- HBA · 4 years
- Work experience details
- ~High 80s to low 90s
Public Health
Image source
AI-generated ink illustration
Conceptual study artwork, not a photograph of teaching facilities.
Unidex · generated with ImageGen
Checked 2026-11-05
Symbolic subject artwork; no university facility depicted
4 / 5 years
Duration (years)
4 years regular · 5 years co-op
Waterloo Public Health · admissions, study routes and careersOptional co-op
~Regular low 80s · Co-op mid-80s
Entering average
Published approximate guidance: Regular low 80s · Co-op mid-80s. Fall 2027. Waterloo’s Ontario admission guidance for the two systems of study, based on prior years.
Waterloo Public Health Ontario high-school admission requirements
Deadlines
November 2026
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| 30 |
Next deadline
OUAC. Ontario high schools report midterm/final 4U/M grades
2027 entry
School deadline, not a student task. Universities receive these grades by November 26. Verbatim: "Deadline for the OUAC to receive all midterm or final grades available for 4U/M courses from Ontario high schools. Schools may report in-progress grades for full-year courses as soon as they are available." Universities receive these by the target date of November 26, 2026. This is a deadline on the high school, not on the student, but it governs which grades a university sees in the first round.
Other deadline details
No single OUAC deadline, deadlines are set by each university and sometimes by programOUAC Undergraduate application, applicants who are not Ontario high school students (Group B)2026 entry
- No single OUAC deadline, deadlines are set by each university and sometimes by program
- No single OUAC deadline
- University, program, transcript, portfolio, interview, and audition dates still apply
Full source wording
Verbatim: "There is no specific Undergraduate application deadline if you are a Group B applicant. Deadlines vary at each university and sometimes depend on the program. Visit the university websites or contact the universities directly for their deadlines. If you are interested in a program but the deadline has passed, you may contact the university's admission office for help. Be aware of university-specific deadlines for submitting transcripts and portfolios, if required, and for arranging interviews and auditions. You must ensure the OUAC has enough time to process your choices before the universities' program deadlines." OUAC defines Group B as anyone who does not meet the Group A criteria, e.g. not currently taking an Ontario high school course, a Canadian outside Ontario, an international applicant, a postsecondary transfer student, or a mature applicant.
SourceChecked
Requirements
Admission requirements
High-school prerequisites
Any Grade 12 U English75% min.
Any Grade 12 U Mathematics70% min.
- Complete a high-school diploma and six Grade 12 U or M courses including the prerequisites.
- Complete four other Grade 12 U or M courses.
Application steps
Entry terms · September
First-year Public Health, regular and co-op.
Waterloo September 2027 application and document deadlinesStep 1Check the admission requirements
- Check the published entry route for your applicant category.
Step 3Declaration of Academic Experience (DAE)
- Complete the DAE in the Waterloo applicant portal. It updates your checklist with any required documents.
Step 4Apply directly through OUAC and select regular or co-op.
- Complete this item using the university’s applicant instructions.
Step 5Complete the Declaration of Academic Experience in the Waterloo applicant portal.
- Complete this item using the university’s applicant instructions.
Step 6Submit the documents requested in your applicant checklist by the document deadline.
- Complete this item using the university’s applicant instructions.
Applicant pathways
British Columbia high school with AP
British Columbia secondary students taking AP courses
- Complete the high-school diploma and six Grade 12 academic courses.
- English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12 at 75% and Grade 12 Mathematics or AP Calculus at 70%.
Alberta high school
Alberta secondary students
- Complete the high-school diploma and five approved courses at the 30 or 31 level.
- English Language Arts 30-1 at 75% and Mathematics 30-1, 31 or 30-2 at 70%.
IB Diploma
International Baccalaureate Diploma applicants
- IB diploma with six subjects, at least three HL. Total 27 before diploma points.
- At least 4 in Mathematics AA HL/SL or AI HL and English A HL/SL. English B HL at 5 may satisfy the English requirement.
Degree requirements
Required courses and electives
- Complete 20.0 units: 14.5 required units and 5.5 free elective units.
ReferencesWaterloo 2026–27 Public Health Honours degree requirementsWaterloo 2026–27 Public Health regular course sequenceWaterloo 2026–27 Public Health co-op course sequenceWaterloo course calendar · HLTH204Waterloo 2026–27 course calendar, ENGL 109Waterloo 2026–27 course calendar, ENGL 210EWaterloo 2026–27 course calendar, ENGL 210FWaterloo course calendar · PSYCH101R
Grades and academic standing
- Minimum cumulative overall average of 70% and cumulative major average of 75%.
