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Public Health Sciences

Program Overview

The Graduate Department of Public Health Sciences at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health offers graduate degree programs both full-time and part-time. Applicants are strongly advised to have some background in statistics and quantitative methods. In addition, field and employment experience are taken into consideration.

The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program is designed for students interested in professional and/or research careers in the community, academic, public, or private sectors. The following fields are offered:

  • Black Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Family and Community Medicine
  • Indigenous Health (Note: This program begins is the Summer session)
  • Nutrition and Dietetics ​
  • Occupational and Environmental Health
  • Social and Behavioural Health Sciences

The Master of Science (MSc) degree program is for students interested in research and academic careers in Biostatistics.

 

The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program focuses on accelerating the use of research evidence to inform practice and policy. As such, the DrPH program offers practice-based training and applied research skills. Students will develop and advance important key leadership, management, and public health practice competencies.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree program prepares students for research and academic careers in the public health science disciplines. Fields include:

  • Biostatistics
  • Epidemiology
  • Occupational and Environmental Health
  • Social and Behavioural Health Sciences

The PhD program may be completed on a full-time or flexible-time basis.


Quick Facts

Domestic International
Application deadline MPH, MSc:

Fall 2024 entry

MPH in Indigenous Health

31-Dec-2023

MPH in:

Black Health, Epidemiology, Family & Community Medicine, Nutrition & Dietetics,

Occupational & Environmental Health, Social & Behavioural Health Sciences

19-Jan-2024

MSc in Biostatistics

19-Jan-2024

MHSc in Bioethics

19-Jan-2024

MScCH in: Addictions & Mental Health, Family & Community Medicine, Health Practitioner Teacher Education, Occupational Health Care, Wound Prevention & Care

19-Jan-2024

DrPH, PhD:

Fall 2024 entry

PhD in: Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Occupational & Environmental Health, Social & Behavioural Health Sciences

24-Nov-2023

DrPH

24-Nov-2023

MPH, MSc:

Fall 2024 entry

MPH in Indigenous Health

31-Dec-2023

MPH in:

Black Health, Epidemiology, Family & Community Medicine, Nutrition & Dietetics,

Occupational & Environmental Health, Social & Behavioural Health Sciences

19-Jan-2024

MSc in Biostatistics

19-Jan-2024

MHSc in Bioethics

19-Jan-2024

MScCH in: Addictions & Mental Health, Family & Community Medicine, Health Practitioner Teacher Education, Occupational Health Care, Wound Prevention & Care

19-Jan-2024

DrPH, PhD:

Fall 2024 entry

PhD in: Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Occupational & Environmental Health, Social & Behavioural Health Sciences

24-Nov-2023

DrPH

24-Nov-2023

Minimum admission average MPH, MSc:

mid-B average in the final year

PhD:

A-

DrPH:

B+

MPH, MSc:

mid-B average in the final year

PhD:

A-

DrPH:

B+

Is a supervisor identified before or after admission? MSc:

After

DrPH, PhD:

Either

MSc:

After

DrPH, PhD:

Either

If a supervisor is identified after admission (as per question above), is admission conditional upon securing a supervisor? MSc:

No

MSc:

No

Is a supervisor assigned by the graduate unit or secured by the applicant? DrPH, MSc, PhD:

Either

DrPH, MSc, PhD:

Either

Are any standardized tests required/recommended? DrPH, MPH, MSc, PhD:

NA

DrPH, MPH, MSc, PhD:

NA


Master of Public Health

Program Description

The MPH degree is designed to prepare the next generation of public health professionals and is aimed at students interested in professional and/or research careers in the community, academic, public, or private sectors. Applicants apply and may be admitted to one of the following fields:

  • Black Health

  • Epidemiology

  • Family and Community Medicine

  • Indigenous Health

  • Nutrition and Dietetics

  • Occupational and Environmental Health

  • Social and Behavioural Health Sciences

The program may be taken on a full-time or part-time basis. The start date of all the fields is September each year except for the Indigenous Health field, which starts in May.

Master of Public Health

Field: Black Health

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Dalla Lana School's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a minimum mid-B average in the final year.

  • At least one course in undergraduate statistics with a minimum B grade.

  • Relevant work or volunteer experience.

