University of Ottawa/Université d'Ottawa - Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

Population Health

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Program Information

School:University of Ottawa/Université d'Ottawa - Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Faculty:Graduate Programs
Degree:Doctorate
Field of Study:Epidemiology
Population Biology
Description:The population health doctoral program is closely linked to the University's Institute of Population Health, which brings together ten faculties within the University (Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Medicine, Health Sciences, Science, Social Sciences, Law (Common Law Section), School of Management, Engineering, Arts and Education). The Institute is composed of ten research centres: McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, Centre for Multiple Interventions, Centre for Best Practices, Centre for Global Health, Centre for Health Policy, Research unit Gap Santé, Women's Health Research Unit, ACADRE, Immigrant & International Health, WHO Collaborating Centre for HTA.



The doctoral program is designed to meet the needs of a wide variety of candidates, such as health professionals; epidemiologists and biostatisticians; social and behavioural scientists, health administrators and lawyers with an interest in population health; environmental scientists interested in the health sector; biologists with an interest in human population health. Students are encouraged to apply the science of their individual background disciplines to issues of population health. They acquire a broad knowledge of population health through courses and the comprehensive examination, and pursue in-depth study in an area of specialization within the population health framework. The five areas of specialization, which constitute the field of population health, are population health issues, determinants and causes, interventions, delivery systems and health policy.

URL:Population Health at University of Ottawa/Université d'Ottawa - Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Thesis Based:Yes
Length:4 Year(s)

Admission Requirements

Grade for Entrance Previous Year (%)*80
Prerequisites:*These courses are intended as guidelines. Speak to your guidance counsellor to see what courses are offered at your school.
    Students are admitted under the general regulations of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. The minimum requirement is a master's degree, with an A- or equivalent average, in a field related to population health (for example, epidemiology, human kinetics, audiology, physiotherapy, nursing, law, environmental studies, sociology, psychology, biology). An applicant whose master's degree did not include a thesis must demonstrate the ability to undertake an independent research project.

    Several key areas of knowledge are required of applicants: health sciences, social or behavioural sciences, advanced research methods, graduate level statistics and epidemiology. Those who are missing three or more of these key areas must successfully complete prerequisite courses prior to admission. Students deficient in two or fewer of these knowledge areas may be offered the opportunity to take a course or courses as co-requisites. These courses would be additional to the 18 credits required of all students in the program. Applicants must have an active knowledge of either English or French, and a passive knowledge of the other language. Passive knowledge is defined as both oral and reading comprehension ability. As part of the application process, students are required to complete a second language test. For international students, the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies English language requirements also apply.
    Test Scores:
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (Paper Based) [min. 550] or International English Language Testing System (academic or immigration) [min. 6.5] or Test of English as a Foreign Language (Internet Based) [min. 79-80]
    Additional Admission Requirements:
    • Letter(s) of Reference
    • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
    • Statement of Research Interests
    Two letters of recommendation, letter of Intent, additional information form (Knowledge assessment), and official transcripts of all universities attended are required.

    * The entrance grade may change from year to year. Please contact the school for further information.

    * We make every attempt to provide accurate information on prerequisites, programs, and tuition. However, this information is subject to change without notice and we highly recommend that you contact the school to confirm important information before applying.

    Modified on October 14, 2022