Health Studies

Take a different approach to fighting disease.

Focus on preventing illness, not simply treating people once they get sick. At Waterloo, you’ll learn how to promote healthy lifestyles, improve health care systems, and bring together the science and the social aspects of health.

Whether you opt for the regular or co-op stream, Health Studies gives you the skills for improving human health, along with lots of room for electives. And with 5 specializations and dozens of campus-wide minors, you can tailor your studies to your specific areas of interest.  

You’ll graduate with the skills to tackle global health epidemics, transform public health policy, and pave the way for new medical breakthroughs.

Laavanya chose Waterloo’s Health Studies program because of its multi-disciplinary nature. Since graduating, Laayanya has been admitted to medical school to pursue her goal of becoming a physician.

About the Health Studies program

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Health Studies admission requirements

• Ontario students: 6 Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
  • Chemistry (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • Biology (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • The following courses are recommended: English (ENG4U), Advanced Functions, Physics (for students interested in the Pre-Health Professions specialization)
• Admission averages: Regular: Low 80s | Co-op: Mid-80s
• An Admission Information Form is recommended
• Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.

For September 2020, any Grade 12 U English or equivalent (minimum final grade of 70) AND any Grade 12 U mathematics or equivalent (minimum final grade of 70) will also be required. This change to admission requirements does not affect September 2019 applicants.

First-year Health Studies courses

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Customize your Bachelor of Science in Health Studies degree

You can add additional areas of expertise to your degree by including a minor or one of the specializations in Health Studies.

• Minor in Gerontology 
• Option in Aging Studies
• Health Informatics Option
• Pre-Clinical Specialization 
• Health Research Specialization

Gain relevant work experience through co-o

By alternating school terms and paid co-op work terms throughout your degree, you can explore new career areas and types of employers as your career interests evolve.

What can you do with a degree in Health Studies?

Your Health Studies degree lays the foundation for a career in health professions such as medicine, clinical research, epidemiology, and occupational health. Or, go on to pursue an accelerated master’s degree in our School of Public Health and Health Systems.

Recent graduates

• Family Physician - London Lambeth Medical Clinic
• Health Promotion Specialist - Region of Peel
• Tobacco Cessation Specialist - Canadian Cancer Society 
• Epidemiologist - University Health Network
• Clinical Research Coordinator - The Centre for Dermatology
• Policy Analyst - Employment & Social Development Canada
• Speech Language Pathologist - Peel District School Board

Further education

While the full range of further education depends on your individual interests, these are common areas where graduates pursued a master's, PhD, or other professional program.

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Learn more about Health Studies

• Email Pamela Hurvid, our Applied Health Sciences recruitment co-ordinator, who can answer any questions about the program
• How do I choose between Health Sciences and Life Sciences?
• Visit the Health Studies website
• Related programs: Kinesiology, Biomedical Sciences, Public Health