Program Requirements

  • Completion of 10.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • 0.5 FCE core course: CHL5004H Introduction to Public Health Sciences.

    • 0.5 FCE in research methods: CHL5220H Introduction to Quantitative Research or CHL5401H Epidemiologic Methods I.

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5103H Health Promotion 1 or CHL5105H Social Determinants of Health.

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5107H Introduction to Qualitative Research.

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5300H Public Health Policy.

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5820H African/Black Health I: Sociohistorical Overview of Black Health.

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5821H African/Black Health II: Chronic Diseases; Sexual and Reproductive Health: Across the Lifespan.

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5822H: Decolonizing Theory and Methods in African/Black Health Research.

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5823H: African/Black Practicum Preparation.

    • 0.5 FCE: CHLXXXXH Black Resistance and Health: Interventions and Social Change (pending approval).

    • 0.5 FCE: CHLXXXXH Transnational Black Health Policy and Practice (pending approval).

    • Minimum 1.0 FCE: practicum placement.

    • Elective courses.

    • Students may elect to take up to 0.5 FCE on a Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR) basis. See the CR/NCR-eligible courses in the course list section.

  • Full-time students normally require longer to complete the program, including time spent in the practicum placement.

Program Length

5 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W);
12 sessions part-time

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time

Master of Public Health

Field: Epidemiology

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Dalla Lana School's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a minimum mid-B average in the final year.

  • At least one course in undergraduate statistics.

  • Relevant work or volunteer experience.

Program Requirements

  • Completion of 10.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • 0.5 FCE core course: CHL5004H Introduction to Public Health Sciences.

    • 1.0 FCE in research methods: CHL5401H Epidemiologic Methods I and CHL5402H Epidemiologic Methods II.

    • 1.0 FCE in biostatistics: CHL5201H Biostatistics I and CHL5202H Biostatistics II.

    • 1.5 FCEs in epidemiology: CHL5405H Health Trends and Surveillance, CHL5418H Scientific Overview in Epidemiology, and CHL5426H Population Perspectives for Epidemiology.

    • 0.5 FCE in public health policy: CHL5300H Public Health Policy.

    • Minimum 1.0 FCE: practicum placement.

    • Elective courses.

    • Students may elect to take up to 0.5 FCE on a Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR) basis. See the CR/NCR-eligible courses in the course list section.

  • Full-time students normally require longer to complete the program, including time spent in the practicum placement.

Program Length

4 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F);
12 sessions part-time

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time

Master of Public Health

Field: Family and Community Medicine

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Dalla Lana School's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a minimum mid-B average in the final year.

  • At least one course in undergraduate statistics.

  • Relevant work or volunteer experience.

Program Requirements

  • Completion of 10.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • 0.5 FCE core course: CHL5004H Introduction to Public Health Sciences.

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5601H Appraising and Applying Evidence to Assist Clinical Decision-Making.

    • 1.0 FCE: CHL5603Y Social, Political, and Scientific Issues in Family Medicine.

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5605H Research Issues in Family Medicine/Primary Care or an equivalent research course, subject to approval.

    • 1.0 FCE: CHL5607H Teaching and Learning by the Health Professions: Principles and Theories and CHL5608H Teaching and Learning by the Health Professions: Practical Issues and Approaches.

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5613H Leading Improvement in the Quality of Health Care for Community Populations.

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5622H Patient-Related Health Care and Public Policy in Canada.

    • Minimum 1.0 FCE: practicum placement.

    • Elective courses.

    • Students may elect to take up to 0.5 FCE on a Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR) basis. See the CR/NCR-eligible courses in the course list section.

  • Full-time students normally require longer to complete the program, including time spent in the practicum placement.

Program Length

4 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F);
12 sessions part-time

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time

 

Field: Family and Community Medicine (Advanced-Standing Option)

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Dalla Lana School's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a minimum mid-B average in the final year.

  • Completion in good standing of the public health curriculum of an accredited Canadian medical school and/or meeting the required examinable competencies of the Medical Council of Canada.

Program Requirements

  • Completion of 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • 0.5 FCE core course: CHL5004H Introduction to Public Health Sciences.

    • 1.0 FCE core course: CHL5603Y Social, Political, and Scientific Issues in Family Medicine.

