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a) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
b) Master of Science (MSc)

Within the thesis-based programs, the student must select a specialization in Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Healthcare Epidemiology, Clinical Epidemiology, Health Services Research, Population/Public Health or Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies.

Descriptions of each specialization and its requirements are found on the Departmental website at: http://www.ucalgary.ca/communityhealthsciences/.

In addition to Faculty requirements, the Department requires:

a) A BSc, BA, BCR, MD or equivalent degree for admission to the Master of Science program

b) For applicants required to provide proof of proficiency in English, a minimum TOEFL score of 600 (written test), or 100 (internet-based test), an IELTS score of 7.0, a MELAB score of 84, or PTE score of 70.

c) A statement outlining the applicant’s interest and reasons for choosing the program.

d) A letter from a faculty member of our Department indicating interest in supervising the applicant.

e) Work and/or research experience in the health system, community rehabilitation and/or disability studies is highly recommended.

f) Two letters of reference

In addition to Faculty requirements, the Department requires that all students complete two Block Week courses: “Introduction to Community Health Sciences” and “Determinants of Health” and the following:

Master of Science
A minimum of six half-course equivalents (three core courses and three electives) for all specializations. The CRDS specialization requires a minimum of six half courses from the CRDS Specialization.
See departmental website for specific course requirements for each MSc specialization.

Doctor of Philosophy
A minimum of four half-course equivalents, in addition to the three core courses if not completed previously. The CRDS specialization requires a minimum of four half courses from the CRDS Specialization.

See departmental website for specific course requirements for each PhD specialization.

Brief course descriptions follow this section. Some courses are only offered in block weeks. More detailed course schedules and outlines are found on the departmental website at: http://www.ucalgary.ca/communityhealthsciences/. 

In addition to the Faculty requirements, the Department requires that all students attend the departmental seminars offered weekly and student seminars offered bi-weekly during the academic year.

Attendance at Research Integrity Day is required once during a student’s program. Some students may be exempt from these requirements.

Expected completion time is two to three years for the MSc program and 4-5 years for the PhD program. See “Medicine Programs” for maximum completion times.

Leaders in Medicine
Expected completion time is four to five years for the MD/MSc program  and six to seven years for the MD/PhD program. See “Medicine Programs” for maximum completion times. 
 

Applicants must secure a supervisor prior to applying for admission. The Supervisor, in consultation with the student and the Graduate Program Director, recommends the Supervisory Committee during the second academic term of the first year of the program. The student and Supervisor complete and submit an Appointment of Supervisor/Supervisory Committee form.

Students in the Leaders in Medicine Program must also have a Supervisory Committee constituted according to the above regulations. Both Master of Science and doctoral students will also be evaluated and advised by a Joint Liaison Committee composed of the Associate Dean (Graduate Sciences Education), Associate Dean (Undergraduate Medical Education), and the Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Medicine.

In the PhD program the student and his/her Supervisory Committee establish a concept map outlining the student’s study area and an accompanying reading list to prepare for the candidacy exam. The Supervisory Committee develops three exam questions that meet the competency requirements as outlined by the department. These questions are derived from the concept map and reading list developed for each student. Questions on the research proposal are not included. The student has three weeks to prepare written solutions to the three questions.

In both MSc and PhD programs final thesis oral examinations are open.

The proposal is usually 12 to 15 single-spaced, typed pages. Appendices are permitted and should include the research instrument and, if the research involves agencies or institutions outside of the Department, their written permission to conduct the research. Doctoral students should include a complete literature review as an appendix.

After approval by the student’s Supervisory Committee and before commencement of data collection, all proposals are submitted to the Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board for ethical review, and most are submitted to the appropriate committee for impact review.

Financial assistance may be available to qualified students. For information on awards, please see the Awards and Financial Assistance section of this calendar.

The Department’s deadline for applications to the Graduate Award Competition is January 15.