MASTER OF SCIENCE IN HEALTH SCIENCE EDUCATION PROGRAM INFORMATION & ADMISSION REQUIRMENTS

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN HEALTH SCIENCE EDUCATION PROGRAM INFORMATION & ADMISSION REQUIRMENTS

MScHSEd Program Information ; 2 PROGRAM DECSCRIPTION The Master of Science in Health Science Education Program (MScHSEd) is a brand- new Master s level program offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster. The program is targeted to both health care practitioners (clinical educators) as well as applicants from diverse non- practitioner backgrounds (including but not limited to psychology, sociology, kinesiology) that may bring a unique perspective to the field of health professions education. Topics covered will include current health science pedagogy and its clinical applications, novel curriculum design strategies, efficient educational research methods, effective evaluation and assessment techniques, and important leadership skills applicable to a wide- variety of Health Science professions. ACCESSIBILITY The MScHSEd Program is primarily completed through interactive and engaging online learning modules designed to supplement the students own studies and provoke critical thinking by the learner. In addition there are two one- week residency periods which must be completed in person. INTERDISCIPLINARY With faculty members from a diverse range of backgrounds all with experience and expertise in a wide variety of specialties, the MScHSEd Program provides students with a multi- perspective and integrated approach to many current problems within the Health Sciences and Health Science education. Students will also learn to appreciate the importance of contributions from other disciplines in an effort to push the limits of knowledge and understanding. APPLICATION A large emphasis is placed on the application of educational research and scholarship skills to the clinical setting. Students will learn the latest and most effective simulation techniques and how to employ them in a clinical setting to best model real world situations. LEADERSHIP It is expected students coming out of the MScHSEd Program will have a firm grasp of education pedagogy and feel comfortable and prepared for advanced professional and inter- professional careers and academic role.

MScHSEd Program Information ; 3 ADMISSION REQUIRMENTS The following are the minimum requirements an applicant must meet in order to be considered for admission into the Master of Science in Health Science Education Program. A four- year undergraduate degree with at least a B+ from an accredited university (equivalent to a McMaster 8.5 GPA out of 12.0 in the final year in all courses in the [health science related] discipline. The applicant s degree must be in health science or a related health professional degree (e.g. Bachelor of Health Sciences from the Nursing, Physician Assistant or Midwifery Programs), an MD, or a Master of Science in Physiotherapy or Occupational Therapy, etc. Preference will be given to those with teaching experience in a health- related discipline. However, applicants without teaching experience will be considered. Full time thesis students will be accepted dependent upon arranging appropriate funding, such as may be obtained from working as a research assistant (RA) with a research unit, as a teaching assistant, or obtaining external scholarships Admission is competitive. Meeting the minimum standards does not guarantee admission to the program.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR APPLICATION MScHSEd Program Information ; 4 An official transcript of academic work completed to date Sent directly from the issuing institution(s). If the final degree does not show that a completed degree has been conferred, an official copy of the diploma is also required. Two confidential letters of recommendation from most recent mentors/instructors Referees must be familiar with the applicant s academic work, and be able to comment on the applicant s ability in academia as well as the workplace. Reference letters must be sent directly from the instructors. A personal Curriculum Vitae Including work experience and a list of educational experiences Written personal statement of intent A short written statement (2 pages, 12 pt font, 1 margins) explaining why the applicant is seeking graduate education in this program with an: Explanation of what is desired from this degree. Explanation of their area of interest in scholarly work. An official copy of the applicant s TOEFL Test of English as a Foreign Language score or other evidence of competency in English (if applicable) A minimum TOEFL (ibt) score of 92(550 on the paper base TOEFL or 237 on the computer- based test) is required.

MScHSEd Program Information ; 5 RESIDENCY PERIOD The completion of the two summer- intensive courses (Health Science Education I & II) fulfills the mandatory completion of a residency period. Both courses last five days, and provide students contact time with faculty as well as an opportunity to interact, discuss, and collaborate with each other. HEALTH SCIENCE EDUCATION I This fundamentals course provides students with an overview of the program and courses where the over- arching goals, learning outcomes, instructional methods, resources, assessment methods, and faculty of the program are introduced. Key concepts, such as clinical reasoning, problem solving, assessment principles, and leadership as they pertain to core courses will be introduced. Students reflect upon their goals and learning outcomes for the program, and explore simulation labs, library resources and online learning tools such as (Avenue to Learn) and video conferencing. This is a face- to- face course offered in an intensive one- week schedule. HEALTH SCIENCE EDUCATION II This course explores scholarship and the process of writing and preparing a manuscript for journal submission, and development of programmatic research. Students are given the opportunity to interact with their peers and faculty face- to- face, and to present scholarly works in progress. This course serves a purpose similar to a symposium held part way through a graduate program. This is a face- to- face course offered in an intensive one- week schedule. DATES The initial part of the residency period (HSE I) will run from Monday, October 22 nd, 2012 for four days through until Friday, October 26 th, 2012.