masters in public health toronto

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, especially for the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree.

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:

• Epidemiology
• Family and Community Medicine
• Indigenous Health
• 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.

Students in the MPH and MSc programs have the option of completing an emphasis in Global Public Health.

Effective September 2021, 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.

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Quick Facts

	Domestic	International
Application payment deadline	MPH, MSc:17-Jan-2020PhD:25-Nov-2019	MPH, MSc:17-Jan-2020PhD:25-Nov-2019
Supporting documents deadline	MPH, MSc:17-Jan-2020PhD:25-Nov-2019	MPH, MSc:17-Jan-2020PhD:25-Nov-2019
Minimum admission average	MPH, MSc:mid-B average in the final yearPhD:A-	MPH, MSc:mid-B average in the final yearPhD:A-
Is a supervisor identified before or after admission?	MSc:AfterPhD:Either	MSc:AfterPhD: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?	MSc, PhD:Either	MSc, PhD:Either
Program length (full-time only)	MPH:4 sessions; 3 sessions advanced-standing optionMSc:3 sessionsPhD:4 years	MPH:4 sessions; 3 sessions advanced-standing optionMSc:3 sessionsPhD:4 years

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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:

• 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.

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: CHL 5004H Introduction to Public Health Sciences
  • 1.0 FCE in research methods: CHL 5401H Epidem​iologic Methods I​ and CHL 5402H Epidem​iologic Methods I​I
  • 1.0 FCE in biostatistics: CHL 5201H Biostatistics I and CHL 5202H Biostatistics II
  • 1.5 FCEs in epidemiology: CHL 5405H Health Trends and Surveillance, CHL 5418H Scientific Overview in Epidemiology, and CHL 5426H Population Perspectives for Epidemiology
  • 0.5 FCE in public health policy: CHL 5300H Public Health Policy
  • minimum 1.0 FCE: practicum placement
  • elective courses.
• 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

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-co​urse equivalents (FCEs) as follows:
  • 0.5 FCE core course: CHL 5004H Introduction to Public Health Sciences
  • 0.5 FCE: CHL 5601H Appraising and Applying Evidence to Assist Clinical Decision-Making
  • 1.0 FCE: CHL 5603Y⁰ Social, Political, and Scientific Issues in Family Medicine
  • 0.5 FCE: CHL 5605H Research Issues in Family Medicine/Primary Care or an equivalent research course, subject to approval
  • 1.0 FCE: CHL 5607H Teaching and Learning by the Health Professions: Principles and Theories and CHL 5608H Teaching and Learning by the Health Professions: Practical Issues and Approaches​
  • 0.5 FCE: CHL 5613H Leading Improvement in the Quality of Health Care for Community Populations
  • 0.5 FCE: CHL 5622H Patient-Related Health Care and Public Policy in Canada
  • minimum 1.0 FCE: practicum placement
  • elective courses.
• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​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

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

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: CHL 5004H Introduction to Public Health Sciences
  • 1.0 FCE core course: CHL 5603Y Social, Political, and Scientific Issues in Family Medicine
  • 0.5 FCE core course: CHL 5622H Patient-Related Health Care and Public Policy in Canada
  • 0.5 FCE core course: CHL 5624H Historical, Ethical, and Philosophical Foundations of Public Health
  • 0.5 FCE research methods course selected from the following list:
    • CHL 5601H Appraising and Applying Evidence to Assist Clinical Decision-Making
    • CHL 5605H Research Issues in Family Medicine/Primary Care
    • CHL 5613H Leading Improvement in the Quality of Health Care for Community Populations
    • CHL 5616H Applied Survey Methods for Health Care Professionals
  • 0.5 FCE: CHL 6013H⁰ Required MPH Advanced Standing Practicum
  • 1.5 FCE elective courses.

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.

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.
• Relevant work or volunteer experience.

Program Requirements

• Completion of 10.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:
  • 0.5 FCE core course: CHL 5004H Introduction to Public Health Sciences
  • 0.5 FCE: CHL 5300H Public Health Policy
  • 1.0 FCE in research methods: CHL 5220H and CHL 5221H or approved equivalents
  • 0.5 FCE: CHL 5520H Indigenous Health
  • 0.5 FCE: CHL 5521H Indigenous Practicum Preparation
  • 0.5 FCE: CHL 5522H Indigenous Food Systems, Environment, and Health
  • 0.5 FCE: CHL 5523H Indigenous Health and Social Policy
  • 0.5 FCE: CHL 5524H: Indigenous Health Theory and Methods
  • 0.5 FCE: CHL 5801H Health Promotion 1 or CHL 5105H Social Determinants of Health
  • minimum 1.0 FCE: practicum placement
  • elective courses.
• 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

