Program description
This program integrates social science concepts, such as sociology and economics with science concepts, such as biology and metabolism. The integration supports the promotion of health by creating a new understanding among graduates of the determinants of health and how these determinants influence the health of individuals, families, and communities, as well as health services. This degree combines knowledge from science and social science disciplines in their content and learning
The Bachelor of Health Studies degree prepares students to work in a large variety of agencies and businesses that plan or deliver health related service and products, a foundation for careers in health care teams and community health management.
Program options
B.H.St. Bachelor of Health Studies
Interesting courses and unique opportunities
Interesting Courses
- Integration of Health Determinants of Individuals
- Integration of Health Determinants for Communities
- Integration of Health Determinants for Canada and the World
- Geographies of Health and Health Care
- Introduction to Social Epidemiology
Note
Students select electives from a wide range of choices offered by participating University programs. All students are encouraged to select a practicum course in a field setting, ranging from local to international communities. Courses offered in the final year of the program provide an opportunity for students to integrate learning from the sciences with the determinants of health.
Professional opportunities
This program provides a solid basis for engagement in community, cultural and political contexts concerned with health and illness.
Graduates will not achieve any professional status upon degree completion; however, the program can provide a foundation for students who wish to enter professional programs and also offer another route for students to gain access to specialized programs for both health and social science fields.
Graduates can think about entry into careers in health services, planning and administration. It is expected that the job market will evolve from changes in the delivery and policies of health care, resulting from increased emphasis on health planning, health promotion and prevention of illness and increased understanding of the complexity of health.
Admission requirements & prerequisites
Direct entry option
- Manitoba high school graduation, with five full credits at the Grade 12 level, in courses designated S, G or U.
- A minimum 85% average over the following with no less than 60% in each course:
- English 40S
- Chemistry 40S, Biology 40S, or a Mathematics 40S
- A third 40S course
This entry option is open to high school students or high school graduates who have not completed any university or college courses. Specific program requirements will vary; details of these requirements are available on each program’s application page.
Advanced entry option
24 credit hours in U1 (or approved bachelors program)
This entry option is open to students who have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours of university level study. Specific program requirements will vary; details of these requirements are available on each program’s application page.
High school prerequisites
High school prerequisites: Pre-Calculus Math 40S or Applied Math 40S, Biology (most programs), and Chemistry 40S are required.
Many programs will require or recommend specific high school courses over and above their admission requirements. These high school prerequisites are not always required to enter the program, but they must be completed to enrol in certain university courses within it. If a student does not have a particular prerequisite when they enter the program, they may complete an equivalent upgrading course at university that will satisfy the prerequisite requirement.
More details on admission requirements, application dates and how to apply is available on the Faculty of Human Ecology apply for admission page.
What is unique about this program at the U of M?
The focus of this program is on health promotion. Graduates will acquire the potential to inform the public policy debate by providing leading scientifically-based food, health and social policy information to improve the health and well-being of people and of professionals who can generate and apply this information. The intent is to create a broad, comprehensive understanding among people working in health-related settings of the factors that affect health, the needs of clients and the delivery of health services.
In program, students gain an understanding of the determinants of optimum health and well-being and are able to describe the actions and circumstances that maintain those conditions. Health and wellness are understood in the context of the individual, the community, and society with a particular focus on Manitoba and its peoples. Critical thinking and the ability to evaluate evidence, the development of knowledge, skills and attitudes required for collaborative, interdisciplinary employment related to health.
Graduates will have the opportunity to work in agencies and businesses that plan or deliver health related service and products. Health Studies graduates are expected to be employed in areas such as:
- Social policy research – develop programs based on demographic, social and economic analyses
- Community and social service workers – advise consumers on health issues and products
- Community health administration – assist professionals and planners
- Resource for aboriginal and rural communities – assist professionals and planners
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