    • 0.5 FCE core course: CHL5622H Patient-Related Health Care and Public Policy in Canada.

    • 0.5 FCE core course: CHL5624H Historical, Ethical, and Philosophical Foundations of Public Health.

    • 0.5 FCE research methods course selected from the following list:

      • CHL5601H Appraising and Applying Evidence to Assist Clinical Decision-Making.

      • CHL5605H Research Issues in Family Medicine/Primary Care.

      • CHL5613H Leading Improvement in the Quality of Health Care for Community Populations.

      • CHL5616H Applied Survey Methods for Health Care Professionals.

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL6013H0 Required MPH Advanced Standing Practicum.

    • 1.5 FCEs in elective courses.

    • Students may elect to take up to 0.5 FCE on a Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR) basis. See the CR/NCR-eligible courses in the course list section.

Program Length

3 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S);
6 sessions part-time

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time

0 Course that may continue over a program. The course is graded when completed.

Master of Public Health

The MPH field in Indigenous Health starts in May annually.

Field: Indigenous Health

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Dalla Lana School's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a minimum mid-B average in the final year.

  • At least one course in undergraduate statistics with a minimum grade of B.

  • Relevant lived, work, or volunteer experience.

Program Requirements

  • Completion of 10.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • 0.5 FCE core course: CHL5004H Introduction to Public Health Sciences.

    • 1.0 FCE in research methods: CHL5107H Introduction to Qualitative Research and CHL5220H Introduction to Quantitative Research or approved equivalents.

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5103H Health Promotion 1.

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5520H Indigenous Health.

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5521H Indigenous Practicum Preparation.

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5522H Indigenous Food Systems, Environment, and Health.

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5523H Indigenous Health and Social Policy.

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5524H Indigenous Health Theory and Methods.

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5525H Indigenous Social Determinants of Health in Canada.

    • Minimum 1.0 FCE: practicum placement.

    • Elective courses.

    • Students may elect to take up to 0.5 FCE on a Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR) basis. See the CR/NCR-eligible courses in the course list section.

  • Full-time students normally require longer to complete the program, including time spent in the practicum placement.

Program Length

5 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: S/F/W/S/F);
12 sessions part-time

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time

Master of Public Health

Field: Nutrition and Dietetics

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Dalla Lana School's additional admission requirements stated below and may be considered for the advanced-standing option.

  • Appropriate bachelor's degree in food and nutrition (or equivalent) from a recognized university with a minimum mid-B average in the final year.

  • At least one course in undergraduate statistics.

  • Relevant work or volunteer experience.

Program Requirements

  • Completion of 10.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • 0.5 FCE core course: CHL5004H Introduction to Public Health Sciences.

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5107H Introduction to Qualitative Research.

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5300H Public Health Policy.

    • 0.5 FCE in quantitative research methods: CHL5220H Introduction to Quantitative Research or an approved equivalent.

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5654H Nutrition Programs and Strategies.

    • 2.5 FCEs in foundations of practice for students who have not completed dietetic practical training (dietetic internship): CHL5650H, CHL5651H, CHL5652H, and CHL5656Y.

    • 0.5 FCE in nutrition science.

    • Minimum 1.0 FCE: practicum placement; 3.0 FCEs are required for students who wish to qualify for registration with a provincial regulatory body.

    • Elective courses.

    • Students may elect to take up to 0.5 FCE on a Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR) basis. See the CR/NCR-eligible courses in the course list section.

  • Full-time students normally require longer to complete the program, including time spent in the practicum placement.

Program Length

4 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F);
12 sessions part-time

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time

 

Field: Nutrition and Dietetics (Advanced-Standing Option)

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Dalla Lana School's additional admission requirements stated below and may be considered for the advanced-standing option.

  • Appropriate bachelor's degree in food and nutrition (or equivalent) from a recognized university with a minimum mid-B average in the final year.

  • Membership in a provincial dietetics regulatory body or equivalent in the home country. Those planning to practise in Canada must be eligible for membership in a provincial regulatory body of dietetics.

  • Five years of professional work experience in clinical, community, administrative, or public health dietetics.

  • At least one course in undergraduate statistics.

