Selecting Your Supervisor

Our faculty members are tackling some of the most complex health issues facing communities, from promoting healthy eating and activity in schools, to understanding how our physical and social environments affect us, to how health services can impact populations around the world-and our students are helping them do it.

Students in the master of public health (MPH) programs are appointed an academic advisor, depending on specialization. MPH advisors are appointed after an MPH student is admitted into their program.

Students in the master of science (MSc) and doctor of philosophy (PhD) programs are supervised by their thesis supervisors. MSc and PhD supervisors must be identified before students are admitted into their programs.

Applying

You may apply for the MSc or PhD program in the School of Public Health without having identified a supervisor. However, you can't be admitted into the MSc or PhD program without a supervisor.

In your letter of intent, be specific about your research interests and indicate if

1. You have communicated with a potential supervisor named in your application 
2. Or identified faculty member(s) with research interests that overlap with your interests who you would like to review your application and consider being your supervisor

The admissions committee first considers whether or not an applicant is eligible for admission and, if so, uses all provided information in making a supervisor "match."

MSc Supervisors

As an MSc student, you are able to contribute directly to research and to the body of knowledge in your field of choice. Every MSc student is required to complete a thesis in order to graduate. Our MSc students have completed thesis research on:

• the role of motherhood in the success of participation in a substance abuse treatment program
• how media coverage influences vaccinations
• predictors of pain coping
• environmental risk factors on the contamination of drinking water
• the role of mental health on diabetes treatments
• the association of leadership skills with childhood health

To complete your thesis, you need a supervisor to provide guidance and support throughout the entire research process. Choosing a supervisor that fits with your specific area of interest is important, as they will be with you for the entirety of your studies. To begin, read up on our faculty members and adjuncts. If a faculty member or adjunct is currently accepting students, make contact and introduce yourself-and you're on your way.

PhD Supervisors

Our PhD students complete ground-breaking research on a variety of topics. Past research has investigated:

• the outcome/role of taxing sugar-sweetened beverages on reducing consumption
• the effect of introducing comprehensive school health programs in elementary schools
• the success of harm reduction interventions for illicit substance use
• the factors surrounding adherence to antiretroviral therapy

Finding a supervisor for your PhD program is an essential part of the admission process. At this point, we assume that you have identified the degree program and specialization in which you are interested.

You are not required to identify a supervisor prior to submitting your application. However, you will be required to have a supervisor prior to being accepted to the program.