Doctor of Philosophy in Population Studies in Health

The Ph.D. in Population Studies in Health is interdisciplinary in nature and delivered jointly by the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Faculty of Arts and Science. Students in this program are normally supervised by Faculty members in the Health Sciences and Social Science disciplines.

Students registered in the Population Studies in Health will examine the intersection between the contexts in which individuals, families, and communities live and work, and experience health and well-being. Specifically, the major focuses on:

Identifying the complex structural factors and resources that impact health equity

Students will be exposed to theoretical frameworks linked to the health status of populations, including the social and ecological determinants of health.

Identifying and understanding community and health system characteristics and the policy environment to comprehend health system resources and how they are effective in addressing population health concerns

A systematic, scientific approach to studying population studies in health will advance the current understanding of the complexity of health and illness while generating ways to address health concerns. In addition to focusing on health deficits or risk factors, population studies can also identify strategies to maintain or enhance health. Examining contextual factors can help decision-makers determine the generalizability of the strategies with other, similar populations.

The Population Studies in Health major is a thesis-based program. Each student’s academic program integrates the concentration that is declared, with their research, comprehensive examination, and coursework synchronized around the salient themes of the concentration and the particular research problem that is pursued. Depending on the academic background, students may be required to complete up to six courses. Course requirements are offered through a combination of independent studies, which will be tailored directly to the themes of the declared concentration, and existing regularized graduate courses in the social and health sciences.

Why Study at uLethbridge

As a graduate student at the University of Lethbridge, you’ll find yourself at the centre of a student-focused environment that nurtures innovation, critical thinking and creativity.At the U of L, we are committed to helping every one of our students thrive. From aiding with financial support to one-on-one mentorship to individualized career advice, you’ll find support every step of the way.

As a student at the U of L, you are viewed as a partner and a colleague. You’ll be given opportunities to collaborate and share your unique ideas, ask questions and find answers. By convocation, the majority of our graduate students have either presented or published their findings, with more than 50 per cent publishing as the first author.

About Lethbridge

A city of nearly 100,000 residents, Lethbridge is located in southern Alberta and is a short distance from the Rocky Mountains, Calgary and the U.S. border. We are one of Canada’s sunniest cities and the warm westerly Chinook winds give Lethbridge some of the most moderate winters in Western Canada.

Why Choose the University of Lethbridge?

• Affordable tuition rates for outstanding programs offered by award-winning faculty.
• Friendly and safe university and community.
• Access to advanced technology and state-of-the-art facilities.
• Comprehensive student services designed to help you succeed in meeting your academic, personal, and career goals.
• You can work during your studies and apply to work in Canada for up to three years after graduation.