Program Requirements

  • Completion of 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5004H Introduction to Public Health Sciences.

    • 0.5 FCE in public health policy: CHL5300H Public Health Policy or CHL5622H Patient-Related Health Care and Public Policy in Canada.

    • 1.0 FCE in research methods: CHL5107H Introduction to Qualitative Research and CHL5220H Introduction to Quantitative Research, or an approved equivalent.

    • 0.5 FCE in population or public health nutrition from the following list:

      • CHL5522H Indigenous Food Systems, Environment, and Health.

      • CHL5653H Community Nutrition.

      • CHL5654H Nutrition Programs and Strategies.

      • NFS1201H Public Health Nutrition.

      • NFS1212H Regulation of Food, Composition, Health Claims, and Safety.

      • Other courses approved by the Program Director.

    • 0.5 FCE in nutrition science from the following list:

      • NFS1220H Clinical Nutrition.

      • NFS1223H Dietary Carbohydrate and Glycaemic Index in Health and Disease.

      • NFS1484H Advanced Nutrition.

      • Other courses approved by the Program Director.

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL6013H0 Required MPH Advanced Standing Practicum.

    • Elective courses.

    • Students may elect to take up to 0.5 FCE on a Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR) basis. See the CR/NCR-eligible courses in the course list section.

Program Length

3 sessions full-time advanced standing (typical registration sequence: F/W/S);
9 sessions part-time advanced standing

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time

0 Course that may continue over a program. The course is graded when completed.

 

Emphases in the MPH Program

Students in the Nutrition and Dietetics field of study may complete an emphasis by completing 1.0 full-course equivalent (FCE) in the given area. The emphasis requirements will also count toward their 10.0 FCE degree program requirements.

Emphasis: Clinical Nutrition

  • 0.5 FCE: complete a four-week Clinical Nutrition practicum in a tertiary-care clinical nutrition setting, in addition to the standard practicum requirements for the field.

  • 0.5 FCE from the following list:

    • NFS1220H Clinical Nutrition.

    • CHL5610H Theory and Practice of Behaviour Change in Health Professional Settings.

  • A relevant research assignment for an appropriate agency focused on clinical nutrition as part of CHL5656Y Nutrition and Dietetics Culminating Project, to be approved by the program director or course instructor.

Emphasis: Management and Food Systems

  • 0.5 FCE: complete a four-week Management and Food Systems practicum in a management and food provision setting, in addition to the standard practicum requirements for the field.

  • 0.5 FCE: graduate-level course in management or food systems to be approved by the program director and course instructor.

  • A relevant research assignment for an appropriate agency focused on management of food provision and food systems as part of CHL5656Y Nutrition and Dietetics Culminating Project, to be approved by the program director or course instructor.

Emphasis: Public Health Nutrition

  • 0.5 FCE: complete a four-week Public Health Nutrition practicum in a regional, provincial, or federal public health agency setting, in addition to the standard practicum requirements for the field.

  • 0.5 FCE: NFS1201H Public Health Nutrition.

  • A relevant research assignment for an appropriate agency focused on public health nutrition as part of CHL5656Y Nutrition and Dietetics Culminating Project, to be approved by the program director or course instructor.

Master of Public Health

Field: Occupational and Environmental Health

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Dalla Lana School's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a minimum mid-B average in the final year.

  • At least one course in undergraduate statistics.

  • Relevant work or volunteer experience.

Program Requirements

  • Completion of 10.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • 0.5 FCE core course: CHL5004H Introduction to Public Health Sciences.

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5904H Perspectives in Occupational and Environmental Health — Legal and Social Context.

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5910H Occupational and Environmental Hygiene I.

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5912H Occupational and Environmental Toxicology.

    • 0.5 FCE in physical agents: CHL5907H Radiological Health or CHL5914H Physical Agents I-Noise.

    • 0.5 FCE in research methods: CHL5220H Introduction to Quantitative Research or CHL5401H Epidemiologic Methods I.

    • 3.0 FCEs in one of the emphases described below.

    • Up to 2.5 FCEs in approved courses related to the student’s area of study.

    • Minimum 1.0 FCE in a practicum placement.

    • Elective courses.

    • Students may elect to take up to 0.5 FCE on a Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR) basis. See the CR/NCR-eligible courses in the course list section.

