The Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, located in the Faculty of Medicine, offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Science (MSc) degree and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Epidemiology.

The purpose of the PhD program is to develop graduates who are capable, independent epidemiological researchers, and who display a probing and enquiring approach to science while maintaining a high level of scientific integrity.

Faculty members of the Department come from a wide variety of academic backgrounds and interests and are engaged in extensive collaborations with other groups. Their research falls within two broad fields:

1. Descriptive and analytic epidemiology;
2. Applied and clinical epidemiology.

Further information is posted on the program website.

The program is offered on a full-time basis. Most of the courses are offered in English. Research activities can be conducted either in English, French or both, depending on the language skills of the thesis supervisor.

In accordance with the University of Ottawa regulation, students have a right to produce their work, their thesis, and to answer examination questions in French or in English.

The programs operate within the framework of the “General Regulations” of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (FGPS) of the University of Ottawa, which are posted on the FGPS website.

Admission to the PhD program is governed by the General Regulations of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (FGPS).

To be considered for admission, applicants must:

1. Hold a master’s degree with thesis in epidemiology or a closely related discipline such as biostatistics or population-based genetics*;
2. Have achieved a minimum average of 75% (B+);
3. Demonstrate strong research performance;
4. Provide at least two confidential letters of recommendation from professors who are familiar with their work;
5. Provide a statement of purpose outlining their career goals and their proposed research area;
6. Identify at least one professor who is willing and available to act as thesis supervisor;
7. Provide proof of proficiency (understand, speak and write) in either English or French and of at least a passive knowledge (listening, reading) in English so as to be able to take courses and read the scientific literature in English. The list of acceptable proofs is indicated in the “Admission” section of the General Regulations of the FGPS.

* Applicants must have mastered the equivalent of the content of the following courses either during their previous studies or through work experience: EPI5240; EPI5242; EPI5340; EPI5341; EPI6178; (2 among EPI5344; EPI5345; EPI5346). Otherwise, they may need to complete some of these courses either prior to admission or in addition to the regular requirements of the degree.

Transfer from master's to PhD program

Students enrolled in the MSc program may be allowed to transfer to the PhD program without being required to write a master’s thesis provided they meet the following conditions:

1. Completion of all master’s course work;
2. Satisfactory progress in the research program;
3. Submission of a well developed research plan that must include, at a minimum, a thesis proposal and background literature review that has been approved by the departmental Graduate Education Committee;
4. Proof of substantial experience in empirical data collection and analysis;
5. Written recommendation by the thesis supervisor and the advisory committee;
6. Approval by the graduate studies committee.

The transfer must take place within sixteen months of initial registration in the master’s. Following the transfer, all of the requirements of the doctoral program must be met.

Degree Requirements

1. Six compulsory credits: EPI8166 or EPI8566 and MED8167 or MED 8567;
2. Six optional credits chosen from EPI graduate courses;
3. A comprehensive examination (EPI9998) to be completed within sixteen months of initial registration in the program;
4. A thesis proposal to be completed and defended within 24 months of initial registration in the program;
5. Presentation and defence of a thesis (EPI9999) based on original research carried out under the direct supervision of a faculty member of the Department.

Individual Study Plan (ISP)

Thesis Advisory Committee

Comprehensive Examination (EPI9998)

Projet de thèse / Thesis Proposal (EPI 9997)

Residence

Minimum Standards

Duration of the program