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.

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 database

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

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Gain relevant work experience through co-op

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.

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Careers in Health Studies

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

Recent graduates

• Youth Coordinator, Dignitas International
• Youth Services Officer, Service Canada
• Health Promotion Specialist, City of Hamilton
• Provincial Program Manager, Residential Campaign, Heart and Stroke Foundation
• Assistant Summer Holiday Director, Ontario March of Dimes
• Workforce Planning Analyst, Reliance Home Comfort
• Director, Clinical Evaluation, Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care

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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Helpful links

• How do I choose between Health Sciences and Life Sciences?
• Visit the Health Studies website
• Related programs: Kinesiology, Biomedical Sciences, Public Health