  • Full-time students may require longer to complete the program, including time spent in the practicum placement.

Program Length

4 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F);
12 sessions part-time

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time

 

Emphases in the MPH Program

Students in the Occupational and Environmental Health field of study must complete an emphasis by completing 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) in the given area. The emphasis requirements will also count toward their 10.0 FCE degree program requirements.

Emphasis: Environmental Public Health

  • 0.5 FCE: CHL5201H Biostatistics I.

  • 0.5 FCE: CHL5413H Public Health Sanitation.

  • 0.5 FCE: CHL5416H Environmental Epidemiology.

  • 0.5 FCE: CHL5903H Environmental Health.

  • 0.5 FCE: CHL5921H Protecting the Public from Air Pollution.

  • 0.5 FCE: CHL5922H Climate Change and Health.

Emphasis: Occupational Hygiene

  • 0.5 FCE: CHL5410H Occupational Epidemiology.

  • 0.5 FCE: CHL5902H Advanced Occupational Hygiene.

  • 0.5 FCE: CHL5911H Occupational and Environmental Hygiene II.

  • 0.5 FCE: CHL5915H Control of Occupational Hazards.

  • 0.5 FCE: CHL5917H Concepts in Safety Management.

  • 0.5 FCE: CHL5918H Biological Hazards in the Workplace and Community.

Master of Public Health

Field: Social and Behavioural Health Sciences

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Dalla Lana School's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a minimum mid-B average in the final year.

  • At least one course in undergraduate statistics.

  • Relevant work or volunteer experience.

Program Requirements

  • Completion of 10.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • 0.5 FCE core course: CHL5004H Introduction to Public Health Sciences.

    • 1.0 FCE: CHL5103H Health Promotion 1 and CHL5104H Health Promotion 2.

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5105H Social Determinants of Health.

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5110H Theory and Practice of Program Evaluation.

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5300H Public Health Policy.

    • 1.5 FCEs in research methods: CHL5201H Biostatistics I, CHL5401H Epidemiologic Methods I, and CHL5107H Introduction to Qualitative Research or approved equivalents.

    • Minimum 1.0 FCE: practicum placement.

    • Elective courses.

    • Students may elect to take up to 0.5 FCE on a Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR) basis. See the CR/NCR-eligible courses in the course list section.

  • Full-time students normally require longer to complete the program, including time spent in the practicum placement.

Program Length

4 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F);
12 sessions part-time

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time

Master of Science

Program Description

The MSc degree is designed for students interested in research and academic careers involving the development and application of statistical methodology to further our understanding of data arising in the health sciences. The program is offered in the field of Biostatistics, both full-time and part-time.

 

Field: Biostatistics

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Dalla Lana School's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a minimum mid-B average in the final year.

Program Requirements

Two options are available:

  • Thesis option comprising 4.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) and a thesis.

  • Coursework-only option comprising 5.0 FCEs.

Thesis MSc
  • Completion of 4.0 FCEs as follows:

    • CHL5004H, CHL5207Y0, CHL5209H, CHL5210H, and CHL5250H.

    • CHL5226H or STA2112H (Mathematical Statistics I).

    • CHL5223H or STA2212H (Mathematical Statistics II).

    • Students may elect to take up to 0.5 FCE on a Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR) basis. See the CR/NCR-eligible courses in the course list section.

  • A thesis written under the supervision of a thesis committee. An oral defence of the thesis is required.

Coursework-Only MSc
  • Completion of 5.0 FCEs as follows:

    • CHL5004H, CHL5207Y0, CHL5209H, CHL5210H, and CHL5250H.

    • CHL5226H or STA2112H (Mathematical Statistics I).

    • CHL5223H or STA2212H (Mathematical Statistics II).

    • 1.0 FCE in electives from an approved list of courses

    • Students may elect to take up to 0.5 FCE on a Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR) basis. See the CR/NCR-eligible courses in the course list section.

Program Length

3 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S);
9 sessions part-time

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time

0 Course that may continue over a program. The course is graded when completed.

 

Emphasis in the MSc Program

Students in the Biostatistics (Coursework-Only) field of study have the option to complete an emphasis by completing appropriate coursework in a given area. The emphasis requirements will also count toward their 5.0 full-course equivalent (FCE) field requirement.

