BACHELOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Learn how to prevent communities and populations from getting sick
What IS Public Health?
Rather than focusing on the health of an individual person, you'll learn about the health of large groups of people. This includes the social, ecological, biological, political, and psychological factors that impact population health – meaning you get a well-rounded education and learn valuable skills to enter a variety of careers after graduation.
You could land a job in public health, epidemiology, health policy, health evaluation, and health promotion. Or in settings like public health units, government agencies, non-profit organizations and businesses.
This program is more focused on the social sciences than biological sciences (unless you choose to take courses like chemistry and biology as electives).
Admission requirements
Required
Six Grade 12 U or M courses, including all required courses:
- One Grade 12 U English (at least 75% normally required)
- One Grade 12 U Mathematics (At least 70% normally required).
Admission average
- Low 80s (regular)
- Mid-80s (co-op)
YOU'LL TAKE COURSES IN
- Public health sciences
- Health systems and policy
- Social behavioural science
- Evaluation and research
Graduate with a Bachelor of Public Health (BPH)
Available with co-op and without
73 questions with a Waterloo Public Health student
Meet Aisley (she/her), a Public Health student who has lots to share about her experience in the program so far.
What's special about our Public Health program?
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.
LOTS OF FLEXIBILITY IN YOUR UPPER YEARS
Take the courses that are most interesting to you and customize your degree. This is also a great way to fit in any necessary pre-requisites for graduate school (like Public Policy or Global Health).
HANDS ON LEARNING
Lots of hands-on learning opportunities built right into your degree - both inside and outside of class. For example, in our HLTH 481 course, you'll volunteer with a local organization and apply what you're learning in class to the real world. 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.
SOCIAL SCIENCE FOCUS – NO REQUIRED SCIENCE COURSES
If you’re not keen on science, you don’t need to take any science courses. (But you can take them as electives if you want to!)
STUDY HEALTH AT A LARGE SCALE
Learn how to keep communities and populations from getting sick – not just individuals. In your future career, you could end up helping thousands of people live happier, healthier lives!
