Epidemiology

The MPH in Epidemiology provides a solid base in epidemiological methods, an understanding of the breadth of community health and opportunities for applied experiential learning in epidemiologic practice, research and policy. The degree program is intended for students who want a research career (including the pursuit of a PhD in epidemiology), and those who want to work in an applied public health setting.

The curriculum emphasizes quantitative methods, critical appraisal of evidence, data analysis and interpretation. In contrast to strictly skills-based training, the degree is aimed at developing leaders who will make independent contributions when faced with public health challenges, and direct initiatives in the field. In addition, completion of the program meets the requirement for physicians training to be Medical Officers of Health in Ontario, and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada requirements for Public Health and Preventative Medicine residency program.

The objective of the program is to provide students with a base of knowledge and skills in epidemiological methods and public health that will enable them to pursue careers in applied epidemiological research, or evidence-based public health practice.

Graduates will:

• be able to work as part of a research group or in public health practice;
• be able to describe trends and patterns of disease incidence and prevalence, disease burden, factors affecting health status, and major etiologic and prognostic factors;
• understand the strengths and weaknesses of major methodological and analytical techniques;
• exhibit practical skills, including the ability to develop an epidemiological question, refine the question in light of the literature and community situation, design an appropriate study to answer the question, collect relevant data, analyze these data using commonly available statistical software, and interpret the findings relative to the literature and the community/ organizational context;
• be able to prepare a paper for peer-reviewed publication, and present epidemiological information;
• have knowledge of public health principles and practice; and
• be able to read, understand, and critically appraise the scientific literature, and understand the effectiveness of core public health interventions.

• an appropriate bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a recognized university*
• at least a mid-B average in final year of the degree or in the last 5.0 full course equivalents completed at a senior level*
• at least one undergraduate statistics course is required for Epidemiology, Social & Behavioural Health Sciences (Health Promotion) and Community Nutrition, and is recommended for Family & Community Medicine and Occupational & Environmental Health
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is strongly recommended for MPH Epidemiology applicants (NOTE: GRE will be required for MPH Epidemiology applicants starting with the Fall 2018 admission cycle)

Tuition fees for the Epidemiology program at the University of Toronto vary depending on the student's residence status and program level. For domestic students enrolled in graduate studies, the tuition typically ranges from approximately CAD 10,000 to CAD 20,000 per year. International students can expect higher fees, generally around CAD 45,000 to CAD 60,000 annually. Additional costs include mandatory ancillary fees, health insurance, and student service fees, which can amount to several thousand CAD per year. The university offers various financial support options such as scholarships, assistantships, and bursaries to help offset these expenses. Research-based graduate students may have opportunities to secure teaching assistantships or research assistantships, which provide stipends and tuition waivers in exchange for research or instructional work. The university also partners with external organizations that provide funding for epidemiology and public health research. Students are encouraged to explore external scholarships, including government-funded grants and private sponsorships. For international students, the university offers specific awards and financial aid programs aimed at fostering diversity and supporting students abroad. The application process for financial aid typically requires separate documentation and timely application submissions. The university's financial services office provides detailed guidance on budgeting, loan options, and financial planning tailored to graduate students. Overall, financing studies at the University of Toronto's Epidemiology program involves a combination of tuition fees, potential funding through assistantships or scholarships, and external financial resources, making it accessible for motivated students committed to pursuing advanced research and education in epidemiology.

The University of Toronto offers a comprehensive program in Epidemiology designed to provide students with a rigorous understanding of the principles and methodologies used in the study of health-related issues in populations. The program focuses on the development of skills necessary to investigate the distribution and determinants of diseases, as well as the application of epidemiological methods to real-world public health problems. Students enrolled in the program have opportunities to engage in advanced coursework covering biostatistics, research design, disease surveillance, and environmental health. The curriculum incorporates both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, often including internships and collaborative research projects with public health agencies and research institutions. The University of Toronto's Department of Epidemiology is renowned for its faculty expertise, cutting-edge research, and contributions to public health policy and practice. Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in academia, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and non-profit sectors, where they can play a vital role in disease prevention, health promotion, and health policy development. The program may be offered at different levels, such as master's and PhD, each tailored to meet the educational and professional goals of diverse student populations. Students benefit from access to the university’s extensive research resources, libraries, and state-of-the-art facilities, as well as the opportunity to participate in seminars, conferences, and professional development workshops. Overall, the University of Toronto's Epidemiology program aims to cultivate skilled epidemiologists who can contribute to advancing population health through innovative research and evidence-based practices.