Emphasis: Artificial Intelligence and Data Science

  • Students must complete 1.0 FCE from the following list:

    • CHL5212H Predictive Modelling in the Health Sciences.

    • CHL5213H Methods for Analysis of Microbiome Data.

    • CHL5229H Modern Biostatistics and Statistical Learning.

    • CHL5230H Applied Machine Learning for Health Data.

  • Students must complete a practical component in the area of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science through CHL5207Y0 Laboratory in Statistical Design and Analysis.

0 Course that may continue over a program. The course is graded when completed.

Doctor of Public Health

Program Description

The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program advances public health education, addressing evaluation and translation of evidence in policy and practice decision-making contexts. The doctoral professional program is based on existing areas of faculty expertise within the Dalla Lana School of Public Health (including Public Health Sciences and the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation). Additionally, the program is the first of its kind in English Canada and will further raise the profile of the public health workforce.

The focus of the program is to contribute to emerging needs in public health to address increasingly complex issues. Graduates will develop skills and knowledge in four major competency areas, as defined by the Council on Education for Public Health: (1) Data & Analysis; (2) Leadership, Management, Governance; (3) Policy & Programs; and (4) Education & Workforce Development. The DrPH will allow graduates to take on advanced roles (e.g., leadership, knowledge translation) in public health policy and practice settings.

The program is offered on a full-time basis.

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Dalla Lana School's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Master's degree in a relevant public health sciences or health services-related discipline such as a Master of Public Health, Master of Science (with a health-related thesis), Master of Health Administration, or Master of Health Science with an average grade equivalent to a B+ or better.

  • At least five years of mid-level management experience in a relevant field or organization.

  • Candidates with less than five years of relevant experience may also be considered in exceptional circumstances.

  • At least two letters of reference.

Program Requirements

  • Coursework. Completion of 6.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • Year 1 (3.5 FCEs):

      • 0.5 FCE: CHL4001H Contemporary Approaches to Population Health and Health Equity

      • 0.5 FCE: CHL4006H0 Seminars in Public Health (Credit/No Credit)

      • 0.5 FCE: CHL5624H Historical, Ethical, and Philosophical Foundations of Public Health

      • 0.5 FCE: one research methods course, for example:

        • HAD5763H Advanced Methods in Health Services Research or

        • HAD6501H Introduction to Methods for Health Professions Education Research

      • 0.5 FCE: CHL4002H Critical Appraisal and Use of Evidence

      • 0.5 FCE: CHL4003H High Performance Leadership

      • 0.5 FCE: CHL4004H Global Health Policy

      • Applied Research Project.

    • Year 2 (2.5 FCEs):

      • 0.5 FCE: CHL4005H Governance and Financial Leadership

      • 0.5 FCE: CHL4007H Public Health Advocacy or HAD5778H Comparative Health Systems and Policy or approved equivalents

      • 0.5 FCE: CHL5132H Population Health Intervention Research (PHIR)

      • 1.0 FCE: two elective courses

      • Written comprehensive examination in public health sciences.

    • Years 3 and 4 (0.5 FCE):

      • 0.5 FCE: HAD5765H Case Studies in Health Policy.

    • Attend a weeklong, in-person intensive session each academic session (Fall, Winter, Summer) in Years 1 to 3.

    • Write a doctoral thesis under the supervision of an approved thesis committee (supervisor with an appointment in Public Health Sciences plus two additional faculty members).

    • A final oral defence of the thesis before an examination committee approved by the School of Graduate Studies.

    • Students may elect to take up to 0.5 FCE on a Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR) basis. See the CR/NCR-eligible courses in the course list section.

Program Length

4 years

Time Limit

6 years

0 Course that may continue over a program. The course is graded when completed.

Doctor of Philosophy

Program Description

The PhD program prepares students for research and academic careers. Fieldwork and research enhance theoretical studies and expose students to the full breadth and depth of their public health science disciplines. Applicants apply and may be admitted to one of the following fields:

  • Biostatistics

  • Epidemiology

  • Occupational and Environmental Health

  • Social and Behavioural Health Sciences

The PhD program may be completed on a full-time or flexible-time basis.

