To make up the additional 4.5 credits needed for graduation, students may select from a wide variety of optional courses in epidemiological methods, demography, biostatistics, occupational and environmental health, health administration, health promotion, the behavioural sciences, and the substantive aspects of the epidemiology, prevention, and the control of non-communicable and communicable diseases. A list of strongly recommended and popular elective courses can be found below. As well, a second practicum may be taken following the third term. Practicum I provides an opportunity to practice the application of the biostatistical and epidemiological skills acquired in courses to community health problems and to learn about the work of health agencies in the community. The projects undertaken are useful to the health agency, as well as to the student.
Many students elect to take a second field assignment in the spring term of the second year.
Practicum II emphasizes applied research and evaluation and is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their value to public health agencies in the field. Several graduates have obtained employment via this route. The minimum academic qualification for admission to the program is a four-year undergraduate university degree in an appropriate discipline, such as human biology, life sciences, or nursing. Summer courses offered by the University of Toronto, Ryerson and York University will qualify. However, applicants should note that these summer courses can be expensive.