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: CHL 5004H Introduction to Public Health Sciences
  • 0.5 FCE: CHL 5300H Public Health Policy
  • 0.5 FCE in quantitative research methods: CHL 5220H Introduction to Quantitative Research or an approved equivalent
  • 0.5 FCE: CHL 5221H Introduction to Qualitative Research
  • 0.5 FCE: CHL 5654H Nutrition Programs and Strategies
  • 2.5 FCEs in foundations of practice for students who have not completed dietetic practical training (dietetic internship): CHL 5650H, CHL 5651H, CHL 5652H, and CHL 5656Y
  • 0.5 FCE in nutrition science
  • minimum 1.0 FCE: practicum placement
  • elective courses.
• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​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: CHL 5004H Introduction to Public Health Sciences
  • 0.5 FCE in public health policy: CHL 5300H Public Health Policy or CHL 5622H Patient-Related Health Care and Public Policy in Canada
  • 1.0 FCE in research methods: CHL 5220H Introduction to Quantitative Research, or an approved equivalent, and CHL 5221H Introduction to Qualitative Research
  • 0.5 FCE in population or public health nutrition from the following list:
    • CHL 5522H Indigenous Food Systems, Environment, and Health
    • CHL 5653H Community Nutrition
    • CHL 5654H Nutrition Programs and Strategies
    • NFS 1201H Public Health Nutrition
    • NFS 1212H 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:
    • NFS 1220H Clinical Nutrition
    • NFS 1223H Dietary Carbohydrate and Glycaemic Index in Health and Disease
    • NFS 1484H Advanced Nutrition
    • other courses approved by the Program Director
  • 0.5 FCE: CHL 6013H⁰ Required MPH Advanced Standing Practicum
  • elective courses.

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:
  • NFS 1220H Clinical Nutrition
  • CHL 5610H Theory and Practice of Behaviour Change in Health Professional Settings
• A relevant research assignment for an appropriate agency focussed on clinical nutrition as part of CHL 5656Y 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: NFS 1201H Public Health Nutrition.
• A relevant research assignment for an appropriate agency focussed on public health nutrition as part of CHL 5656Y Nutrition and Dietetics Culminating Project, to be approved by the program director or course instructor.

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: CHL 5004H Introduction to Public Health Sciences
  • 0.5 FCE: CHL 5904H Perspectives in Occupational and Environmental Health — Legal and Social Context
  • 0.5 FCE: CHL 5910H Occupational and Environmental Hygiene I
  • 0.5 FCE: CHL 5912H Occupational and Environmental Toxicology
  • 0.5 FCE in physical agents: CHL 5907H Radiological Health or CHL 5914H Physical Agents I-Noise
  • 0.5 FCE in research methods: CHL 5220H Introduction to Quantitative Research or CHL 5401H 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.
• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​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: Occupational Hygiene

• 0.5 FCE: CHL 5410H Occupational Epidemiology
• 0.5 FCE: CHL 5902H Advanced Occupational Hygiene
• 0.5 FCE: CHL 5911H Occupational and Environmental Hygiene II
• 0.5 FCE: CHL 5915H Control of Occupational Hazards
• 0.5 FCE: CHL 5917H Concepts in Safety Management
• 0.5 FCE: CHL 5918H Biological Hazards in the Workplace and Community

Emphasis: Environmental Public Health

• 0.5 FCE: CHL 5201H Biostatistics I
• 0.5 FCE: CHL 5413H Public Health Sanitation
• 0.5 FCE: CHL 5416H Environmental Epidemiology
• 0.5 FCE: CHL 5903H Environmental Health
• 0.5 FCE: CHL 5921H Protecting the Public from Air Pollution
• 0.5 FCE: CHL 5950H Special Topics in Occupational and Environmental Health or equivalent