With the approval of the graduate chair, some applicants may be admitted to a flexible-time PhD program. This program will benefit mature students with career obligations, and applicants must demonstrate that they are practising professionals. Degree requirements for the flexible-time program are identical to those for the full-time PhD program. Students are required to register full-time for the first four years of their program, after which they may register part-time. A plan of study and research activities will be negotiated at initial registration, to be reviewed and updated annually.

Doctor of Philosophy

Field: Biostatistics

PhD Program (Full-Time and Flexible-Time)

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Dalla Lana School's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Master's degree in a public health science-related discipline from a recognized university, with a minimum A– standing.

  • Demonstrated educational and/or professional experience that indicates a capacity to undertake research-oriented doctoral studies.

Program Requirements

  • Coursework. Completion of 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5005H Professional Skills for Doctoral Students in Public Health (Credit/No Credit)

    • 1.0 FCE: CHL5208Y0 Advanced Laboratory in Statistical Design and Analysis

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5209H Survival Analysis I

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5210H Categorical Data Analysis

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5250H+ Special Topics in Biostatistics (seminar)

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5260H0 Doctoral Seminar Series in Biostatistics

    • 1.0 FCE: STA2112H and STA2212H Mathematical Statistics

    • 0.5 FCE: elective course that relates to the student’s area of study

    • Students who have taken their MSc in the department may have taken some or all of these courses already. In this case, their program of study will be designed with consultation of the program director at the time of admission.

    • Students may elect to take up to 0.5 FCE on a Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR) basis. See the CR/NCR-eligible courses in the course list section.

  • Demonstrated proficiency in statistics or research methods.

  • A written qualifying examination in biostatistics.

  • A departmental defence of the dissertation proposal.

  • Writing of a PhD dissertation under the supervision of an approved dissertation committee (supervisor plus two additional faculty members).

  • A departmental defence of the dissertation prior to the SGS Final Oral Examination.

  • A final oral defence of the dissertation before an examination committee approved by the School of Graduate Studies.

Program Length

4 years full-time; 6 years flexible-time

Time Limit

6 years full-time; 8 years flexible-time

+ Extended course. For academic reasons, coursework is extended into session following academic session in which course is offered.
0 Course that may continue over a program. The course is graded when completed.

Doctor of Philosophy

Field: Epidemiology

PhD Program (Full-Time and Flexible-Time)

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Dalla Lana School's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Master's degree in a public health science-related discipline from a recognized university, with a minimum A– standing.

  • Demonstrated educational and/or professional experience that indicates a capacity to undertake research-oriented doctoral studies.

Program Requirements

  • Coursework. Completion of 4.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5005H Professional Skills for Doctoral Students in Public Health (Credit/No Credit)

    • 1.0 FCE: CHL5404H and CHL5408H Research Methods

    • 1.0 FCE: CHL5406H and CHL5424H Quantitative Methods

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5423H0 Doctoral Seminar in Epidemiology

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5428H Epidemiological Methods for Causal Mediation Analyses

    • 0.5 FCE: elective courses that relate to the student’s area of study

    • Students may elect to take up to 0.5 FCE on a Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR) basis. See the CR/NCR-eligible courses in the course list section.

  • Demonstrated proficiency in statistics or research methods.

  • A written qualifying examination in epidemiology.

  • A departmental defence of the dissertation proposal.

  • Writing of a PhD dissertation under the supervision of an approved dissertation committee (supervisor plus two additional faculty members).

  • A departmental defence of the dissertation prior to the SGS Final Oral Examination. On the recommendation of the supervisory committee and special approval from their departmental Graduate Chair or Coordinator, candidates have the opportunity to waive the departmental defence and proceed directly to the SGS Final Oral Exam.

  • A final oral defence of the dissertation before an examination committee approved by the School of Graduate Studies.

Program Length

4 years full-time; 6 years flexible-time

Time Limit

6 years full-time; 8 years flexible-time

0 Course that may continue over a program. The course is graded when completed.

 

Emphasis in the PhD Program

Students in the Epidemiology field of study have the option to complete an emphasis by completing appropriate coursework in a given area. The emphasis requirements will also count toward, but may exceed, the 4.0 full-course equivalent (FCE) field requirement.

