Health Studies
Health Studies is a multidisciplinary program of undergraduate research and critical examination of the determinants of health. Health Studies students examine the different factors that have an impact on the health and well-being of individuals and communities in Canada as well as in a global context. The multidisciplinary approach covers biomedical aspects of health as well as the social, political and economic factors that generate healthy communities.
Students in the specialist stream engage in a two-year research project culminating in an undergraduate research thesis. Students in the major stream also have an opportunity to engage directly in research projects.
The Health Studies program also allows students to tailor their studies so that they can focus on specific aspects of health and health care such as anthropology, women’s health, health and wellbeing of immigrant and marginalized communities, or Aboriginal health.
Admission Information
- Apply to either the Humanities or Social Sciences admission categories on the St. George campus
- Six Grade 12 U or M courses, including English are required
- Students outside of Ontario should have the equivalent senior high school credits
Bachelor of Arts Programs
- Health Studies (specialist and major options)
First-Year Courses
The Health Studies program does not offer any courses at the first year level.
Advice for First Year
Ideally, preparation for this program would include one or more courses in life sciences (such as biology, botany or zoology) and social sciences (such as sociology, anthropology, psychology, geography or economics.). However, students from many other disciplines, including the arts, are welcome to apply to the Health Studies program. Students lacking such preparation will receive the required upgrading as part of their undergraduate training
Careers
Health Studies is an interdisciplinary program that teaches students to use relevant tools, concepts, theories, and insights from the sciences, social sciences and humanities to build a unified understanding of health as a societal concern.
Graduates of this program will progress to further study and careers in teaching, research, planning and administrative work in social and health service fields.
The major program provides a general introduction to policy formation and assessment and would make an excellent component in preparing someone for training in one of the health professions or for work in the health field.
The specialist program has a strong research focus with a greater emphasis on statistical methods. It will prepare students well for direct employment as junior researchers in the health field, or for entry into graduate programs in community health, public health or health administration.
