Health Studies - Health Policy Major (HBA)
Admissions Category: Social Sciences & Humanities
Program Overview
Major programs in UTSC鈥檚 Department of Health and Society (DHS) promote an understanding of health across a spectrum of academic perspectives: from the clinical and biological health sciences to social science and humanistic ways of knowing. Students who choose to major in Health Policy (BA) will become experts in the structure and effectiveness of health care systems, including public health policy, health crises and management, caregiving across the life course, and pressing issues in health care delivery for marginalized communities. Special emphasis is placed on how matters of culture and identity鈥攊ncluding race, ethnicity, gender, disability, and colonialism鈥攄irectly impact health outcomes and services across Canada and in the wide world beyond.
Complementary Programs:
, Sociology, , , , , Women鈥檚 and Gender Studies, , ,
Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:
Competencies & Skills
- Analyze social
- historical
- political
- and economic processes that shape health and well-being
- Identify biological
- behavioural
- and environmental factors that affect health
- Analyze how cultural factors mediate health practices and shape health outcomes through tradition
- ritual
- customs
- and concepts of health
- illness and disease
Careers for Graduates
- Research Analyst
- Research and Coordinator roles at community care centres
- Health Policy Analyst
- Coordinator in health services
- Activationist in long-term care homes
- Project Assistant in health promotion services
Further Education
- Public Health
- Health Science
- Epidemiology
- Gerontology
- Health/Public Policy & Administration
- Community Health or Development
- Community Education
- Medicine or Nursing
- Rehabilitation Sciences
- Regulatory Affairs
Program Pathway
Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 1.0 credit as follows: and H. Students may also enroll in and [ or ] in year one to help balance their load in year two.
- Explore different kinds of courses; this will also help with fulfilling breadth requirements and electives.
- Use to plan your courses and program of interest.
- See the for course requirements.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Schedule an appointment with your for in-depth research assistance with your assignments.
- Get writing support at CTL's Writing Centre.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Attend the UTSC Faculty Mix & Mingle Fair to connect with professors and learn more about their specialties.
- Start building your and search for Experiential Learning opportunities.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Get involved with the Health and Society Students' Association (HSSA); also explore other relevant student clubs and activities on campus.
- Volunteer in DSL's Alternative Reading Week program to gain experience and knowledge about social change and community development.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Volunteer with organizations to explore your interests; check listings on
- Attend the Get Experience Fair in September and register with to explore opportunities.
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 3.5 credits: , , , , , (can be taken in year one), [ or ] (can be taken in year one)
- 0.5 credit from: , .
- 0.5 credit from: , (if not already used above), (if not already used above), , , .
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Further develop your general academic skills by attending workshops offered by the and Centre for Teaching & Learning (CTL).
Apply Theory to Practice
- Get involved in relevant opportunities on and/or off campus; apply to Work Study, or other part-time and summer jobs on
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Check to search for Work Study or volunteer positions on campus to gain experience and to get involved.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Considering grad school? Speak to professors and advisors early so you are on track.
- Explore careers through the AA&CC's Job Shadowing and programs.
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 0.5 credit from: , .
- 1.5 C-level credits from ANT, HLT, and IDS (See the UTSC Calendar for course list).
- Use to ensure you are on track to graduate.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Consider entering the and competing for the .
Apply Theory to Practice
- Build on your skills and knowledge through relevant events offered through your department, , DSL and the AA&CC.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Run for an elected position in the Health and Society Students' Association (HSSA).
- Look into volunteering or working overseas to expand your network through ISC's Global Learning programs.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Plan a career path with a staff member at the
- Check for networking events and employer information sessions to attend.
- Attend the Graduate & Professional School Fair in September.
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 0.5 D-level credit in HLT courses.
- Ensure you have fulfilled your breadth requirements.
- Use to ensure you are on track to graduate.
- Register your Intent to Graduate on by the deadline.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Apply for an Academic Travel Fund through Department of Student Life (DSL) to research, present at a conference, or engage with the international academic community.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Attend the Summer & Full-time Job Fair in January to meet with potential employers looking to hire students for summer and full-time positions relevant to your field.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Participate in the AA&CC's program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning to work or further education.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Attend the AA&CC's Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
- Attend a Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search 矛crash course卯 and for access to full-time job listings.
- Get your personal statement reviewed in the .