Combating Child Sex Trafficking and Online Child Sexual Exploitation (MHSc)
This program is expected to launch Sept. 2027. Prospective students are advised that the program is still subject to formal approval. Applications will open Dec. 1, 2026.
Gain the advanced interprofessional and transdisciplinary skills needed to tackle global crises in child sex trafficking and online child sexual exploitation. Through this first-of-its-kind graduate program, you will learn to conduct groundbreaking research, analyze systemic drivers of exploitation, and collaborate across health, legal, technology and community sectors. You will be equipped to develop trauma-informed, survivor-centred prevention and intervention strategies that protect vulnerable children and transform policy and practice globally.
Program Name
Combating Child Sex Trafficking and Online Child Sexual Exploitation
Faculty
Faculty of Community Services
Department
Interdisciplinary
Format
MHSc: Full-time (1 year)
Delivery
Virtual with one-week intensive (in-person/hybrid for international students)
Fall start
Online
Applications
Fall 2027: Open Dec. 1, 2026 (pending formal approval) through Jan. 15, 2027 (for priority consideration and international students)
First-of-its-kind curriculum
Master a pioneering, transdisciplinary framework combining health sciences, law enforcement, technology, policy and social work to directly combat global child sexual exploitation and trafficking.
Post-graduate career possibilities
- Child protection policy analyst/advisor
- Anti-trafficking program manager (NGOs, global non-profits, banks, tech sectors)
- Specialized health and trauma intervention coordinator
- Digital child safety and intelligence specialist
- Law enforcement and judicial sector liaison
Program partners
- RCMP
- TMU School of Medicine
- Lincoln Alexander School of Law
- Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst
- Government Ministries and Agencies (Public Health Canada, Public Safety Canada, Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services)
- Community and Health organizations (Survivor-led NGOs such as BridgeNorth, Boost Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, SickKids Hospital, Children’s Aid Societies, Gender-based violence organizations)
Further education
- PhD in social work or health policy
- Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
- Juris Doctor (JD) with a focus on human rights or criminal law
Applicants must hold a 4-year bachelor's degree in a related field with strong academic standing, relevant professional or volunteer experience in child advocacy or health sectors, and proven research capability.
Program specific requirements
Academic requirements:
- Four-year honours bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in health sciences, social work, criminology, psychology, public policy or a related discipline.
- Minimum grade average of B+ (or equivalent) in the last two years of coursework.
- Demonstrated familiarity with social/health/legal research methodologies and a background in child welfare, advocacy,human rights, or digital technology safety.
- Strong academic writing proficiency and evidence of readiness for intensive, interdisciplinary graduate studies.
Application requirements:
- Complete the online application via the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) (external link) .
- Submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended to YSGPS.
- Two letters of recommendation (at least one academic, one professional/field-related preferred)
- Statement of Interest outlining professional goals, relevant experience and alignment with the program
- Resumé/CV highlighting academic, professional and volunteer work in related sectors
- Proof of English Language Proficiency (if applicable)
Note: all applicants must submit a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) before admission to the program is confirmed. Applicants are advised to check with the authorities in their local jurisdiction for how long it takes to complete a VSC; in some jurisdictions, this can take up to six weeks. It is therefore advisable to request a VSC from your local jurisdiction as soon as a conditional offer for admission is received. VSC must be dated within six months of program start.
Curriculum overview
Courses examine the root causes of child sexual exploitation and digital safety threats, focusing on health impacts, legal structures and interagency collaboration. Students combine foundational theory in trauma-informed care with practical methodologies to design, evaluate and implement effective prevention and intervention strategies. Curriculum across all courses is co-designed with highly experienced professionals and survivor leaders currently engaged in anti-child sex trafficking and exploitation work.
Course delivery
The program’s online delivery, coupled with a one-week intensive in-person gathering, ensures accessibility for working professionals, as well as opportunities for guest lecturers and professional input from jurisdictions around the world, which is especially important given the transnational and global nature of the issue.
MHSc
Ideal for working professionals, advocates, health practitioners and researchers seeking to deepen their technical expertise and lead high-impact, cross-sector interventions against child sex trafficking and online child sexual exploitation.
Faculty
One-of-a-kind in design and delivery
A program like no other
- Highly interactive, with a strong focus on survivor-experience
- A combination of seminars, case-based learning and survivor narratives provide a solid scientific evidence base, complemented by real-world practice applications.
- Networking opportunities across local and international contexts
Learn from field experts
Stakeholders, including individuals with lived experience, who are actively involved in combating the issue of online child sexual exploitation and child sex trafficking as leaders, advocates and decision makers from a variety of community and governmental organizations, will offer support and experiences both during the initial one-week intensive and through guest lecturing.
Students will gain:
- Valuable exposure to current trends and understanding of the social and political dynamics of practices and approaches at various levels.
- Learning approaches that are enriched with case examples from diverse, real-world environments.
- Opportunities for networking with field leaders to build valuable relationships/connections for job opportunities.
Approximate tuition and fees range
Full time (domestic - Ontario): $9-10K
Full time (domestic - out of province): $12-14K
Full time (international): $26-28K
Exact tuition and program fees will be made available immediately upon Ministry approval, anticipated in March 2027.
Funding, scholarships and awards
We recognize that pursuing graduate studies is a financial investment, so we offer a range of funding opportunities to support your journey, including assistantships as well as scholarships, awards and fellowships.
Frequently asked questions
While health sciences form a core foundation, this program is deeply interdisciplinary. Graduates will transition into leadership roles across public policy, criminal justice, non-profit management, digital trust and safety companies, and specialized health-care delivery. Opportunities are also available in the private and corporate sectors, such as financial fraud units at banks and the hospitality industries (hotels), which are deeply impacted by child sex trafficking.
Yes. Other than the one-week intensive experience at the beginning of the program, all other coursework is delivered virtually so that students can participate while employed full-time from anywhere in the world.
Graduate Program Director and Associate Dean, SRC, FCS
An internationally recognized scholar in this area of scholarship with over 25 years of experience in the education, children’s mental health and youth homelessness sectors. Dr. Martin’s SSHRC-funded research focuses on trauma, online child sexual exploitation and child sex trafficking, informing international policy as an expert consultant.
Professor, School of Child and Youth Care
Widely recognized as an authority on issues of child welfare and child protection in Canada, the U.S., Germany and South Africa, Dr. Gharabaghi has 25 years of experience as a practitioner, manager and director in the social sector, working closely with youth, their families and communities in the context of youth justice, child welfare, child and youth mental health, and youth homelessness.
Next Steps
Dr. Jennifer Martin
Graduate Program Director
Telephone: 416-979-5000, ext. 556314
Email: jjmartin@torontomu.ca
Disclaimer
While every effort is made to ensure accuracy on this site, in the event of a discrepancy, TMU's current Graduate Calendar is the official reference.