ReferencesWaterloo 2026–27 Public Health Honours degree requirementsWaterloo 2026–27 Public Health regular course sequenceWaterloo 2026–27 Public Health co-op course sequenceWaterloo course calendar · HLTH204Waterloo 2026–27 course calendar, ENGL 109Waterloo 2026–27 course calendar, ENGL 210EWaterloo 2026–27 course calendar, ENGL 210FWaterloo course calendar · PSYCH101R
Work and practical requirements
- For the co-op designation, earn four credited work terms, including at least three standard work terms, and complete PD 1, PD 12 and two more PD courses.
ReferencesWaterloo 2026–27 Public Health Honours degree requirementsWaterloo 2026–27 Public Health regular course sequenceWaterloo 2026–27 Public Health co-op course sequenceWaterloo course calendar · HLTH204Waterloo 2026–27 course calendar, ENGL 109Waterloo 2026–27 course calendar, ENGL 210EWaterloo 2026–27 course calendar, ENGL 210FWaterloo course calendar · PSYCH101R
Credits and degree requirements
- At least 10.0 units must be at the 200 level or above. A course cannot satisfy more than one plan requirement.
- A second failed attempt of a required course triggers withdrawal from the plan. Readmission requires a successful petition.
ReferencesWaterloo 2026–27 Public Health Honours degree requirementsWaterloo 2026–27 Public Health regular course sequenceWaterloo 2026–27 Public Health co-op course sequenceWaterloo course calendar · HLTH204Waterloo 2026–27 course calendar, ENGL 109Waterloo 2026–27 course calendar, ENGL 210EWaterloo 2026–27 course calendar, ENGL 210FWaterloo course calendar · PSYCH101R
Program facts
Entering average~Regular low 80s · Co-op mid-80s
Waterloo’s Ontario admission guidance for the two systems of study, based on prior years.
Waterloo Public Health Ontario high-school admission requirementsWaterloo Public Health Ontario high-school admission requirementsMajors & specializations
Direct entry to Public Health through either system of study.
Aging Studies Option
BPH (Honours)
Study aging and its effects on health and social life.
Courses
Waterloo’s 2026–27 Honours degree requirements and recommended regular sequence. Co-op uses the same degree courses with a different work and study calendar.
1A · Fall3 listed
Take two electives in this recommended term.
HEALTH 107Sociology of Activity, Health, and Well-Being0.5 unitsUse sociological concepts to examine how social conditions influence physical activity, health and well-being.
Waterloo course calendar · HEALTH 107
HLTH 101Introduction to Health 10.5 unitsExplore biological, social and environmental influences on health.
Waterloo course calendar · HLTH 101
HLTH 103Biological Determinants of Health0.5 unitsExamine the biological foundations of population health.
Waterloo course calendar · HLTH 103
1B · Winter4 listed
Take one elective in this recommended term.
- HEALTH 150Foundations of Human Anatomy and Physiology0.5 units
Learn the structure and function of the major human body systems.
Waterloo course calendar · HEALTH 150 - HLTH 102Introduction to Health 20.5 units
Study health systems, prevention and responses to health challenges.
Waterloo course calendar · HLTH 102 
HLTH 104Introduction to Health Data Science0.5 unitsUse data and introductory analytical techniques to investigate health questions.
Waterloo course calendar · HLTH 104- PSYCH 101Introductory Psychology0.5 units
Survey how psychologists study behaviour, cognition and emotion.
Waterloo course calendar · PSYCH 101
2A4 listed
The recommended sequence includes one elective.
- HLTH 201Aging and Health0.5 units
- HLTH 202Principles of Public and Population Health0.5 units
- HLTH 204Quantitative Approaches to Health Science0.5 units
Use statistics software to summarize and interpret health research data.
Waterloo course calendar · HLTH204 - HLTH 205Introduction to Health Research0.5 units
2B3 listed
The recommended sequence includes two electives.
- HLTH 230Introduction to Health Informatics0.5 units
- HLTH 245Canadian Health Systems0.5 units
- HLTH 260Social Determinants of Health0.5 units
3A4 listed
The recommended sequence includes one elective.
