Community Health Sciences

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

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.

1. Collect your documentation

   • Check your program requirements to find out which documents and forms you will need to prepare.
   • See the program's list of required documents for submission details.
   • Prospective doctoral students with funding from the China Scholarship Council: see additional information.

2. Gather references (if required)

   • Contact past professors for potential references. We will invite your referees to complete an online reference form after you submit your application.
   • Some course-based programs do not require references, please see specific admission requirements if you are unsure.

3. Begin your application

   • Create an eID to log in. If you already have an eID, you can begin your online application. 
   • Once you begin, remember to click 'Save & Continue' often to ensure your application is saved.

4. Submit your application

   • Pay your application fee:
     • $125 for Canadians or Permanent residents
     • $145 for International Students
   • Learn about payment options here