Health Studies (BA)

Want to improve health outcomes by understanding the social, cultural and biological factors that shape well-being? Wilfrid Laurier University’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Health Studies explores how health is influenced by communities, institutions, environments and factors such as geography, socioeconomic status, gender, cultural makeup, vulnerability and ability.

You’ll learn to identify health challenges, evaluate risks and develop evidence-informed recommendations to improve health programs and policies, preparing you for careers in community health, public health, healthcare, social services and policy.

Enhance your degree by pursuing a Master of Science (MSc) in Public Health or Global Health at the Brighton and Sussex Medical School in the UK. 

X-Rays of human bodies

Program Details

Discover what makes this Laurier program unique and how you’ll gain real-world experience.

Why Should I Choose Health Studies?

Your future professors work hard to make sure your academic experience is current, complete and designed to open doors in your career. Here are a few things you can count on:

  • Pathways to Med School
    We prepare you for a clinical career in Canada. Laurier students apply to med school with a competitive edge and gain preferential status with the American University of the Caribbeanan internationally accredited medical school.
  • Launch Your Health Career
    Study abroad at one of the UK's leading medical universities. Begin your Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Health Studies at Laurier and receive a conditional offer to pursue a Master of Science (MSc) in Public Health or Global Health at the prestigious Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS).
  • Course Content that Matters
    Equip yourself with critical knowledge to identify significant health challenges, describe health and illness as complex social and physical phenomena, and evaluate factors that create health risks for community members.

How Will I Gain Real-World Experience?

Here are just a few of our students’ favourite ways to apply their learning in the real world throughout their degree (check out the Experience Guide for even more):

  • Practicums and Placements
    Take one of our upper-year courses that offer a practicum component or field placement to gain hands-on experience working with the community, while earning course credit.
  • Community Service Learning
    Community Service-Learning (CSL) courses at Laurier integrate service in the community with what you are learning in your classes. Placements are approximately 10 weeks.
  • Student Association Membership
    Join the Health Studies Student Association and create opportunities for your fellow Health Studies students to engage with other students and professors.

Courses and Program Enhancements

 Explore what you'll study and how you can enhance your degree to fit your academic and career goals.

What Courses Will I Take?

Get a glimpse of what you will study throughout your degree. See what your first-year classes will look like through sample courses and start exploring what your upper academic years can offer.

How Can I Enhance My Degree?

Explore a variety of courses, specializations and pathway options that let you shape your degree around your unique interests and goals. Find out how you can customize your experience and prepare for what’s next.

Admissions

  • Format: full time or part time
  • Duration: four years
  • Start: September (fall term), January (winter term) or May (spring term)

Career Options

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you're going.

What Jobs Can I Get After Graduation?

Our Health Studies graduates go on to a wide range of rewarding careers. Here are just a few examples:

  • autism therapist
  • addictions counsellor
  • nurse/nurse practitioner
  • midwifery
  • community health educator
  • epidemiologist
  • health care administrator
  • medical claims adjudicator
  • mental health worker
  • social worker

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

Explore more careers.

Will I Be Supported After Graduation?

As a Laurier alum, you'll have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

Tuition and Costs

What are the Tuition Fees and Costs for Human and Social Sciences at Laurier?

Below is a breakdown of tuition fees and expenses for Laurier Human and Social Sciences (HSS) students for one year (or two terms) studying full time. Fees are based on 2026/27 rates and are subject to increase. All fees are shown in Canadian dollars.

Tuition Fees for HSS Students
Fee Type Domestic Students International Students
Tuition $6,180 $36,624
Student Fees $1,830 $2,778
Textbook Fees $1,500 $1,500

See a full breakdown of your first-year expenses.

Scholarships and Bursaries

When you apply to Laurier you’ll be automatically assessed for entrance scholarships (based on your final admission average) and for in-course scholarships in your upper years (based on your Laurier GPA from the previous academic year). We also offer more than 700 competitive scholarships and awards, which require separate applications and may be awarded throughout the academic year.

Additional Financial Support

  • Get information and advice on eligibility for government assistance (like OSAP) from our Financial Aid office.
  • Apply for bursaries to receive additional support based on financial need and academic performance.
  • Learn money management skills through courses, workshops and financial coaching.
  • Visit the Career Centre for support finding part-time job opportunities.

 

Laurier graduates employed or in post‑graduate studies in 2025

 

Laurier students engaged in hands‑on learning in 2025/26

 

Laurier is among the top 7 percent in the Center for World University Rankings 2026

Brantford Campus

The Brantford campus blends small-city charm with big opportunities. It’s home to more than 2,400 students learning in modern classrooms inside beautifully restored buildings, with access to recreation at the Laurier Brantford YMCA and one-stop student services within One Market. With affordable living options, 20+ programs to choose from, great walking and biking trails and a welcoming community, Laurier Brantford is the ideal place to live and learn.

There are many ways to tour our Brantford campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.

students work together on laptops on campus

How Will I Learn in This Program?

You’ll attend some scheduled classes in a physical classroom and participate in some online. Some online components may be live at scheduled times (virtual synchronous), while others can be completed independently (virtual asynchronous). When you register for classes each term, you’ll choose from online and in-person course options.

While part of the program is delivered online, some courses may require in-person exams, either on campus or at an approved testing location near your home.

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Get in Touch

Have questions? Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548‑889‑8888 or see all contact information.


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Think this program might be the perfect fit for you and your future?