Expandable List
GDCE is a completely online graduate diploma program, teaching students the most essential knowledge and skills related to clinical epidemiology.
- Fundamentals of Health Research and Evaluation Methods
- Introduction to Biostatistics
- Introduction to Research Methods for Randomized Controlled Trials
- Systematic Review Methods
Learn more by reviewing our course descriptions.
- Completion of a four-year honours undergraduate university (Bachelor’s) degree (or equivalent) and a B+ average in the final year of undergraduate study. On a percentage scale, the B+ average equates to a 75 to 79% (8.5/12.0 on the McMaster grade point average scale)
- Applicants whose native language is not English must provide evidence of English proficiency. This can include an official copy of your TOEFL or IELTS score, or other evidence. A minimum TOEFL (iBT) score of 92 (580 on the paper-based TOEFL test, or 237 on the computer-based TOEFL test) is needed for the Faculty of Health Sciences. Students taking the IELTS are required to achieve a minimum score of 6.5, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each category.
- Please note that meeting the minimum admissions requirements does not guarantee admission into the GDCE. Limited space will be available in the GDCE courses and the admissions process will be competitive.
The program consists of four courses each offered in one term; one course in the Fall term (September – December), one course in the Winter term (January – April), one course in the Spring/Summer term (May – August), and the final course in the following Fall term (September – December). The courses are ideally taken consecutively without intermission, but can be taken over a longer term in consultation with the GDCE director. The total amount of time you will invest will be four terms, i.e. approximately 16 months. We have one intake in September each year.
GDCE is a part-time program. It is estimated that students will spend around 10-15 hours per week on the program, although this may vary from person to person depending on factors such as your method of learning, writing skills and English proficiency.
In each course, students are required to attend a mandatory weekly online synchronous tutorial session of one hour. Students will need to attend at a fixed time each week to discuss content with a tutor and fellow students.
Further activities include: preparing tutorials, reading recommended literature, participating in online discussions, performing assignments, online quizzes and writing research proposals.
The tuition fee for 2024-2025 will be $18,531.60, charged at $4,632.90 per each of the four courses, in addition to supplementary fees charged per course (approx. $50).
Students should refer to the Registrar’s office website for official fees. Fees are the same for domestic and international students.
Note: students who fail to register on time may be charged late fees in addition to the individual course fee.
We do not currently offer any scholarships for our program.
Our program is a part time graduate diploma program, and as such is not eligible for OSAP or other Provincial government fee assistance programs. Some students have been funded by their employer or if international, by government programs in their home country.
Students in financial need can apply for bursaries through the university. More details can be found on the Graduate Studies website.
In short, GDCE teaches the core aspects of the HRM program, without requirements for elective courses or thesis. HRM provides a broader perspective on health research and more emphasis on research experience, preparing students to become independent researchers. HRM is a full-time or part-time on-campus program with strict requirements for timelines, resulting in a master’s degree (MSc). GDCE is a course-based, part-time online program, which is more flexible, resulting in a graduate diploma.
There is no direct transfer from GDCE to the HRM MSc program. All applicants to HRM must apply via the normal application process. However, if accepted into the HRM program midway through the GDCE program or after program completion, the HRM program allows transfer of course credit for up to two GDCE courses, with the agreement of the HRM Assistant Dean.
Students will obtain core knowledge and skills in clinical epidemiology, which includes an understanding of health research study designs, an ability to critically appraise the health research literature, comprehension of the basics of biostatistics, and the ability to apply evidence synthesis methods for health research. Students will obtain a skill set that is readily applicable to clinical or health policy settings.
Visit our “How to Apply” page.
You can submit your application using the link for the online application system.
McMaster’s TOEFL Institution code is 0936.
Students who have completed a post-secondary degree from a program where the language of instruction is English are not required to provide a TOEFL or IELTS score.
Minimum test scores required for Graduate study at McMaster are:
TOEFL 92 (iBT-Internet-based)
580 (PBT -Paper-based)
237 (CBT-Computer-based)
IELTS 6.5 with a minimum score of 5.5 in each category
While it is not required for admission, undergraduate course in Mathematics (statistics, probability, data analysis, quantitative methods, mathematics, calculus or algebra) would be beneficial to ensure appropriate quantitative ability for the epidemiology and quantitative courses. Please provide transcript showing completion of this course with your application.
We are no longer accepting applications for Fall 2024 admission. The application deadline for September 2025 will be March 30th, 2025.