Improve the health of thousands of people
In the Advanced Social Determinants of Health seminar, students go on regular field trips to see community social services in action.
Doctors might help a dozen or so patients a day. Public health professionals help thousands.
Explore how social, cultural, political, and geographical conditions play a pivotal role in health — and how understanding these factors can help us tackle smoking, obesity, infectious diseases, and other modern-day health challenges.
By drawing on skills from different disciplines, you’ll learn how to develop health policies that work and health messages that hit home. In your final year, you’ll complete a thesis, an independent study, or a community engagement placement.
A Bachelor of Public Health degree will equip you to make important contributions to society, whether it’s researching ways to control infectious diseases such as COVID-19, developing healthy eating campaigns for teenagers, or improving social services for seniors in your community.
Electives in your degree to explore your interests
On average, 97% of Public Health grads are in professional or graduate school or working within one year of graduating
Admission requirements
Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- Any 4U English (minimum final grade of 75% is required)
- Any 4U Mathematics (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
Admission averages: Regular: Low 80s | Co-op: Mid-80s
We recommend completing the Admission Information Form once you've applied.
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.
Andrea chose to pursue a Public Health degree at Waterloo because she wanted to study at the root causes of the issues she was passionate about.
Get tips from Waterloo students
Sign up for insider advice that can help you now and in the future.
Monthly topics include how to choose a university program, what it's like to be a Waterloo student, and more.
Questions? Ask a student!
Contact a Public Health student ambassador to learn about their experience in the program.
Ask them questions such as why they chose Public Health, what the classes are like, and how you can get involved on campus.




Offered by the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences
Apply directly to this program on your application
Ready to learn more?
- Visit the School of Public Health and Health Systems website
- Email our Applied Health Sciences recruitment co-ordinator who can answer any questions about the program
- Subscribe to our newsletter to get tips and advice from current students
- Related programs
Get a master’s degree faster
Aiming for grad school? You can get a head start by applying for an accelerated master’s in your third year.
Make lasting connections
With small class sizes right from first year, you’ll create close bonds with your classmates — and your world-renowned professors.