BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN HEALTH SCIENCES
Learn about the biological AND social aspects of human health
What IS Health Sciences?
You'll learn about the biological and social factors that impact human health. We call this “a cell to society” perspective. It means you'll take core science courses (like chemistry, biology, and physiology) and spend quite a bit of time studying social sciences (like health policy, healthcare systems, and the social and economic factors that influence health).
By the time you graduate, you'll have a well-rounded understanding of the different factors that impact human health - beyond just the biological. This helps you develop strategies for preventing illness, not just treating people once they're sick.
This degree can prepare you for medical school. And it can also do so much more.
You might even discover jobs you’ve never even heard about once you’re here, like public health, health policy, health research, or even health informatics (just to name a few)!
Admission requirements
Required
Six Grade 12 U or M courses, including all required courses:
- Biology 12 U*
- Chemistry 12 U*
- Any Grade 12 U English*
- Any Grade 12 U Mathematics*
*Minimum grade of 70 is required
Admission average
- Mid-80s (regular)
- High 80s (co-op)
YOU'LL TAKE COURSES IN
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Physiology
- Health systems
- Public health
- Social behavioural sciences
- Evaluation and research
- Biohealth
- Statistics
Graduate with a Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Available with co-op and without
Can be a great program if you’re interested in professional school, like medicine
73 questions with a Waterloo Health Sciences student
Meet Maria (she/her), a Health Sciences student who has lots to share about her experience in the program so far.
What's special about our Health Sciences program?
STUDY THE BIOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL ASPECTS OF HEALTH
This degree is not just focused on the biological sciences. There's also a significant focus on social sciences. This benefits you because you’ll gain a ‘cell to society’ perspective – a deep understanding of many different factors that influence human health (both inside and outside of the human body), which will prepare you well for many medical and health-related careers.
LOTS OF CAREER OPTIONS AFTER YOU GRADUATE
This program can be a great stepping stone for medical school. You'll also be ready for a variety of other health-related careers once you graduate (some that you might not even know about yet)!
DIRECT ENTRY
Once you’re in, you’re in. No need to worry about applying at the end of first year and hoping you get a spot.
HANDS-ON LEARNING
Plenty of hands-on learning opportunities built right into your degree - both inside and outside of class. For example, in our HLTH 370 (Ecological Determinants of Health) class, you’ll get to write a policy brief and, if it’s the strongest submission, it might be submitted to Health Canada! This is A) an awesome experience, and B) helps get you career ready.
LARGEST CO-OP PROGRAM IN NORTH AMERICA
If you choose the co-op program, you'll have access to more jobs, more employers, and more opportunities than any similar co-op programs in North America.
ACCREDITED BY THE COUNCIL ON EDUCATION FOR PUBLIC HEALTH (CEPH)
This rigorous external review included researching graduates' job outcomes. With accreditation, you can feel confident knowing that most of our grads end up in good, relevant jobs. You also know our program is committed to ensuring the concepts you learn in class are up to date and related to the real world.
