Program Overview

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Introduction to the Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health

The School of Public Health offers a thesis-based degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health, providing students with the opportunity to engage in advanced research and academic study.

Why Study this Program?

The School of Public Health offers various graduate degrees, including a course-based Master of Public Health with a specialization in General Public Health, a thesis-based Master of Science with several specializations, and a PhD with several specializations. Additionally, the school offers several Graduate Embedded Certificates that students can complete concurrently with a graduate degree, including:

• Graduate Embedded Certificate in Climate Change and Health (Public Health)
• Graduate Embedded Certificate in Communicable Diseases (Public Health)
• Graduate Embedded Certificate in Epidemiology & Applied Biostatistics (Public Health)
• Graduate Embedded Certificate in Global Health Equity (Public Health)
• Graduate Embedded Certificate in Health Economic Evaluation (Public Health)
• Graduate Programs in Community-Based Research and Evaluation

Entrance Requirements

The School of Public Health values diversity and seeks to recruit students from diverse backgrounds. Indigenous applicants who meet the Definition of Indigenous People for the Purpose of Admission are encouraged to self-identify and submit Proof of Aboriginal Identity.

Master's Degrees (MPH, MSc, MACE)

The minimum admission requirements for master's degrees include:

• A baccalaureate degree or its academic equivalent in a relevant field from an academic institution recognized by the University of Alberta
• A grade point average of at least 3.0 on the 4.0-point scale over the last 60 units of graded coursework completed Relevant work or volunteer experience is helpful, such as involvement in activities or studying/working/volunteering in a governmental or non-governmental organization in Canada or internationally with a health or community engagement focus.

Doctoral Degrees (PhD)

The minimum admission requirements for doctoral degrees include:

• A master's (thesis- or course-based) degree or its academic equivalent in a relevant field from an academic institution recognized by the University of Alberta
• A grade point average of at least 3.4 on the 4-point scale over the last 60 units of graded coursework completed Demonstrated high-level research aptitude and competence in the application of the applicant's discipline to research is helpful, such as previous engagement with in-depth public health research/practice, research scholarships or fellowships, and/or a research publication track record.

English Language Requirement

If required, a minimum overall score on an approved English language examination, including:

• PTE Academic score of 61
• A minimum acceptable TOEFL score of 92 with a score of at least 21 on each of the individual skill areas (Internet-based) or equivalent
• A minimum overall band score of 7.0, with at least 6 on each test band on the IELTS

Additional Requirements

Applicants are also required to submit:

1. A current resumé or curriculum vitae
2. Letter of intent of no more than 800 words
3. Three (3) letters of reference
4. Academic documents
5. MACE applicants only: Writing sample

Canadian Indigenous History and Contemporary Context Requirement

All incoming students must complete preparation activities related to Canadian Indigenous history and contemporary context before registering in the first course of the degree. This requirement can be satisfied by taking Faculty of Native Studies courses or completing a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC).

Program Requirements

Students must complete the following:

1. Required Courses (6 units)

• SPH 602 - Public Health Engagement & Communication (3 units)
• SPH 604 - Advanced Theory and Research Methods in Public Health (3 units)

2. Elective Courses

Additional courses as approved by the student's Supervisor.

3. Candidacy Examination

The Candidacy Examination occurs within three years of the start of the PhD program, once all course work is completed, and includes a written thesis proposal and oral examination.

4. Thesis

Successfully complete and defend a thesis on a research topic in the program area defined in consultation with the student's supervisory committee.

Residence Requirement

The minimum period of residence is two academic years of full-time registration.

Length of Program

The time required to complete the PhD will vary according to the previous training of the applicant and the nature of the research undertaken, with a maximum time permitted of six years (part- or full-time) from the date of first registration.

Tuition and Fees

All students admitted to the School of Public Health must establish their own funding prior to their admission. Graduate students can finance their studies at the University of Alberta in several ways, including general graduate awards, research grants, and external scholarships.

Scholarships and Financial Support

The Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies administers over $29 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for graduate students, as well as financial and loan advising. Additional scholarships are also available for specific faculties and programs.