PhDHQ FAQs | Health Quality Programs

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PhDHQ FAQ

Please see below the frequently asked program-related questions. For admissions-related questions, please click here.

Is the summer internship feasible for a working professional, or is it full-time?

Students may complete the required 200 hours either in a continuous block or over an extended period, provided all hours are fulfilled by the conclusion of the summer term. The internship may be done in person, virtually, or a combination of both.

Are the courses offered online?

Yes, the majority of courses are held weekly on interactive videoconferencing software. You are expected to sign into class once a week for 2.5-3 hours. There are two (2) in-person intensive weeks in the program; students normally attend one intensive week in September and one in January of the first year of the program.

What is the time commitment required to complete the course work in general?

The average graduate course takes approximately 9-12 hours of reading/preparation each week. Depending on how fast you read and comprehend the information, this time may vary. The volume of reading during intensive weeks is high. Following the intensive weeks subsequent classes will be conducted virtually and are usually offered every week (alternating between the two courses).

Does the program run year-round for four (4) years?

Yes, the program runs year-round for four (4) years. Following successful completion of the comprehensive exam in the Fall term of year two, students develop and defend a thesis proposal and then proceed to ethics review, data collection, analysis, and synthesis.

Can I accelerate through the program?

No. This program is a full-time online program with no option to accelerate.

Are there any funding opportunities for PhDHQ students?

Financial support to students admitted to the PhDHQ program may be offered based on demonstration of financial need. Funding packages for graduate students can be used to pay tuition fees, travel, living expenses, books, and costs associated with the internship. All eligible students who declare that they require financial assistance on their application will be automatically put forward for funding. HQ Programs remains committed to covering the cost of tuition for doctoral students. Doctoral applicants are also expected to pursue external scholarship and grant opportunities, if available.

The Ban Righ Centre offers financial assistance to mature women students. For more information please visit: https://www.queensu.ca/ban-righ-centre/services/ban-righ

Do I have to apply for the awards mentioned in the Queen's University Minimum Funding Guarantee for Eligible Doctoral Students?

HQ Programs is committed to covering the cost of tuition for all students. There is no application required for the Queen's Graduate Award and eligible students will be automatically nominated for internal scholarship competitions. Please note that doctoral applicants are expected to pursue external scholarship and grant opportunities and this is a requirement of some internal scholarship competitions. You and your supervisors should discuss awards opportunities and work together on preparing applications.

Am I required to hold a Teaching Assistant (TA) position?

Students are not required to hold a TA position, but most students complete at least one TA position per year as part of their funding package. If you decide not to take the TA position it will reduce your funding package. Students who declare financial need are expected to apply for TA positions and will be given preference.

Are accommodations covered during the intensive week?

Students are responsible for their own travel, meals, and accommodations for the intensive weeks.

Is the MScHQ degree required to apply for the PhDHQ?

The MScHQ degree is not a prerequisite for the PhDHQ. Applicants who have a project based or thesis based research master’s degree in health, health-related law, business, architecture, or engineering will be eligible to apply for admission. Potential applicants who have course-based master’s degrees in other disciplines would be encouraged to discuss the suitability of the degree with the Associate Director (Health Quality Programs) prior to applying.

What locations are acceptable for the internship?

Your internship can be completed with any organization worldwide that aligns with your interests. The planning process begins during the fall term, followed by negotiations with organizations in the winter term, with internships commencing in May. The internship program is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of individual students. Therefore, we do not recommend undertaking an internship at your current place of employment. If an internship is to be conducted at your workplace, it must involve a different scope of responsibilities than your current position.