Program Requirements

The curriculum for the SDH program is predicated on the thematic areas of research strength outlined above. Intended as research intensive degrees, the master's and doctoral programs outlined below centre around two 1.5 unit core courses in Fundamentals of Health, two 1.5 unit required methodology courses, mandatory participation in the program colloquium and two 1.5 unit elective courses.

MA, MSc and PhD students will attend the same colloquium and Fundamentals of Health core courses, although the pedagogic expectations will be different at the master's and doctoral levels.

The core courses and colloquium are intended to engender cohesiveness among the students and faculty within the program and to provide students with a basic complement of knowledge and core competencies from which to pursue their independent research. Choices of methodological approach and elective courses are intended to provide flexibility so faculty and students can tailor research programs to suit student interests and research requirements.

The importance placed on the independent research component of the program, especially in the case of the PhD program, is indicated by the number of unit credits allotted to the thesis/dissertation. The primary outcome is a thesis at the master's level or dissertation at the doctoral level. In the case of doctoral students, candidacy requires that students also pass a comprehensive examination. Three questions related to their particular research area will be crafted by the student in consultation with their supervisory committee. The questions will be answered in a written format, drawing upon pertinent literature and will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis.

Supervisory Committee

The structure of the supervisory committee must meet the requirements set out by the Faculty of Graduate Studies for interdisciplinary students. For master's students, two co-supervisors, who are members of the Faculty of Graduate Studies at least one of whom has successfully supervised candidates for graduate degrees in the past, must confirm their willingness to supervise before a student can be admitted. For doctoral students, at least one additional faculty member must be added to the supervisory committee following admission. At the time of the thesis/dissertation defense at least one additional member must be added to the examination committee.

MA and MSc Programs (18.0 units)

Program Length

The master's program is designed for completion within 2 years.

PhD Program (30.0 units)

Program Length

The doctoral program is designed for completion within 4 years.

Approved Electives Courses

Final decisions regarding the student's selection of elective courses will be made in consultation with the academic unit where the course is offered, the course instructor and the student's supervisory committee, and will require the approval of the SDH Director and/or Advisory Committee.

Approved Methodology Courses

Final decisions regarding the student's selection of methodology courses will be made in consultation with the academic unit where the course is offered, the course instructor and the student's supervisory committee, and will require the approval of the SDH Director and/or Advisory Committee.

Quantitative Methods

Qualitative Methods