Bachelor Of Public Health at University of Waterloo - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-11-18

Program overview

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Program overview

Earn a Bachelor of Public Health degree and make a significant impact on the health of communities. This program prepares you to tackle pressing health issues, from tobacco control to vaccination initiatives, ultimately saving lives on a larger scale. At Waterloo, you will learn from esteemed experts who collaborate with governments and organizations to drive positive change in public health. The program is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health, ensuring that the knowledge and skills you acquire are relevant and applicable in the real world. With a focus on understanding the social, cultural, and biological factors affecting health, you will be well-equipped to address the challenges faced by individuals and populations alike.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Public Health program at Waterloo is designed to be completed in a four-year timeframe for full-time students. However, if you choose the co-op option, the program will extend to five years, allowing you to gain valuable work experience while studying. The program structure includes:

Core courses that cover essential topics in public health.
Electives that allow you to explore various areas of interest.
Options for community learning, health apprenticeships, independent study, and an undergraduate thesis.
A robust co-op program that integrates academic learning with practical work experience.

Students will alternate between academic terms and co-op work terms, typically starting in their second year. This structure not only enhances learning but also provides opportunities to build professional networks and gain hands-on experience in the field.

Featured Experiences

The Bachelor of Public Health program offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance your education and career readiness:

Co-op Program: Engage in relevant paid work experience, allowing you to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings.
Field Learning: Some upper-year courses include practical field experiences, providing hands-on learning opportunities.
Community Placement: Participate in community-based projects that address public health challenges.
Independent Study: Explore topics of personal interest through self-directed research.
Thesis Option: Conduct in-depth research on a public health issue of your choice.

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Public Health program can pursue a variety of rewarding careers in Canada, including:

Public Health Promoter: Work with communities to develop and implement health promotion strategies that improve population health.
Policy Analyst: Analyze and develop health policies for government agencies or non-profit organizations.
Health and Wellness Coordinator: Design and manage wellness programs in corporate or community settings.
Public Health Analyst: Evaluate public health data and trends to inform decision-making and policy development.
Consultant in Health Services: Provide expert advice to organizations on improving health service delivery and outcomes.

These roles often involve collaboration with various stakeholders, including government bodies, healthcare providers, and community organizations, to address health disparities and promote well-being.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

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Last updated on 2025-11-18

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For the Bachelor of Public Health program at the University of Waterloo, the following Academic Requirements apply:

Minimum GPA: Not specified.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.
Prerequisite courses:
- English and Mathematics with a minimum grade of 7.5 in each.
Overall average of 8.3 is required.

For international students, particularly those from Vietnam and other Asian countries, the following general requirements must be met:

Bàng Tốt Nghiệp Phố Thông Trung Học (Secondary School Graduation Certificate).

It is advisable to apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is considered. For any clarification and support regarding the application process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

English Language Requirements

English is the language of instruction at the University of Waterloo. Success in our programs requires a high level of English language proficiency.

You need to provide an English language test score if:

your four most recent years of full-time education have NOT been in an English-language school system
your first language is NOT English.

Required English Language Scores

Tests that do not appear on this chart are not accepted for admission consideration.

Official test scores must be sent by the testing agency directly to Waterloo's Office of the Registrar. Emails, faxes, and student copies of test scores are not accepted for admission.

Test	Minimum Score	How to Send Test Results
Internet-based TOEFL (iBT), including Home Edition and Paper Edition	90 overall, 25 writing, 25 speaking	Waterloo's institution code is 0996 and our department code is 00. We do not accept electronic TOEFL scores for undergraduate admissions.
IELTS Academic	6.5 overall, 6.5 writing, 6.5 speaking, 6.0 reading, 6.0 listening	We accept the electronic Test Report Form (TRF). Waterloo's e-transfer institution name is University of Waterloo – Undergraduate OR University of Waterloo Admissions.
CAEL or CAEL online	70 overall, 60 per band, 70 writing, 70 speaking	You must log in to your affiliated account and select University of Waterloo as a recipient institution.
PTE Academic	63 overall, 65 writing, 65 speaking	Send your Score Report Code or Registration ID to myapplication@uwaterloo.ca.
Cambridge English test (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency)	180 overall, 176 writing, 176 reading, 176 speaking, 176 listening	Go to the Candidate Results Online portal, input your ID and secret number then click on "Send my result."
Duolingo English test	The minimum requirement for tests completed before July 1, 2024 is an overall score of 120, with minimum Literacy and Production scores of 110. Tests completed after July 1, 2024 require an overall of 120 with Literacy and Production scores of 125 for direct entry to a Waterloo program.	Results will not be accepted without subscores. You must log in to your affiliated account and select University of Waterloo – Undergraduate as a recipient institution.
EFAS - English for Academic Success	75% overall in 400 levels, 75% in each of academic, oral, and writing	Your scores will be sent to us automatically by the English Language Institute.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!