New Optional Specialization in Public Health Inspection
The new Public Health Inspection Specialization is a professional program that provides an in-depth understanding and the technical skills in areas related to public health inspection practice.
This specialization is accredited by the Canada Institute of Public Health Inspectors (external link) (CIPHI), and graduates with this optional specialization will be eligible to pursue the Certified Public Health Inspector in Canada (external link) (CPHI(C)) designation.
Learning Outcomes
Ability to explain the professional, technical, legal, and ethical role of public health inspectors in society.
Identify and evaluate various environmental health hazards and apply the associated theories, regulatory frameworks, best practices, and methodologies relevant to public health inspection practice.
Demonstrate the knowledge and skills to start a career in public health inspection including the core competencies necessary to challenge the professional certification exam of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors.
Topics you will learn about
- Water Quality
- Food Safety
- Infection Control
- Wastewater Management
- Law
What does the specialization entail?
Is it a specific list of courses that will best prepare students for the certification and the field?
Yes, the specialization is a specific list of courses that teach core CIPHI learning objectives, and are required for them to be able to pursue the public health inspection certification after graduation. Students in this specialization will use their core and open electives to complete this defined list of courses in their 3rd and 4th years of the program. The core public health program has been modified accordingly so that students who are not enrolled in this optional specialization will have much more flexibility now in terms of the courses they want to specialize in, with a new core elective table of CIPHI-focused courses, new elective courses in other areas of public health (e.g., addictions/mental health, chronic disease and injury prevention), and FCS courses. They also have more open electives available to them compared to the previous core program.
Eligibility Requirements
The specialization is accredited by the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors, so graduates that complete this optional specialization will be able to pursue certification as a public health inspector in Canada. Due to accreditation requirements, students must achieve a 60% pass rate in all core accredited courses in order to enrol in it, and they must maintain a 60% in all such courses throughout the program and specialization in order to graduate with it.
How Do I Opt In?
Students will be able to apply in the Spring after completing their first year. Communication will be sent by email with instructions on the application process.
If you miss this deadline, you can still enrol later using a plan change form at the end of your second year (only for 4-year students). Students will have to be enrolled in the optional specialization to be eligible for public health inspector practicums and to pursue the certification after graduation. This specialization is available to all public health students (both 4-year and 2-year fast-track programs), after their first year.
Specialization Courses
| Course Code | Course Name | Term Offered | Prerequisite |
| PUB 409 | Water Quality I | Fall | None |
| PUB 508 | Food Safety | Fall | None |
| ENH 324 | Wastewater Treatment Systems | Winter | None |
| PUB 609 | Water Quality II | Winter | PUB 409 |
| PUB 808 | Food Safety Management | Winter | PUB 508 |
| PUB 800 | Advanced Professional Practice | Winter | None |
| ENH 505 | Infection Control | Fall | ENH 333 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The specialization will be restricted to students that have achieved a minimum GPA of 1.67 (i.e., C- or 60%) in all core courses in the Public Health program.
There is only one opportunity per year. Please contact your student advisor If you have missed the deadline. If you are a fast-track student, you must apply in your first year. There is no later opportunity to enroll.
Yes. However, you will have to achieve a CGPA 1.67, passing grade in all core courses to earn this specialization. You will also need to complete a (PDF file) Plan Change form (opens in new window) and submit it to the School of Occupational and Public Health for approval.
You can still get the specialization but you will need to take extra courses to achieve the accreditation.
Yes, but you must have completed the course with a passing grade.
You will be withdrawn from specialization until you have achieved a passing grade. Students are only allowed to retake a failed course once. If there is a second fail in the same course, you will be moved into the regular Public Health program without specialization.
Students can still take the courses and the CGPA 1.67 won’t apply to you. No designation will be given on your transcript.
Yes, you can still apply for the specialization but please indicate your plan to complete these required courses with the department.
Unfortunately, if you have not met the terms or requirements of the specialization, there are no other opportunities for readmission.
No, the optional specialization is only for students that are admitted in Fall 2026 curriculum and after.