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Public Health (BASc)

Students sit in a classroom lab wearing protective gowns and gloves

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.

Program at a Glance

Program Formats

  • Full-time, Four-year Regular

  • Full-time, Five-year Co-op

  • Full-time, Two-year Option for University Graduates

Degree Earned

Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc)

Start Date

September

Tuition Fees

Tuition fee details

Professional Accreditation

Accredited by the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI) (external link) 

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

Dr. Ian Young explores the science and importance of recreational water testing. Discover courses like Water Quality II and more at the School of Occupational and Public Health.

Prepare for a range of careers in the public, private or not-for-profit sector:

  • Public health inspector
  • Environmental health officer
  • Field epidemiologist
  • Communicable disease investigator
  • Health promotion officer
  • Food safety auditor
  • Quality control supervisor
  • Infection control supervisor

Graduates take on opportunities in public health, food safety, quality assurance, sanitation, water quality, pest control, health education and health promotion.

The Public Health program meets the educational requirements for certification as a public health inspector in Canada (external link, opens in new window) . To achieve full certification, you must:

Certification is not a requirement for graduation.

For graduates planning careers in the private sector, professional certification by the CIPHI is not required, but does open doors to Canada-wide employment opportunities.

Certifying body:

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

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
Admission requirements

Full-Time, Five-year Co-op

The School of Occupational and Public Health provides students in the Full-time Four-year Regular program with challenging and rewarding opportunities to put theory into practice through co-operative education.

The co-op option consists of three, four-month paid work terms integrated throughout your study semesters and adds approximately one year to the length of the program.

By taking on projects for relevant employers, you will further develop your knowledge and skills, make valuable professional contacts and explore possible career paths. You will also earn a competitive salary that can partially offset the cost of your education.

You can apply for admission to co-op in the winter term of your second year. To be eligible, you must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.67. As part of your application, you will need to submit a resume and cover letter and go through an interview process.

Co-operative education
How to apply

Full-Time, Two-year Option for University Graduates

University graduates with a bachelor's degree can apply to pursue a condensed full-time, two-year option that focuses on practical education and professional career preparation.

Certain courses from the four-year option are eliminated, as university graduates already possess a certain level of academic experience.

Admission requirements

When you apply to the program, you'll be required to meet a number of admission requirements.

You'll need to meet certain deadlines when submitting your application online and may be required to submit supporting documents.

Admissions

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.

Undergraduate Calendar