The PhD in Health Sciences is a research-intensive program with a particular focus on populations with a greater susceptibility to experience poorer health (e.g., at-risk groups such as seniors and Indigenous populations). The development of applied research skills will also prepare PhD graduates for a career outside of academia. Consequently, a variety of disciplines (e.g., Epidemiology, Gerontology, Kinesiology, Nursing, Physiology, Psychology, Public Health, Social Work, Sociology, and Women’s Studies) across several academic units conducting applied health research are involved in the program.

The program consists of 8 full Course Equivalents (FCE) over four years (full -time): 1 FCE required courses, 1 FCE elective courses, 1 FCE Comprehensive Examination, 1 FCE Research Internship, a PhD dissertation (4 FCE) and a non-credit Research Seminar. Students can follow a full-time or flexible full-time model. Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

1. Discuss and critique current and emerging issues and trends in the field of health sciences,

2. Design, carry out, and defend research at an advanced level to create knowledge relevant to the field of health sciences, and

3. Conduct research and scholarly activities in a way that is consistent with best practices in the field of health sciences.