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: CHL 5004H Introduction to Public Health Sciences
  • 1.0 FCE: CHL 5801H Health Promotion 1 and CHL 5803H Health Promotion 2
  • 0.5 FCE: CHL 5105H Social Determinants of Health
  • 0.5 FCE: CHL 5110H Theory and Practice of Program Evaluation
  • 0.5 FCE: CHL 5300H Public Health Policy
  • 1.5 FCEs in research methods: CHL 5401H ​Epidemiologic Methods I, CHL 5201H Biostatistics I, and CHL 5221H ​Introduction to Qualitative Research or approved equivalents
  • minimum 1.0 FCE: practicum placement
  • elective courses.
• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​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:
  • ​​​​​​​CHL 5004H, CHL 5207Y, CHL 5209H, CHL 5210H, and CHL 5250H;
  • CHL 5226H or STA 2112H (Mathematical Statistics I); and
  • CHL 5223H or STA 2212H (Mathematical Statistics II).
• ​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:​
• CHL 5004H, CHL 5207Y, CHL 5209H, CHL 5210H, and CHL 5250H;
  • CHL 5226H or STA 2112H (Mathematical Statistics I);
  • CHL 5223H or STA 2212H (Mathematical Statistics II)​; and
  • 1.0 FCE in electives from an approved list of courses.​

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

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:
  • CHL 5212H Predictive Modelling in the Health Sciences
  • CHL 5213H Methods for Analysis of Microbiome Data
  • CHL 5229H Modern Biostatistics and Statistical Learning
  • CHL 5230H Applied Machine Learning for Health Data.
• Students must complete a practical component in the area of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science through CHL 5207Y Laboratory in Statistical Design and Analysis.

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.

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: CHL 5005H Public Health Research
  • 1.0 FCE: CHL 5208Y Advanced Laboratory in Statistical Design and Analysis
  • 0.5 FCE: CHL 5209H Survival Analysis I
  • 0.5 FCE: CHL 5210H Categorical Data Analysis
  • 0.5 FCE: CHL 5250H⁺ Special Topics in Biostatistics (seminar)
  • 0.5 FCE: CHL 5260H^o Doctoral Seminar Series in Biostatistics
  • 1.0 FCE: STA 2112H and STA 2212H 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.
• 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

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: CHL 5005H Public Health Research
  • 1.0 FCE: CHL 5404H and CHL 5408H Research Methods
  • 1.0 FCE: CHL 5406H and CHL 5424H Quantitative Methods
  • 0.5 FCE: CHL 5423H⁰ Doctoral Seminar in Epidemiology
  • 0.5 FCE: CHL 5428H Epidemiological Methods for Causal Mediation Analyses
  • 0.5 FCE: elective courses that relate to the student’s area of study.
• 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.
• 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

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:
  • CHL 5212H Predictive Modelling in the Health Sciences
  • CHL 5213H Methods for Analysis of Microbiome Data
  • CHL 5229H Modern Biostatistics and Statistical Learning
  • CHL 5230H Applied Machine Learning for Health Data
  • CHL 5429H Advanced Analytic Methods for Bias in Epidemiologic Studies
  • CHL 3020H Ethics and Artificial Intelligence for Health
  • HAD 5306H Introduction to Health Services Research and the Use of Health Administrative Data
  • MHI 2012H Introduction to Big Data for Health: Foundations and Methodologies
  • other course(s) approved by the Program Director.

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: CHL 5005H Public Health Research
  • 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.
• 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.
• 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

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: CHL 5005H Public Health Research
  • 0.5 FCE: CHL 5101H Social and Behavioural Theory and Health
  • 0.5 FCE: CHL 5102H 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.
• 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.
• 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.

The new Doctor of Public Health program will start in September 2021.

Doctor of Philosophy

Program Description

The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) 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: CHL 5005H Public Health Research (Credit/No Credit)
    • 0.5 FCE: CHL 5624H Historical, Ethical, and Philosophical Foundations of Public Health
    • 0.5 FCE: CHL 4001H Contemporary Approaches to Population Health and Health Equity
    • 0.5 FCE: one research methods course, for example:
      • HAD 5763H Advanced Methods in Health Services Research or
      • HAD 6501H Introduction to Methods for Health Professions Education Research
  • 0.5 FCE: CHL 4002H Critical Appraisal and Use of Evidence
  • 0.5 FCE: CHL 4003H Leading High-Performing Health Systems
  • 0.5 FCE: CHL 4004H Global Health Policy
  • Applied Research Project.
  • Year 2 (2.5 FCEs):
    • 0.5 FCE: CHL 4005H Governance and Financial Leadership
    • 0.5 FCE: CHL 5132H Population Health Intervention Research (PHIR)
    • 0.5 FCE: HAD 5778H Comparative Health Systems and Policy
    • 1.0 FCE: two elective courses.
    • Written comprehensive examination in public health sciences.
  • Years 3 and 4 (0.5 FCE):
    • 0.5 FCE: HAD 5765H Case Studies in Health Policy.
  • Writing of a PhD 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.

Program Length

4 years

Time Limit

6 years