Why Health at Waterloo?
Help people live happier, healthier lives. That's our vision – and we take it seriously. The research, education, and community partnerships you'll have access to are focused on making life better for individuals and communities.
Study in a small, supportive community. You'll never be just a number and you can always find someone to talk to when you need help.
Learn from professors who are experts in their field – and really kind people who are approachable and caring. You'll learn the most up-to-date practices and approaches to human health in your classes.
Get career ready. All our programs are available through Waterloo’s world-renowned co-op program. And if co-op isn’t for you, that’s okay, too. You’ll get hands-on experience built right into your courses and through program-specific field experiences.
Discover the hidden depths of health. Dive in and explore what lies beneath the surface of illness and injury.
Health programs
Want to help individuals and communities live happier, healthier lives? You're in the right place.
Whether you're considering a career in medicine, physiotherapy, health policy or promotion, community programming – or you just know you want a career you love, making peoples' lives better – our programs can help you get there.
- Recreation and Leisure Studies (choose one of three majors)
Co-op and careers
All our programs offer you two great ways to study: with co-op or without co-op. Whether you opt for co-op (where you'll alternate between study and work terms) or choose a traditional four-year program (studying from September to May with summers off), you'll gain a world-class education from one of Canada's top universities.
Earn between $8,400 - $13,800 per work term in Canada (to help pay for your education)
Test out up to five different jobs (find out what careers you like - and which ones you don't)
Make lasting connections with employers (that might lead to a full-time job after graduation)
Careers
Faculty of Health grads work in a wide variety of fields, including medicine, physiotherapy, health policy analysis, community programming, and sports management. But they all have one thing in common: helping people live happier, healthier lives.
Sound like career path you’re interested in? Find out what types of jobs you can get with a degree from the Faculty of Health.
Listen to the Career Perspectives podcast to get the inside scoop from recent Waterloo Health grads. Where are they working? How did they get there, and what did they learn along the way?
Tiffany Moraes is a Therapeutic Recreation grad who works in senior living. Learn how she ended up in this field, the challenges that come with it, and why she loves working with seniors.
Nel Wieman is a Kinesiology grad who became Canada's first female Indigenous psychiatrist. Today's she's a public health official at the First Nations Health Authority in British Columbia. Nel tells her career story and shares the personal revelations she uncovered with each new step.
Michael Cao came to Waterloo's Kinesiology program thinking he might become a doctor or physiotherapist. He had no idea that his bachelor and master's degrees would give him an edge as a user experience professional, or lead him to work at TheScore.
Tour the Faculty of Health
See where you could study. Check out our lecture halls, labs, study spots, and lounges.
Life as a Health student
Get a sneak peek into a day in the life of a Faculty of Health student, learn what your first year could look like, discover clubs on campus, and more.
FAQs about the Faculty of Health
What are the three majors in Recreation and Leisure studies?
Learn how they’re different – and which one might be the best choice for you.
How can I tell if Kinesiology is right for me?
What things should I enjoy studying? What can I expect to learn? Get real advice from William, a current student.
What's co-op like in Public Health?
The best part about co-op? Hardest part? Find out what current student, Aisley, has to say.
What are the courses and profs like in Health Sciences?
Are the profs friendly? How competitive is the environment? Maria, a current student, tells all.
Get answers to more FAQs
Ready to learn more?
Request a brochure
Want to learn more about admissions, our programs, student experience, co-op, and more?
Learn how to apply
Not sure about next steps? We'll walk you through the process of applying.
Connect with us
Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers? Contact Vivienne, our Faculty of Health recruitment coordinator, who can answer questions you have.
From the Missing Manual
Visit our Missing Manual website for tips and advice from Waterloo students and staff. Topics include
Take our quizzes: Find your program in the Faculty of Health
Wondering which program might be right for you in the Faculty of Health? We know there are a few programs you're probably comparing, so we made these quizzes to help.
Paving the road to medical school with hands-on learning
With a combined passion for learning and helping others, Kelsey knew the health care field would be a perfect fit.
Co-op or regular in the Faculty of Health? Take our quiz!
Our co-op program provides great experience and skill development. And you can also find great opportunities to develop your skills and experience in our non-co-op (or regular) program.