Supervisors
Learn about faculty available to supervise this degree.
Program overview
Students in Community Health Sciences pursue solutions to complex problems in a wide range of big-picture health issues. This is one of the most diverse medicine programs offered by the University of Calgary, representing individual, family and population health in variety of healthcare, education and community settings. Students gain a strong foundation in core competencies in research and professional practice, with applied learning gained through interactions in clinical settings. Specializations touch on wide-ranging issues in community and population health and disease, health services, disabilities and more, preparing students for careers that require a deep understanding of - and the skills to act on - the many factors and relationships that affect community health.
Completing this program
- Courses: Courses are determined according to the specialization and background of the student.
- Research Ethics: Students are required to attend Research Integrity Day sessions in the first year of their program.
- Sex & Gender Module: Students are required to complete one of the CIHR sex and gender online training modules found at discoversexandgender.ca in the first year of their program.
- Candidacy: Students will complete both oral and written candidacy exams.
- Seminars: Students attend Community Health Sciences and O'Brien Institute for Public Health seminars during the academic year.
- Research proposal: Students must submit a research proposal for approval by their supervisory committee.
- Thesis: Students will be required to submit and defend an original research thesis.
Specializations
- Biostatistics
- Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies
- Epidemiology
- Health Economics
- Health Services Research
- Medical Education
- Population/Public Health
Outcomes
Analyst; researcher; academic; rehabilitation/case/respite worker; consultant; recreation therapist; family outreach/advocacy; resource teacher; clinical trials biostatistician; epidemiologist; statistician; psychometrician; knowledge translation/prevention/development/health promotion specialist.
A PhD in community health sciences is usually considered a final degree; graduates may go on to pursue post-doctoral research.
Virtual Tour
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Accepting InquiriesVulnerable children, Social support, Parent-infant/child relationships, Maternal mental health, Domestic abuse, Family environmental effects on child development, Genetics and epigenetics -
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Accepting InquiriesClinical Epidemiology, Patterns of Laboratory Test Use, Utility and Appropriateness of Laboratory Testing, Adverse Drug Reactions, Big Data Modelling of Laboratory Data, Precision Population Health
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Admission Requirements
GPA
A minimum of 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.
Minimum education
An MSc or equivalent from a recognized institution.
Work samples
None
Documents
- A letter from a faculty member indicating interest in supervising the student
- A statement outlining the applicant's interests and reasons for choosing the program
Reference letters
Two
Note: When choosing your references, it is preferred that you choose individuals who are external to your supervisor.
Test scores
None
Work/Research Experience
Work and/or research experience related to your specialization of choice is highly recommended.
English language proficiency
An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL ibt) score of 105.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7.5 (minimum of 7.0 in each section)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 75, or higher (Academic version).
- Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL) score of 70 (minimum 70 in each section)
- Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) score of A- in each course.
- Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency minimum score of 200.
- Duolingo English Test and obtaining a minimum score of 145* (with no sub-score below 125*). (temporary until Fall 2024 intake)
Deadlines
For admission on September 1:
- Canadians and permanent residents: Dec. 1 application deadline
- International students: Dec. 1 application deadline
If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements
Learn more about this program
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Related programs
If you're interested in this program, you might want to explore other UCalgary programs.
Highlights of the Community Health Sciences Program
These stories from those involved in the program show what it's like to be involved yourself.
Pets, people and urban places
Melanie Rock's research recognizes intricate connections between the health of humans, animals and ecosystems
Understanding the public health impact of fluoridation
Lindsay McLaren has found that removing fluoride from drinking water has worsened tooth decay among Calgary children
MEDi robot comforting young patients
Dr. Tanya Beran, founder of Rxrobots, is studying children's interactions with robots in hospital settings