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?

The PhD Health Quality is a full-time program. To complete degree requirements within the 4-year time frame, students should aim to dedicate at least 35 hours per week to program-related activities, inclusive of course work, teaching, and research. Refer to SGSPA's definition of Full-Time under the Study Status section of the Academic Calendar. The program is not offered on a part-time basis.

The course schedule and comprehensive exam dates are set by the program office. 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).

Success in the program requires dedication and excellent time management skills. Once students move into the dissertation phase, consistent engagement is essential. Students are expected to maintain regular contact with their supervisor(s).

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.

Are there any funding opportunities for PhDHQ students?

Full-time students in good standing are eligible for financial support in years 1 through 4. There is no guaranteed funding beyond year 4. All applicants and current students are expected to apply for external scholarships such as the tri-agency (CIHR, SSHRC, NSERC) Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Doctoral (CGRS-D) and the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS). CGRS-D applications are due in early fall for the following academic year.

The program nominates incoming and current students for internal SGSPA scholarships for which they are eligible. You can also apply for employment as a teaching assistant (TA), teaching fellow (TF), and/or research assistant (RA), which are compensated according to the PSAC-901 collective agreement. Graduate research fellowships (GRF) are negotiated with the supervising faculty member holding the grant. Students who present at conferences can apply for funding support to cover registration and travel expenses. There may also be funding available from professional organizations or research foundations associated with your area of interest.

The Ban Righ Centre offers financial assistance to mature women students and student mothers.

Many funding sources are restricted to domestic students. International applicants are encouraged to seek out external funding opportunities and to discuss potential grant funds with their prospective supervisors.

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.