
• Evaluate the diversity of perspectives on health and health care

Through successful completion of this program, students will have demonstrated mastery of five key competencies outlined within the Capstone Experience:

1. Interprofessional Collaboration
2. Self-Awareness and Reflexivity
3. Critical Reasoning and Creative Problem-Solving
4. Evidence-based Leadership
5. Systems Thinking and Applied Expertise

What is the Capstone Experience?

The Capstone Experience consists of a non-clinical mentorship opportunity in a health setting. A minimum of 100 hours will be completed under the supervision of one or more approved mentors. The self-directed experience is unique to each learner and allows students to integrate theoretical and practical knowledge, skills and abilities while working towards developing chosen competencies including, interprofessional collaboration, self-awareness and reflexivity, critical reasoning and problem-solving, evidence-based leadership, systems thinking and applied expertise.  

Students will consult with their professional mentors and capstone advisor to determine the learning objectives and goals for the duration of the capstone experience. 

Students will identify potential mentorship opportunities in their own community, academic setting, and/or work environment. The mentor can be an individual from your own professional network. For example, some students who have employment in the health field have used the capstone experience as a professional development opportunity at their current place of employment, while others have found experiences in settings across the health sector from research, education, clinical, government/regulatory, or commercial (startups to large health companies). We have had students in the past work with physicians, physiotherapists, hospital administrators and even Canadian Blood Services, to name a few.  

Often these projects involve policy/program evaluations, policy/program development, quality improvement projects, data collection as part of research, scoping or systematic reviews, leadership/management experience.

Students work on their capstone throughout the year, enrolling the capstone course each term. The experience is unique to each learner and allows students to integrate theoretical and practical knowledge, skills and abilities while working towards developing chosen competencies.

What are some examples of Capstone projects?

Often these projects involve policy and/or program evaluations, policy and/or program development, quality improvement projects, data collection as part of research, scoping or systematic reviews, enhancing leadership/management experience. 

Examples of some previous projects:  

• Hospital Surge Planning for Vulnerable Populations
• Exploring the impact of social determinants of health on mental and physical well-being among African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) Communities in Canada – A Scoping Review
• Essential Care Partner Policy at a Regional Health Centre – VP of Clinical Transformation
• Developing a framework to support collaboration among partners in Innovation and Health Sciences
• Program evaluation of occupational therapy tiered service programming in SK and SK-attached classrooms

Who can I select as a capstone mentor?

Students will identify potential mentorship opportunities which are local to them within their own community, academic setting, and/or work environment. The mentor can be an individual from your own professional network. For example, some students who have employment in the health field have used the capstone experience as a professional development opportunity at their current place of employment, while others have found experiences in settings across the health sector from research, education, clinical, government/regulatory, or commercial (startups to large health companies). We have had students in the past work with physicians, physiotherapists, hospital administrators and researchers.  The Program Office and Academic leads will support you in this process and strategies on how to secure a mentor.

Where to look for a capstone mentor?

The capstone experience starts with searching for a mentor in a field that you are interested in. 

• Think of professional or non-professional contacts 
• Search sources like LinkedIn
• Email hospital or NGO volunteer offices
• Contact Western career services for advice
• Re-connect with peers from your previous studies

What is involved in being a Capstone mentor?

In addition to supervising your 100 hours, they must also attend a minimum of three meetings with you, the student, and Capstone Advisor (start, mid-point, and final check-ins). Your Capstone Advisor will be able to outline the criteria for an appropriate mentor and provide some guidance on how to find a mentor.  

Students will consult with their professional mentors and capstone advisor to determine the learning objectives and goals for the duration of the capstone experience. The professional mentor should expect to provide the learning opportunity; participate in defining learning outcomes, activities, and deliverables; and provide feedback at the midterm and final.

Can you complete your capstone experience at your place of work?

Yes, but the project must be separate from your paid activities.  

Is the Capstone Experience in person? 

Depending on the project, students’ Capstone Experiences may require varying levels of in-person activities; however, students participate in mentorship opportunities that are local to them within their own communities, workplaces, etc.  Students have also arranged for hybrid and remote options.

Does opting into the CHE designation affect the Capstone Experience?

If you opt in to the CHE, you must complete a CHE-designed capstone experience that includes: 

• Meeting regularly with your CHE mentor 
• Developing an organizational change, strategic planning or program evaluation project 
• Organizing and facilitating a program-wide leadership day in collaboration with the other CHE students 

Students who opt into the CHE stream, will be placed in a designated Capstone cohort where their Advisor will help ensure that their projects meet the criteria required for them to pursue their CHE designation.

The Master's Degree in Applied Health Sciences is designed to be completed full time over three academic terms (12 months).

The annual domestic tuition fee for this program is approximately $14,000 including ancillary fees (plus $2,100 mentor fee i.e. $700/term***) which is payable over three terms (September, January and May).

The annual international tuition fee for this program is approximately $37,000 including ancillary fees (plus $2,100 mentor fee i.e. $700/term***) which is payable over three terms (September, January and May).

These fees are subject to change and are set by Western University. Instructions for students paying tuition from a Canadian bank are available from the Office of the Registrar.

***Please note all fees including mentorship fees and course fees are currently under review and are subject to change and adjustment***

OSAP Eligible

For general program inquiries, please contact ahcp@uwo.ca.

As a student in Applied Health Sciences master's program, you're eligible for advanced standing toward the Certified Health Executive (CHE) designation.

The CHE is Canada's top professional leadership designation for healthcare leaders looking to expand their institutional leadership career.

Western is now a LEADS Canada certified learning provider supporting the CHE designation. The LEADS framework was established by the Canadian College of Health Leaders (CCHL) and addresses health leadership for individuals, organizations, and broader systems.

If you opt in to the CHE, you must complete the following:

• Submit a detailed project proposal by mid-September
• Complete APPLHSCI 9001 and APPLHSCI 9015
• Complete a LEADS 360 Assessment and 90-minute debriefing
• Complete a CHE-designed capstone experience that includes:
  • Meeting regularly with your CHE mentor
  • Developing an organizational change, strategic planning or program evaluation project
  • Organizing and facilitating a program-wide leadership day in collaboration with the other CHE students

For more information, email: ahcp@uwo.ca