Program Details

Start Date Fall (September)
Duration 4-5 Years (full-time)
Tuition Approx. CAD $9,000 - $10,000 for domestic students; Approx. CAD $29,000 - $30,000 for international students per year (excluding incidental fees, subject to change)
Format On-campus
Credits 3.0 Full-Course Equivalents (FCEs) plus dissertation

Program Statistics

Acceptance Rate Not publicly available%
Employment Rate Not publicly available%

The PhD in Public Health Sciences (Health Promotion) program at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health offers advanced training for students seeking to become leading researchers, educators, and policy-makers in the field. This program delves into the complex socio-ecological determinants of health, equipping students with the theoretical knowledge and methodological skills to address health inequities and promote well-being across diverse populations. It emphasizes critical inquiry, interdisciplinary approaches, and the translation of research into effective public health interventions and policies.

Students in the Health Promotion stream are trained to critically analyze health issues from a population perspective, developing expertise in areas such as health communication, community engagement, policy advocacy, and program evaluation. The curriculum fosters a deep understanding of health promotion theories and their application in real-world settings, preparing graduates to tackle pressing public health challenges. The program is designed to cultivate independent scholars capable of conducting rigorous, impactful research that contributes significantly to the body of public health knowledge and practice.

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Curriculum

The PhD curriculum is designed to provide advanced theoretical knowledge, methodological skills, and research experience. It typically includes:

  • Core courses in public health sciences and specialized courses in health promotion theory, methods, and practice (e.g., DLSPH core courses, health promotion seminars).
  • Advanced methodology courses covering qualitative, quantitative, and/or mixed methods relevant to public health research.
  • Elective courses chosen in consultation with the supervisor to support the student's specific research interests.
  • Successful completion of a Qualifying Examination, typically within the first two years, assessing the student's mastery of core concepts and readiness for dissertation research.
  • Development and defense of a detailed thesis proposal.
  • Conducting original research culminating in a doctoral dissertation.
  • Successful oral defense of the doctoral dissertation.
  • Active participation in departmental seminars, colloquia, and research groups.

Admission Requirements

Applicants are typically required to have:

  • A Master's degree in Public Health or a related field from a recognized university with an average standing of at least A- (or equivalent) in the final year of study.
  • Demonstrated research potential, evidenced by a Master's thesis, major research paper, publications, or significant research experience.
  • A comprehensive Statement of Purpose/Letter of Intent outlining research interests, career goals, and alignment with faculty expertise.
  • A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  • Three letters of recommendation, with at least two from academic referees familiar with the applicant's research abilities.
  • Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS) if the applicant's primary language of instruction was not English.
  • GRE scores are generally not required for this program.

Application Process

The application process for the PhD in Public Health Sciences (Health Promotion) involves several steps:

  1. Review the program's admission requirements and application deadlines on the Dalla Lana School of Public Health website.
  2. Identify and, if possible, contact potential faculty supervisors whose research interests align with your own. While not always mandatory, having a supervisor identified can strengthen an application.
  3. Complete the online application form through the University of Toronto's School of Graduate Studies (SGS) application portal.
  4. Upload all required supporting documents, including official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions, your Curriculum Vitae (CV), and a compelling Statement of Purpose/Letter of Intent.
  5. Arrange for three letters of recommendation to be submitted directly by your referees through the online application system.
  6. Submit official English language proficiency test scores (if applicable) directly from the testing agency.
  7. Pay the non-refundable application fee.
  8. Monitor your application status regularly and respond promptly to any requests for additional information from the admissions committee.

Application Fee: Approx. CAD $125

Apply Now

Interested in this program? Use the form below to request more information or start your application.

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