Health Studies - Health Policy | Academic Advising & Career Centre

Admissions Category: Social Sciences & Humanities

Program Overview

Major programs in UTSC’s 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—including race, ethnicity, gender, disability, and colonialism—directly impact health outcomes and services across Canada and in the wide world beyond.

Complementary Programs:

Anthropology, Sociology, City Studies, History, Philosophy, Public Policy, Women’s and Gender Studies, Human Geography, International Development Studies, Political Science

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 4

Year 1
Choose Your Courses Wisely

1.0 credit as follows: HLTA02H3 and HLTA03H3. Students may also enroll in PHLB09H3 and [STAB22H3 or STAB23H3] 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 Degree Explorer to plan your courses and program of interest.
See the UTSC Calendar for course requirements.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Schedule an appointment with your Program Librarian 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 Co-Curricular Record (CCR) 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 CLNx.
Attend the Get Experience Fair in September and register with SCSU's Volunteer Network Program to explore opportunities.

Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely

3.5 credits: HLTB15H3, HLTB16H3, HLTB40H3, HLTB41H3, HLTB50H3, PHLB09H3 (can be taken in year one), [STAB22H3 or STAB23H3] (can be taken in year one)
0.5 credit from: HLTB11H3, HLTB20H3.
0.5 credit from: GGRB28H3, HLTB11H3 (if not already used above), HLTB20H3 (if not already used above), HLTB42H3, HLTB60H3, IDSB04H3.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Further develop your general academic skills by attending workshops offered by the Academic Advising & Career Centre (AA&CC) 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 CLNx.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Check CLNx 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 In The Field programs.

Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely

0.5 credit from: ANTC67H3, HLTC27H3.
1.5 C-level credits from ANT, HLT, and IDS (See the UTSC Calendar for course list).
Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track to graduate.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Consider entering the UTSC Library Undergraduate Poster Forum and competing for the Undergraduate Research Prize.

Apply Theory to Practice

Build on your skills and knowledge through relevant events offered through your department, student groups, 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 AA&CC.
Check CLNx 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 Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track to graduate.
Register your Intent to Graduate on ACORN 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 Partners in Leadership 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 ìcrash courseî and for access to full-time job listings.
Get your personal statement reviewed in the AA&CC.

Glossary

AACC - Academic Advising and Career Centre (www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc)
CCR - Co-Curricular Record (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/ccr/overview.htm)
CLNx - Career Co-Curricular Learning Network (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/home.htm)
CTL - Centre for Teaching and Learning (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/ctl)
DSL - Department of Student Life (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife)
HCSSA - Historial and Cultural Studies Student Association (https://hcssa.weebly.com)
ISC - International Student Centre (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/utscinternational)
SCSU - Scarborough Campus Students Union (https://www.scsu.ca)