Public Health Sciences: Public Health Sciences DrPH

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.

DrPH Program

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Dalla Lana School of Public Health'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.

Completion Requirements

  • Coursework. Completion of 6.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • Year 1 (3.5 FCEs):

      • CHL4001H Contemporary Approaches to Population Health and Health Equity

      • CHL4002H Critical Appraisal and Use of Evidence

      • CHL4003H High Performance Leadership

      • CHL4004H Global Health Policy

      • CHL4006H Seminars in Public Health

      • CHL5624H Historical, Ethical, and Philosophical Foundations of Public Health

      • 0.5 FCE: one research methods course

      • Applied Research Project

    • Year 2 (2.5 FCEs):

      • CHL4005H Governance and Financial Leadership

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

      • CHL5132H Population Health Intervention Research (PHIR)

      • 1.0 FCE: two elective courses

      • Written comprehensive examination in public health sciences

    • 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.

Mode of Delivery: Hybrid
Program Length: 4 years full-time (typical registration sequence: Continuous)
Time Limit: 6 years full-time

 

Public Health Sciences