Emphasis: Artificial Intelligence and Data Science

  • Students must complete 1.5 FCEs from the following list:

    • CHL5212H Predictive Modelling in the Health Sciences

    • CHL5213H Methods for Analysis of Microbiome Data

    • CHL5229H Modern Biostatistics and Statistical Learning

    • CHL5230H Applied Machine Learning for Health Data

    • CHL5429H Advanced Analytic Methods for Bias in Epidemiologic Studies

    • CHL3020H Ethics and Artificial Intelligence for Health

    • HAD5306H Introduction to Health Services Research and the Use of Health Administrative Data

    • MHI2012H Introduction to Big Data for Health: Foundations and Methodologies

    • Other course(s) approved by the Program Director.

Doctor of Philosophy

Field: Occupational and Environmental Health

PhD Program (Full-Time and Flexible-Time)

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Dalla Lana School's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Master's degree in a public health science-related discipline from a recognized university, with a minimum A– standing.

  • Demonstrated educational and/or professional experience that indicates a capacity to undertake research-oriented doctoral studies.

Program Requirements

  • Coursework. Completion of 3.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5005H Professional Skills for Doctoral Students in Public Health (Credit/No Credit)

    • 0.5 FCE in either occupational or environmental health

    • 1.0 FCE in advanced research methods (including biostatistics)

    • 0.5 FCE: doctoral seminar in occupational and environmental health

    • 1.0 FCE: elective courses that relate to the student’s area of study

    • Students may elect to take up to 0.5 FCE on a Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR) basis. See the CR/NCR-eligible courses in the course list section.

  • Demonstrated proficiency in statistics or research methods.

  • A written qualifying examination in occupational and environmental health.

  • A departmental defence of the dissertation proposal.

  • Writing of a PhD dissertation under the supervision of an approved dissertation committee (supervisor plus two additional faculty members).

  • A departmental defence of the dissertation prior to the SGS Final Oral Examination. On the recommendation of the supervisory committee and special approval from their departmental Graduate Chair or Coordinator, candidates have the opportunity to waive the departmental defence and proceed directly to the SGS Final Oral Exam.

  • A final oral defence of the dissertation before an examination committee approved by the School of Graduate Studies.

Program Length

4 years full-time; 6 years flexible-time

Time Limit

6 years full-time; 8 years flexible-time

Doctor of Philosophy

Field: Social and Behavioural Health Sciences

PhD Program (Full-Time and Flexible-Time)

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Dalla Lana School's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Master's degree in a public health science-related discipline from a recognized university, with a minimum A– standing.

  • Demonstrated educational and/or professional experience that indicates a capacity to undertake research-oriented doctoral studies.

Program Requirements

  • Coursework. Completion of 3.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5005H Professional Skills for Doctoral Students in Public Health (Credit/No Credit)

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5101H Social and Behavioural Theory and Health

    • 0.5 FCE: CHL5102H Social and Political Forces in Health

    • 1.0 FCE in approved research methods courses

    • 1.0 FCE: elective courses that relate to the student’s area of study

    • Students may elect to take up to 0.5 FCE on a Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR) basis. See the CR/NCR-eligible courses in the course list section.

  • Demonstrated proficiency in statistics or research methods.

  • A written qualifying examination in social and behavioural health sciences.

  • A departmental defence of the dissertation proposal.

  • Writing of a PhD dissertation under the supervision of an approved dissertation committee (supervisor plus two additional faculty members).

  • A departmental defence of the dissertation prior to the SGS Final Oral Examination. On the recommendation of the supervisory committee and special approval from their departmental Graduate Chair or Coordinator, candidates have the opportunity to waive the departmental defence and proceed directly to the SGS Final Oral Exam.

  • A final oral defence of the dissertation before an examination committee approved by the School of Graduate Studies.

Program Length

4 years full-time; 6 years flexible-time

Time Limit

6 years full-time; 8 years flexible-time

Lauren Squires

“Having tailored supports for 2SLGBTQ+ people diagnosed with cancer would bridge a gap, and if providers had something they could refer patients to, that could help make such supports more prevalent as well”

Lauren Squires
PhD Student, Department of Public Health Sciences
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