Future undergraduates

Our programs are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health

This review of program quality and career outcomes demonstrates the concepts you learn in class are up to date and directly relevant to the real world.

Biology isn't the only thing that determines health. Social, cultural, political, and geographical conditions play a pivotal role in individual and population health. Rather than a focus on treatments after diagnosis, we have a larger vision: to find strategies for preventing disease, promoting health and improving healthcare services to make them more integrated and responsive.

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Programs

We have two programs you can choose from in the School of Public Health Sciences. Both are available through our co-op or regular system of study. You choose co-op or regular when you apply.

Student works at laptop beside window.

Health Sciences (BSc)

Learn about the biological and social factors that impact health. Get a unique “cell to society” perspective, which means you’ll learn about how to prevent disease as well as proactively promote health and improve health-care systems and services.

Dr. Kelly Anthony accompanies students on urban health field trip.

Public Health (BPH)

Learn to examine and improve the health of communities and populations. You’ll focus on the social, ecological, biological, political and psychological factors that influence human health and how these factors can help us tackle and anticipate health challenges.

Optional specializations

You also have the opportunity to pursue a variety of minors and options, including Gerontology, Health Informatics, Health Research, Addictions, Mental Health, and Policy, Neuroscience (Health Sciences students), and Pre-Clinical (Health Sciences students).

Physician checks patient's heart rate.

Careers

Learn about careers our grads have ended up in. You might be surprised and learn about jobs you’ve never even heard of before!

Co-op student wearing lab coat at a Public Health Agency of Canada lab.

Co-op and experiential learning

As a Health Sciences or Public Health student at the University of Waterloo, you have two great ways to study: co-op or regular. 

Orientation Week leaders dance with kangaroo mascot.

Student life

We pride ourselves on providing an outstanding student experience - both inside and outside the classroom. At Waterloo, there are lots of opportunities to get involved and have new experiences.

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Tuition and scholarships

Learn about funding and awards available.

Group of students relax on the grass in the Faculty of Health courtyard.

Visit us

Book a tour (in person or virtual) and get more details about upcoming events and information sessions.

Upcoming event: March Open House, Saturday, March 23.

Students from all programs raise frisbees in the air in orientation week pledge.

Find your program quizzes 

Take our quizzes to find your program in the Faculty of Health.

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Meet current students

“I chose the Health Sciences program because I realized it was the perfect intersection of my interests in the hard sciences and sociology, and understanding that health isn’t just about the biological composition of your body.”

My favourite part of the program is the opportunity you have to specialize, to make a program that fits you. I’m doing a Gerontology Minor, which is the study of aging. And I found having that really deepened my understanding of health and helped me apply my interests.

Rachel, Health Sciences (co-op)

Meet other current students 

Questions?

Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?

Contact Clare Stevens, our Faculty of Health recruitment co-ordinator, who can answer any questions you have.