Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Dat Tran
PhD student
If you are contemplating a research-oriented career in academia, a doctor of philosophy (PhD) degree will interest you. A doctoral degree builds on the knowledge and skills you have acquired during a previous degree and includes a minimum four years of study. You have the choice of degrees in epidemiology, health promotion and sociobehavioural sciences, health services and policy research, and public health. You will have the opportunity to add to your capacity to generate new knowledge in the field of public health.
publichealth.ualberta.ca
research environment and supervisors Our PhD students complete ground-breaking research on a variety of topics. Past research has investigated: • the outcome/role of taxing sugar-sweetened beverages on reducing consumption. • the effect of introducing comprehensive school health programs in elementary schools. • the success of harm reduction interventions for illicit substance use. • the factors surrounding adherence to antiretroviral therapy.
As a PhD applicant, it is highly recommended that you identify a supervisor for your research prior to completing your application. Choosing a supervisor that fits with your specific area of interest is a crucial part of the process, as they will mentor you through your studies. Your supervisor will also help you to negotiate the funding landscape. To begin, read up on our faculty members on our website. If your chosen faculty member is currently accepting students, contact them, introduce yourself and explain how your experience and research interests align.
[ highlights ]
[ benefits ]
• Take advanced core courses common to all PhD degree specializations.
• Gain knowledge and research skills to pursue an academic career.
• Take specialization courses and electives.
• Gain in-depth knowledge related to your research interests.
• Conduct your own research and complete a dissertation. • Work closely with your supervisor to focus on your specific area of interest. • Gain access to a variety of scholarships and awards.
• Deepen and hone your research and analytical skills. • Be mentored and supported throughout your program. • Tap into financial assistance.
course layout - PhD Specialization
Epidemiology
Core Courses SPH 602 – Engaged Scholarship for Health (*3) or SPH 607 – Intro to Engaged Scholarship (*1) and SPH 610 – Applied Engaged Scholarship: Principle to specific rsch projects (*1) SPH 603 – Scientific Communication in Public Health (*2)
Specialization Courses
Electives
Thesis
SPH 798 - Biostatistics III (*3)
Additional courses as approved by the student’s supervisor
Thesis Research (12 minimum) (*3, *6, *9 per term as required)
24
Additional courses as approved by the student’s supervisor
Thesis Research (12 minimum) (*3, *6, *9 per term as required)
24
1 (*3) course as approved by the student’s supervisor
Thesis Research (12 minimum) (*3, *6, *9 per term as required)
24
2 (*6) courses as approved by the student’s supervisor
Thesis Research (12 minimum) (*3, *6, *9 per term as required)
24
SPH 766 - Advanced Epidemiology Methods (*3)
Credit Total
SPH 604 – Adv. Theory and Res. Methods (*2)
Health Promotion and Socio-behavioural Sciences
SPH 602 – Engaged Scholarship for Health (*3) or SPH 607 – Intro to Engaged Scholarship (*1) and SPH 610 – Applied Engaged Scholarship: Principle to specific rsch projects (*1) SPH 603 – Scientific Communication in Public Health (*2)
SPH 622 - Theory and Practice of Health Promotion Interventions (*3) SPH 608 - Psychosocial Perspectives on Health (*3)
SPH 604 – Adv. Theory and Res. Methods (*2)
Health Services and Policy Research
SPH 602 – Engaged Scholarship for Health (*3) or SPH 607 – Intro to Engaged Scholarship (*1) and SPH 610 – Applied Engaged Scholarship: Principle to specific rsch projects (*1)
SPH 600 - Health Policy Development (*3)
SPH 603 – Scientific Communication in Public Health (*2)
As of September 2014.
SPH 604 – Adv. Theory and Res. Methods (*2)
Public Health
SPH 602 – Engaged Scholarship for Health (*3) or SPH 607 – Intro to Engaged Scholarship (*1) and SPH 610 – Applied Engaged Scholarship: Principle to specific rsch projects (*1) SPH 603 – Scientific Communication in Public Health (*2) SPH 604 – Adv. Theory and Res. Methods (*2)
Suggested Target: Minimum of 24 credit units over a minimum three-year period, consisting of: 6-credit units core research seminars; (5) 3-credit specialization options; and 9 (or more) credit units (as required) of PhD thesis. Seminars Students would be required to register in each of the seminars for credit once during their PhD program, but continue to attend regularly for the duration of their residency requirement in the PhD program Introduction to Engaged Scholarship and Applied Engaged Scholarship: Principle to specific research projects. An interdisciplinary seminar intended to prepare students with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage effectively with communities and the health system in research and practice. Students will explore the concepts of engaged scholarship and how these can be best applied in their field of expertise to promote research that is both relevant and of high quality. Scientific Communication (SC) Seminar would consist of both written (manuscript and grant writing) and oral (poster and oral presentation) communication content, as well as media relations. Theory and Methods (TM) Seminar would consist of regular interdisciplinary discussions of public health science research topics, rotating through the identified areas of specialization. The Seminar is assumed to be an evolution of the currently established PhD Journal Club meetings.
admission requirements
application deadline
To be admitted to the PhD program, you must:
Your application and supporting documents must be submitted by January 31 for admission in September of the same year.
• hold a baccalaureate degree, or its academic equivalent, from an academic institution recognized by the University of Alberta.
Students can be admitted to the PhD program at any time, but preference is given to a Fall term (September) or Spring (May) start.
• have at least one year of health-related or community-related experience. • have a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale over the last 60 credits.
preferences
Our PhD alumni have found exciting and varied careers in Canada and elsewhere. According to our 2013 Graduate Employment Survey*, 80 per cent of our PhD graduates have found full-time employment.
In addition to the requirements noted, preference will be given to applicants who have: • completed master’s-level training. • demonstrated competence in the application of their discipline to research. This includes, for example, completion of master’s thesis, previous research scholarships or fellowship, or a research publication track record.
where they work 50% post-secondary academic 50% government ministry, department or agency positions they hold
Here are some of the positions our graduates hold, just to name a few: • assistant professor • senior health research analyst • project lead
The School of Public Health at the University of Alberta is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health.
contact us The U of A provides an exceptional environment for public health research in northern Canada, and I have the privilege of learning from leading researchers. Amy Colquhoun PhD student
Education Office School of Public Health, University of Alberta 3-300 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy 11405 - 87 Ave, Edmonton AB T6G 1C9 Canada 780-492-8211
@UofAPublicHlth
sph.programs@ualberta.ca
SPHUofA
School of Public Health, UAlberta
*Graduate Employment Survey, classes of 2011 and 2012
where graduates are