Epidemiology

The MSc in Epidemiology at Queen's University offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to investigate the distribution and determinants of health and disease in populations. This program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, preparing graduates for careers in public health research, disease surveillance, and policy development. Students will explore advanced topics such as biostatistics, study design, data analysis, and critical appraisal of epidemiological evidence. The coursework integrates interdisciplinary approaches, allowing students to understand complex health issues through a multifaceted lens. Practical training is a core component of the program, with opportunities to engage in research projects, data interpretation, and collaborative work with public health organizations. The program also emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in epidemiological research and the effective communication of findings to diverse audiences. Designed for individuals passionate about improving public health outcomes, the MSc in Epidemiology at Queen's University prepares graduates to work in governmental agencies, research institutions, and healthcare settings. Courses are delivered by faculty members who are experts in the field, ensuring students receive current and relevant education aligned with the latest public health challenges. The program typically spans one year of full-time study, with options for part-time study tailored to working professionals. Graduates of this program will be well-equipped to contribute to the identification, investigation, and control of health problems, making meaningful impacts on community wellbeing and global health initiatives.

Students are accepted for a September start date and, if enrolled in full-time studies, are expected to meet the milestones listed below. Each doctoral level course will have prerequisites from among the Queen's Master's level courses (or equivalents from other Universities). Therefore, students entering Doctoral studies in epidemiology who do not have Master's degrees in epidemiology or a closely related discipline may be required to meet appropriate pre-requisite requirements prior to enrolling in PhD coursework, as determined by the Graduate Education Committee. 

Fall, year 1

• Advance Epidemiology (EPID 901A) 
• Advanced Methods in Biostatistics (EPID 823) 

Winter, year 1 

• Advance Epidemiology (EPID 901B) 

Spring/Summer, year 1

• Comprehensive Examination 

Fall, year 2

• Submit thesis outline (EPID 999) 

Winter, year 2

• Complete thesis research in preparation for proposal

Spring/Summer, year 2

• Submit and present thesis proposal (EPID 899) 

Fall/Winter/Spring/Summer, year 3

• Thesis Research 

Fall/Winter, year 4 

• Thesis Research 

Spring/Summer, year 4

• Submit and defend thesis (EPID 999) 

* In addition to required courses, students are encouraged to take additional elective courses, as deemed appropriate by their Supervisor(s).

Requirements

• A minimum A- average (equivalent to 3.7) in the most recent two years of graduate study;
• A thesis-based Master’s degree in epidemiology or a related discipline and demonstrated research competency (usually through a research-based thesis) completed in a timely fashion or a non-thesis based Master’s with substantial relevant peer-reviewed publications;
• Core training in epidemiology and biostatistics  (equivalent to EPID 801, EPID 804, EPID 821 and  EPID 822);
• Confirmation from a supervisor who is willing to support the student educationally and financially and a cogent plan for seeking fellowships/scholarships;
• Two current academic letters of recommendation. Normally one of these would be from your MSc thesis supervisor. If you have been out of university for more than 5 years, one or more professional recommendations may be included. Applicants applying online will have the option to have their referee submit the letter of recommendation to Queen's electronically. Referees will receive an email from the School of Graduate Studies requesting their letter.
• Two official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended sent to the School of Graduate Studies, Queen’s University, Gordon Hall Room 425, 74 Union Street, Kingston, Ontario, Canada, K7L 3N6.
• A Curriculum Vitae
• A one page outline of the proposed doctoral research
• A one page funding plan written in conjunction with your PhD supervisor
• A letter from the identified PhD supervisor describing what communications she or he has had with you and how he or she plans to mentor and support your doctoral research
• A Graduate Records Examination is a mandatory requirement for applicants from non-Canadian universities and a minimum score of 149 is required on the quantitative section. The Admissions Committee also considers the applicant’s ranking on the analytic writing and verbal reasoning sections. The GRE institution code and department code is 0949 and 0606, respectively.
• Proof of English Language Comprehension is a mandatory requirement for International students from a non-English speaking university or students with English as a second language will need to complete a TOEFL assessment. Applicants must have an overall minimum score of 88 (out of 120) along with the following scores: writing 24, speaking 22, reading 22 and listening 20. 

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

Funding for PhD students comes from a variety of sources, including Queen’s University, research and teaching assistantships, and external studentships. The School of Graduate Studies and Research requires that doctoral programs guarantee a minimum stipend of $18,000 (in 2014-15) annually for four years of a student’s program and our program strives to increase this minimum amount to $25,000. The student’s stipend can come from a combination of teaching assistantships (TAs), research assistantships (RAs), internal awards (i.e., Queen’s Graduate Awards), and external awards. Each PhD student is guaranteed one TA position for a single term course in their second year. One of the conditions under which a Supervisor can accept a doctoral student is that appropriate funding has been prearranged with the Supervisor expected to underwrite at least half of the cost. One source of funding is supervisors’ operating grants, which permit requests for PhD student funding. Students entering the doctoral program require high academic standing which makes them competitive in seeking scholarships and fellowships from provincial and federal government organizations as well as other external agencies. Potential faculty supervisors can work collaboratively with prospective candidates to identify internal and external sources of funding prior to acceptance.nce.

Queen's University offers a comprehensive and research-intensive program in Epidemiology designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in public health, research, and healthcare. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating biological, clinical, social, and environmental factors to understand the distribution and determinants of health and disease in populations. Students will engage with core subjects such as biostatistics, study design, data analysis, infectious diseases, chronic diseases, and environmental health, equipping them with the analytical and methodological skills necessary to conduct epidemiological research effectively. The curriculum combines theoretical coursework with practical experience, including opportunities for internships, research projects, and collaboration with leading experts in the field. The program aims to foster critical thinking, analytical proficiency, and a commitment to improving public health outcomes. Graduates of the Epidemiology program at Queen's often go on to careers in academia, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and non-profit sectors. The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant academic community that encourages innovation and collaboration. Admission requirements typically include a relevant undergraduate degree, such as in health sciences, biology, or related fields, along with strong academic performance and, in some cases, relevant research experience. The program prepares students for further training or to enter the workforce as epidemiologists, data analysts, or health policy advisors. Overall, Queen's University's Epidemiology program offers a rigorous, well-rounded education designed to meet the evolving needs of public health and epidemiological research worldwide.