Department of Pathology

Dalhousie University

Master's Program

A stepping stone to greater study

As a graduate student within the Department of Pathology’s two-year MSc program, you’ll study the essential nature of disease while also learning to take a wide variety of approaches to discover the mechanisms responsible for disease.

By the time you’re finished, you’ll be well-prepared to pursue a PhD. Or, if you’re ready to join the workforce when you’re done, you could consider an academic career or seek a position as an industry research assistant. You’ll also:

  • have a general understanding of most areas of human pathology at the upper graduate level
  • have a deeper understanding of specific areas of study at the graduate level and in thesis research
  • be able to perform research in a specialized area of human pathology
  • know how to design and conduct experiments
  • be equipped to critically evaluate experimental results and interpret them accurately
  • be able to present seminars or lectures to other students and to scientific audiences

Please note: This program is not intended to prepare you for a specific clinical laboratory function.

Admission

Preference for admission to the program is given to applicants with an Honours BSc (or equivalent) and is based on the applicant's potential for research as indicated by academic performance, and if possible, by previous research experience. Candidates holding a medical degree may also be admitted. Minimum requirements will normally include a minimum average of A- in the last year of studies and minimum cumulative GPA of 3.7. Exceptions may be made in special cases, and there are provisions for "special" and "qualifying year" students. 

Admission to the graduate program is based on an evaluation by the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS), the departmental Graduate Studies Committee, and on acceptance of the candidate by a research supervisor. Students cannot be admitted until an eligible supervisor has been identified. Students are selected primarily on the basis of their potential for scientific achievement.

It is in applicant's best interest to have a supervisor prior to applying for Pathology. Students cannot be admitted into the Graduate programs until an eligible supervisor is identified. A list of potential supervisors is available.

Please note that attachments will not be read by the Graduate Studies Committee before a formal application is received. Eligible applicant must supply all required documents with their application.

The application for MSc should include:

  • Completed application form from Faculty of Graduate Studies;
  • Application fee payment required by Faculty of Graduate Studies;
  • CV;
  • Letter of Intent;
  • Letter of Research Interest;
  • Letter of Research Experience;
  • 2 Academic Reference letters;
  • Official Undergraduate Transcripts, received in a signed/sealed envelope from the University/College’s Registrar’s Office;
  • Copy of Graduate Certificate (if graduated); and
  • English Language test score (if applicable).

Application Deadlines

Semester Canadian Applicants International Applicants
September (Fall) June 1 April 1
January (Winter) October 31 August 31
May (Summer) February 28 December 31

Stipends and Tuition

Minimum stipends (listed below) take into consideration the tuition amount that is paid at each stage of degree. Full fees are paid by first year MSc students only. International fees are only paid by international students at the MSc level.

Department of Pathology minimums (effective Sept 2023)
The estimated tuition fees include incidental fees.

Degree level (International/Canadian)

Tuition fees/year

International fees (yes/no)

 Minimum stipend

MSc full fees (International student)

~ $20,750

YES

$35,750

MSc full fees (Canadian)

~ $13,000

NO

$28,000

MSc continuing fees (International student)

~ $12,850

YES

$27,850

MSc continuing fees (Canadian)

~ $5,100

NO

$21,000

Students that transfer from PhD to MSc may recieve a portion of their tuition refunded, as determined by the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) at the time of transfer.

All full-time students are provided health and dental plans. International students are also provided with a basic health insurance plan. However, these plans do cost money and students with proof of sufficient coverage from another source can opt out.

You may be eligible to opt out of the UPass (University Bus Pass) under certain circumstances. To opt out, you must submit your waiver form before the annual deadline. Please refer to the FGS website for more details.