CUSTOMIZE YOUR DEGREE
One of the amazing things about having electives is that you can customize your degree by adding a minor, specialization, or option. These are available both within, and outside of, the Public Health program (i.e. you could pursue a minor in Psychology if you wanted). You won't choose one of these until second year, but it's helpful to know what's available.
Here are the minors, specializations, and options available to you as a Public Health student. They'll allow you to pursue in-depth study of a specific area you love.
ADDICTIONS, MENTAL HEALTH, AND POLICY MINOR (10 courses)
Addiction and mental health issues are major public health concerns that require a multidisciplinary approach. This minor is designed for students who want to advocate for the mental health of themselves and others.
AGING STUDIES OPTION (6 courses)
Learn about the unique health issues faced by older adults. This option will enhance your understanding of aging processes and can help prepare you for careers related to the care of older adults.
GERONTOLOGY MINOR (10 courses) AND DIPLOMA (7 courses)
Enhance your studies with a focus on the aging process and issues affecting older adults. You'll examine important topics such as long-term care, physiological and psychological aging processes, and how to promote healthy aging.
HEALTH INFORMATICS OPTION (8 courses)
If you're interested in the application of information technology to health research and practice, this option is for you. You’ll gain interdisciplinary skills in basic computer science and information management, in addition to your knowledge in public health.
HEALTH RESEARCH SPECIALIZATION (5 courses)
The Health Research Specialization will give you the skills to generate and use research and evaluation data relevant to the design and implementation of health programs, services, policies and systems. This specialization provides an excellent foundation for graduate studies and/or professional health research careers.
PLUS, OTHER MINORS AND OPTIONS OUTSIDE OF HEALTH SCIENCES
Waterloo offers more than 40 areas of interest available to students from any major. Popular areas of interest outside of Public Health include: Human Nutrition, Human Resources, Management Studies, and Psychology.
MANAL (she/her)
Gain health education experience right on campus. One of Manal's favourite volunteer activities is the Peer Health Education (PHE) program through Campus Wellness. She provides peer-to-peer public health education on topics ranging from substance abuse to mental health. “I'm able to teach others about harm reduction approaches to the use of cannabis, alcohol, and cigarettes, allowing me to apply what I learn in my classes.”
