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Public Health (BASc)

Students sit in a classroom lab wearing protective gowns and gloves

Program Overview

Canada is safer and healthier than ever before, thanks in large part to public health professionals. Toronto Metropolitan University graduates working in this progressive field help prevent injury and illness by anticipating, evaluating and controlling physical, biological, chemical and other hazards in the community. Drawing on their specialized knowledge, they help develop and implement initiatives that improve health, safety, and well-being in a range of settings that are accessed by the public.

1960

First & longest-running program of its kind in Canada

$46K

Average annual co-op earning potential

88%

Employed in field two years after graduation

At a Glance 

Degree

  • Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc)

Start date

  • September 

Accreditation & Certification

TMU offers the only university program in Ontario accredited by the Canada Institute of Public Health Inspectors (external link, opens in new window)  (CIPHI).  Graduates are eligible to pursue the Certified Public Health Inspector in Canada (external link, opens in new window)  (CPHI(C)) designation.

Dive into the world of public health, where classroom learning meets real-world impact

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Whether you're a high school or university graduate, take advantage of three pathways for completing the program.

Full-time, Four-year Regular

Program length: Four years of full-time study.

Eligibility: High school graduates with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent), or mature students.

Full-time, Five-year Co-op

Program length: Three or four, four-month paid work terms, which will alternate between study semesters. Co-op adds approximately one year to the length of the program.

Program entry: Students can apply for co-op in early May of first year. Successful applicants will begin their first work terms in the fall term of third year.

Eligibility: Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.67. As part of their application, students will need to submit a resume and letter of intent.

Full-time, Two-year Option for University Graduates

Program length: A condensed full-time, two-year option that focuses on practical education and professional career preparation.

Eligibility: University graduates with a bachelor's degree.

The field of public health is very broad, and many diverse specializations exist. But all public health professionals help prevent disease and protect public health.

Our graduates can be found in hospitals, government, private companies, research settings, schools, non-profit organizations and more. Some work behind the scenes, for example in research or policy analysis. Others are more hands-on, such as food safety and water quality inspectors or community health workers.

CIPHI Certification

TMU is the only university in Ontario with a program accredited by the Canada Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI). By graduating, you’ll have finished the educational requirement portion for becoming a Certified Public Health Inspector in Canada (CPHI(C)). Certification is not a degree requirement, but it can open more doors to jobs in any province or territory.

The majority of our graduates choose to complete their certification. Many go on to work primarily as public health inspectors, also known as environmental health officers, for local, provincial, and federal public health authorities. However, they can also work in a variety of other sectors, such as the food industry, hospitals, and other settings. Learn more about achieving full CIPHI(C) certification (external link) 

Which pillar interests you most?

Practice

You work with government as a certified public health inspector to keep water, food, land and facilities safe.

Policy

You enhance health and social policies via the public sector, not-for-profit organizations and lobbying groups.

Research

You investigate disease trends, surveillance data, or review and synthesize evidence to support policy making.

Programs

You develop and support community-based health initiatives, such as sexual health campaigns, overdose prevention sites, etc.

Advanced learning

After graduation, you may also consider earning a master’s degree or applying to a complementary/related professional school such as medicine or law.

Work settings & job titles: Where could you see yourself?

Here are just a few samples, but the list is not exhaustive. Many more options exist. Some public health roles/specializations require further education, but your path ultimately depends on your range of interest. There’s lots to explore!

Municipal & Community Public Health

  • Public Health Inspector
  • Communicable Disease Investigator
  • Tobacco Control/ Enforcement Officer
  • Health Promotion Specialist

Federal & Provincial Government

  • Environmental Health Officer
  • Health Research/Policy Analyst
  • Health Program Coordinator

Manufacturing, Retail & Pharmaceutical

  • Food Safety Auditor
  • Quality Assurance Technician/ Associate
  • Quality Control Officer/ Supervisor

Healthcare

  • Infection Prevention Practitioner
  • Infection Control Supervisor
  • Health Data Analyst

Where some of our alumni have landed

  • Canadian Mental Health Association 
  • City of Toronto, York Region and other municipalities and health boards across Ontario
  • Loblaws
  • Longos
  • Public Health Agency of Canada
  • Public Health Ontario
  • Sanofi Pasteur
  • The Coca-Cola Company
  • University Health Network

Public Health at Toronto Metropolitan University is the original and longest running program of its kind in the country.

Our curriculum integrates a strong foundation in public health with relevant courses in the sciences, risk assessment, built environment, health policy, environmental health, law, epidemiology and disease control. A balanced education prepares you to become the well-rounded and highly skilled professional that industry demands.

You’ll have access to outstanding learning opportunities in the classroom and in the workplace. Qualified students can apply to gain important real-world experience through paid co-operative education opportunities.

Plus, we support your success with:

  • Workplace visits
  • Opportunities for laboratory testing and analysis
  • Presentations and seminars
  • Independent research project
  • Faculty with international expertise in food safety, water quality, epidemiology and disease control and health risk assessment

An engaging curriculum will challenge you to develop a strong foundation in public health. You'll enhance your understanding of:

  • Food hygiene
  • Health administration
  • Infection control and communicable diseases
  • Water quality
  • Pollution control
  • Toxicology and risk assessment
  • Built environment

Research electives allow you to pursue research under the supervision of a professor, and field project electives support you to gain hands-on experience.

Opportunities to explore other disciplines will challenge you to broaden your horizons.

Co-operative education gives five-year students the chance to apply theory to practice in professional work environments.