- HLTH 220Psychosocial Perspectives on Lifespan Development and Health0.5 units
HLTH 303Program Planning and Evaluation0.5 units- HLTH 333Principles of Epidemiology0.5 units
Study how researchers measure and investigate patterns of disease in populations.
Waterloo course calendar · HLTH 333 
HLTH 380Applied Public Health Ethics0.5 units
3B3 listed
The recommended sequence includes two electives.
- HLTH 301Applied Health Promotion: Theory and Community Engagement0.5 units
- HLTH 355Public Health Nutrition0.5 units
HLTH 370Ecological Determinants of Health0.5 units
4A2 listed
The recommended sequence includes three electives.
- HLTH 401Global Health0.5 units
- HLTH 410Health Policy0.5 units
Analyze how health policy is developed, implemented and evaluated.
Waterloo course calendar · HLTH 410
4B0 listed
The recommended sequence includes five elective slots. Use the degree checklist to plan the capstone and restricted choices.
Statistics2 listed
Choose one statistics course.
HLTH 335Introduction to Statistical Analytics in Health0.5 units- STAT 316Introduction to Statistical Problem Solving0.5 units
Methods and application11 listed
Choose one methods or application course.
- HLTH 344Qualitative Methods for Health Research0.5 units
- HLTH 350Principles of Occupational Health and Safety0.5 units
HLTH 433Experimental Methods0.5 units
HLTH 435Knowledge Translation for Public Health and Health Care0.5 units- HLTH 442Epidemiology of Non-Communicable Diseases0.5 units
- HLTH 443Epidemiology of Communicable Diseases0.5 units
HLTH 451Analysis and Management of Health Information in Aging Populations0.5 units- HLTH 453Computing in Health Informatics0.5 units
- HLTH 455Disease Mapping and Geographic Information Systems0.5 units
- HLTH 458Social Neuroscience 2: Lifestyle and Chronic Illness0.5 units
- HLTH 475Food and Nutrition Security0.5 units
Capstone14 listed
Choose one approved capstone, apprenticeship, independent study, community project or seminar. Check course-specific prerequisites.
- HLTH 403Global Health Innovation0.5 units
- HLTH 421Nutritional Aspects of Chronic Disease0.5 units
- HLTH 427Dementia Care0.5 units
- HLTH 430Geriatric Medicine and Health Care0.5 units
- HLTH 432AHonours Thesis (A)0.5 units
- HLTH 432BHonours Thesis (B)0.5 units
- HLTH 448Advanced Studies in Social Determinants of Health0.5 units
- HLTH 449Substance use in Contemporary Society0.5 units
- HLTH 450Gender, Sex, and Health0.5 units
HLTH 454Information Visualization0.5 units- HLTH 472Independent Study0.5 units
- HLTH 474Health Apprenticeship0.5 units
- HLTH 479Child Mental Health Epidemiology0.5 units
HLTH 481Community Learning Project0.5 units
Writing9 listed
Choose one writing course.
- ENGL 109Introduction to Academic Writing0.5 units
Practise academic argument, style and clear presentation through frequent writing exercises.
Waterloo 2026–27 course calendar, ENGL 109 - ENGL 140RThe Use of English0.5 units
- ENGL 210CGenres of Creative Writing0.5 units
- ENGL 210EGenres of Technical Communication0.5 units
Write and design technical communication such as documentation, specifications or white papers.
Waterloo 2026–27 course calendar, ENGL 210E 
ENGL 210FGenres of Business Communication0.5 unitsPractise workplace writing through reports, correspondence and other organizational communication.
Waterloo 2026–27 course calendar, ENGL 210F- ENGL 210GGenres of Fundraising Communication0.5 units
- ENGL 210HArts Writing0.5 units
- ENGL 210ILegal Writing0.5 units
- ENGL 210JTechnical Editing0.5 units
Cross-listed alternatives14 listed
Complete one course from each applicable cross-listed set. These alternatives satisfy the same requirement as the course in the recommended sequence.
