Program Overview

Introduction to Clinical Epidemiology

The Division of Community Health & Humanities in the Faculty of Medicine hosts the Clinical Epidemiology graduate program, offering students the opportunity to pursue a Graduate diploma (Clinical Epidemiology), Master of Science (MSc), or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. As part of a vibrant research community, the programs in Clinical Epidemiology are aimed at university graduates intending a career in health services, faculty members seeking advanced training in clinical epidemiology, medical doctors and health care professionals interested in health care delivery research.

Program Description

Participants in the clinical epidemiology programs develop strong clinical research skills and gain knowledge through course work, research seminars, the completion of research projects, and the production of a thesis for the M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs. The Faculty of Medicine supports a visiting speaker program, teaching assistant (TA) opportunities, internal awards and scholarships (for full-time graduate students), administrative staff support, and the Office of Research & Graduate Studies dedicated to medicine graduate student matters.

Degrees Offered

• Graduate diploma (Clinical Epidemiology)
• MSc (Med) (Clinical Epidemiology)
• PhD (Clinical Epidemiology)

Program Details

• Graduate Diploma (Clinical Epidemiology): A course-based program with no thesis requirement and no supervisor requirement. Students complete 3 core courses and 2 seminars. The diploma program may be attractive to students hoping to expand on their current skill set in the health services arena or seeking advanced training in clinical epidemiology. It can be completed in 1-2 years of study.
• MSc (Med): A thesis-based program designed to be completed in two years of full-time study. Students accepted to the program who surpass minimum academic requirements and are enrolled in full-time studies in the Faculty of Medicine are granted a minimum stipend for two years. Students will generally complete required coursework within the first year and execute the majority of their research thesis preparation in the second year of their degree.
• PhD: A thesis-based program designed to be completed in four years of full-time study. Students accepted to the program who surpass minimum academic requirements and are enrolled in full-time studies in the Faculty of Medicine are granted a minimum stipend for four years. Students will generally complete required coursework within the first 1-2 years and execute the majority of their research thesis preparation in the latter years of their degree. All PhD students at Memorial University are expected to complete their comprehensive exams by the seventh semester of study.

Admission Requirements

• Diploma: Undergraduate degree from a university of recognized standing with a minimum average of 75% over the last 2 years of full-time study.
• MSc (Med): Bachelor's degree (minimum second class) in an appropriate area of study. Students are required to have completed one statistics course.
• PhD: Master's degree in an appropriate area of study.

Application Deadlines

• May 15 (graduate diploma) for Fall admission
• March 1 (MSc and PhD) for Fall admission
• July 31 (Clinical Epidemiology graduate diploma for clinical residents in St. John's only) for Fall admission

Career Options and Outcomes

• Academic faculty member (university, college or private institution)
• Research scientist (public or private laboratory)
• Research assistant
• Health policy fellowship
• Physician
• Scientific writer
• Grants facilitator
• Entrepreneur (start-up company)

Program Information

• Duration (Full-time students):
  • Graduate diploma, MSc (Med): 1-2 years
  • PhD: 4 years
• Campus: St. John's
• Funding:
  • MSc (Med): $12,000
  • PhD: $12,000-$20,000
• Tuition (NL students):
  • Graduate diploma: $420
  • MSc (Med): $635-$953/semester
  • PhD: $888/semester
• Tuition (Other Canadian students):
  • Graduate diploma: $546
  • MSc (Med): $826-$1,239/semester
  • PhD: $1,154/semester
• Tuition (International students):
  • Graduate diploma: $710
  • MSc (Med): $1,074-$1,611/semester
  • PhD: $1,499/semester