Health Promotion (MA)
Study how social, environmental, and policy factors shape health.
Why choose this program?
Health is shaped by social, environmental, and policy factors. In the Master of Arts Health Promotion program, you learn how to study and strengthen health promotion through research and critical inquiry.
You’ll build a strong foundation in health promotion theory, research methods, and population health. The thesis‑based structure lets you explore a research question that matters to you, with guidance from faculty who work across health promotion, policy, and community health.
We support your learning through small classes and close supervision. You gain experience analyzing health issues, designing research, and communicating findings clearly. The program encourages you to think critically about health inequities and the systems that influence health outcomes.
This program is well suited if you want to deepen your research skills and prepare for roles in health promotion, policy, or further graduate study.
Careers
This program builds research and analysis skills you can use in health promotion, policy, and research settings. Your thesis experience supports evidence‑informed work across health systems and communities.
Graduates work in government, non‑profits, community organizations, and research environments. You learn to assess health needs, design and evaluate programs, and communicate findings to diverse audiences. Career paths vary based on your interests, experience, and the roles you pursue.
Program options
The Master of Arts in Health Promotion is offered as a thesis‑based program. You complete graduate‑level coursework and a research thesis under faculty supervision. The program is delivered in person and supports both full‑time and part‑time study.
All graduate programs at Dalhousie are collaboratively delivered by a home Faculty and the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Admission requirements
You'll need to meet the Faculty of Graduate Studies minimum requirements as well as any program-specific admission requirements before you can apply.
The next deadline to apply for this program is
For September admission: June 1 for Canadian applicants, April 1 for non-Canadian applicants
For January admission: October 31 for Canadian applicants, August 31 for non-Canadian applicants
Program-specific requirements
This program requires you to meet the following criteria:
- Completion of a four-year bachelor's degree from a recognized university.
- A 3.5 GPA in the final two years of undergraduate study.
- A reasonable match of research interests between a potential thesis advisor and the student.
- Completion of an introductory statistics course with a final grade of 'B' or better. (Stats course not required for MA Leisure students).
- Completion of a research methods course.
- Completion of a research methods course with a final grade of ‘B’ or better for MA, Leisure Studies.
- Previous research experience is an asset.
You'll need to meet the Faculty of Graduate Studies English language proficiency requirements before you an apply.
- Transcripts
- Reference letter
- Letter of intent
- Resume
- Writing sample
- e.g. A recently submitted term paper or submit a brief response to the questions outlined on the Additional Information Form [PDF-253KB].
- Completed Additional Information Form. [PDF-253KB]
One of the main aspects of the application is to have a potential supervisor. Applicants do not need to secure a supervisor before applying, but it is recommended to reach out to faculty members whose research interest aligns and see if they are interested to be a potential supervisor. Here’s a list of Health Promotions faculty.
Financial information
Questions about tuition and fees? Contact Student Accounts.
Email student.accounts@dal.ca or phone 902-494-3998.