- GERON 201Aging and Health0.5 units
- HLTH 201Aging and Health0.5 units
- GERON 220Psychosocial Perspectives on Lifespan Development and Health0.5 units
- HLTH 220Psychosocial Perspectives on Lifespan Development and Health0.5 units
- GERON 245Canadian Health Systems0.5 units
- HLTH 245Canadian Health Systems0.5 units
- GSJ 260Social Determinants of Health0.5 units
- HLTH 260Social Determinants of Health0.5 units
- GSJ 380Applied Public Health Ethics0.5 units
- HLTH 380Applied Public Health Ethics0.5 units
- GSJ 401Global Health0.5 units
- HLTH 401Global Health0.5 units
- PSYCH 101Introductory Psychology0.5 units
Survey how psychologists study behaviour, cognition and emotion.
Waterloo course calendar · PSYCH 101 - PSYCH 101RIntroductory Psychology0.5 units
Survey basic concepts and research methods in behavioural science.
Waterloo course calendar · PSYCH101R
Elective choices
- Choose one statistics course, one methods or application course, one capstone and one writing course.
- Choose one course from ANTH, ECON, PSCI, PSYCH, SDS, SRF or SOC. Choose one from CLAS, ENGL, HIST, MEDVL, PACS, PHIL or RCS.
- Complete 5.5 units of free electives.
Study routes
Direct entry to Public Health through either system of study.
- Regular
- Co-op
ReferencesWaterloo 2026–27 Public Health Honours degree requirementsWaterloo 2026–27 Public Health regular course sequenceWaterloo 2026–27 Public Health co-op course sequenceWaterloo course calendar · HLTH204Waterloo 2026–27 course calendar, ENGL 109Waterloo 2026–27 course calendar, ENGL 210EWaterloo 2026–27 course calendar, ENGL 210FWaterloo course calendar · PSYCH101R
Careers
- Public health officer
- Health promotion specialist
- Epidemiology facilitator
- Community health coordinator
- Health communications specialist
- Environmental health analyst
- Health policy manager
- Public health data analyst
- Global health program specialist
- Workplace health facilitator
- Disease prevention coordinator
- Health services administrator
- Health and safety student officer
- Health promotions and events assistant
- Corporate events coordinator
- Residential/vocational assistant
- Health and wellness coordinator
- Rehabilitation and mental health assistant
- Junior policy analyst
- Public health analyst
Scope and qualifications
CEPH accreditation is for public health education. This degree is not an accredited Canadian Environmental Public Health Professional program.
Career examples and co-op job titles published for Waterloo Public Health.
Professional recognition
Council on Education for Public Health accredited.
Scope and qualifications
Career examples and co-op job titles published for Waterloo Public Health.
Costs
Program or faculty
| Program or faculty | Ontario | Other Canadian | International | Books and supplies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Financial Management, Sustainability and Financial Management | $9,000 | $10,000 | $58,000 | $1,500 |
| Architecture | $14,000 | $15,000 | $75,000 | $8,100 |
| Business Administration (Laurier) and Computer Science (Waterloo) Double Degree | $17,000 | $20,000 | $75,000 | $1,500 |
| Business Administration (Laurier) and Mathematics (Waterloo) Double Degree | $15,000 | $15,000 | $64,000 | $1,500 |
| Computer Science | $16,000 | $18,000 | $73,000 | $1,500 |
| Computing and Financial Management | $11,000 | $12,000 | $64,000 | $1,500 |
| Faculty of Arts | $9,000 | $10,000 | $58,000 | $1,500 |
| Faculty of Engineering, Software Engineering | $19,000 | $21,000 | $75,000 | $1,500 |
| Faculty of Environment | $9,000 | $10,000 | $51,000 | $1,500 |
| Faculty of Health | $9,000 | $10,000 | $54,000 | $1,500 |
| Faculty of Science | $9,000 | $10,000 | $54,000 | $1,500 |
| Geography and Aviation | $9,000 | $10,000 | $51,000 | $1,500 |
| Science and Aviation | $9,000 | $10,000 | $54,000 | $1,500 |
| Global Business and Digital Arts | $14,000 | $16,000 | $56,000 | $1,500 |
| Mathematics (includes 16 majors), Mathematics/ Business Administration, Mathematics/Chartered Professional Accountancy | $9,000 | $10,000 | $62,000 | $1,500 |
| Mathematics/Financial Analysis and Risk Management | $12,000 | $14,000 | $63,000 | $1,500 |
First-year estimate
2026–27 · Two terms · CAD
Ontario example · Choose your fee category
Tuition and incidental fees$9,000
Books and supplies$1,500
Residence$8,254
Residence
Meal plan$8,040
Meal plan
Estimated total$26,794
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