Apply
Certificate, Diploma, and Bachelor's Degree Programs

Health Studies

Help shape a healthier society with your health studies bachelor’s degree from the University of Regina. You will learn about the social, psychological, Indigenous, and biological determinants of health and wellbeing and how to use the right tools to understand and evaluate health-related theory, research and policy. Take your first step towards a career in areas such as:

  • Policy development
  • Health promotion
  • Knowledge translation
  • Management
  • Programming

The Bachelor of Health Studies is jointly administered between the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies and the Faculty of Arts in partnership with First Nations University of Canada.

In the health studies bachelor’s degree program, you will gain a broad understanding of how determinants of health shape the wellbeing of people, families and communities. This includes experiences of illnesses and diseases, but also what people need to live healthy lives.

You can also choose an optional concentration area in Indigenous Health and Well-Being offered through the First Nations University of Canada. 

In addition, the undergraduate certificate in health studies or diploma in health studies can get you started, or help you ladder into the full bachelor’s program.

If you want to pursue a professional program, such as medicine physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutrition, or dentistry the Bachelor of Health Studies provides you with flexibility through approved and open electives.

Get career-ready with a 15-week, full-time fieldwork experience, applying what you learned from studying this major.

U of R’s Health Studies programs provide multiple pathways to multiple career destinations in the health and human services sector. Come and find the pathway that’s right for you.

Certificate in Health Studies

Start your health studies journey with our one-year Certificate in Health Studies program. This certificate can be used to transition into the two-year diploma program, or the four-year bachelor’s degree program.

Diploma in Health Studies

Our two-year Diploma in Health Studies program provides you with an overview of more areas of health studies. You can use your diploma to transition into the four-year bachelor’s degree program.

What Is Health Studies?

Health studies draws on both the social sciences and the natural sciences. It examines holistic well-being, which includes the mental, emotional, spiritual, physiological, and biological functioning of individuals, families, and communities. The U of R health studies programs also focus on the determinants of health and illness, and give you a broad understanding of health and the actions that benefit health. Our partnership with the First Nations University of Canada provides you the opportunity to learn more about Indigenous health and well-being.

Some unique courses in the University of Regina’s health studies bachelor’s degree program include:

  • Understanding Health and Illness examines the major theories and models of health and illness, including biomedical, health promotion, and population health.
  • Health in Canada explores the political, economic and social history of health and health care in Canada.
  • Health Issues is a broad examination of selected contemporary health issues.
  • Traditional Indigenous Health Concepts is typically taught by an Elder and provides you with many unique experiences, both on the land and in the classroom.

Your health studies courses will also include statistics and research methods, as well as courses focused on individual research. You will also learn to conduct Indigenous health research in respectful and culturally appropriate ways.

A major component of this health studies degree is an emphasis on understanding Indigenous health needs as a foundation for addressing inequities in health.

Health Studies Meet Your Faculty

Quick Facts

Program: Bachelor of Health Studies Diploma in Health Studies Certificate in Health Studies
Length: Bachelor: 4 years Diploma: 2 years Certificate: 1 year
Offered Through: University of Regina Campion College First Nations University of Canada Luther College
Request Information

Connect with us

Why Study Health Studies at the University of Regina?

The health studies bachelor’s degree program at the U of R offers a broad understanding of health and wellness across the lifespan, with an additional focus on equity, diversity and inclusion in health and health care, including Indigenous health. Some of your courses could potentially shape programming and policy. For example, students have had the opportunity to work with local health-related organizations such as the Saskatchewan Lung Association to promote vaping legislation.

Health Studies Frequently Asked Questions

What clubs, campus events, and networking opportunities do health studies students participate in?
  • Kinesiology and Health Studies Student Society
  • Faculty of Arts Students’ Society
  • SEARCH (Student Energy and Action in Regina Community Health)
  • Clubs and activities open to all U of R students
Can I transfer into the health studies program?
Yes! We have 60 credit hour transfer agreements with 5 Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. You can also transfer from another U of R program, or from other college and university programs. If you begin with the health studies certificate or health studies diploma, you can transition all of your credits into the bachelor’s degree program.

 

Do you offer scholarships?

Yes! We offer the following scholarships to undergraduate students in Kinesiology and Health Studies:

  • Dr. Ralph Nilson Scholarships in Health Studies
  • Queen City Vending – Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies Entrance Scholarship
  • Douglas and Margaret Cuddington Scholarship in Kinesiology and Health Studies
  • Kinesiology and Health Studies Employees Student Bursary
  • Regina Medical Laboratories Ltd Entrance Scholarship

Use our online Student Awards Management System (SAMS) to find other awards and scholarships for which you may be eligible.  First Nations University of Canada also offers scholarships.

Health Studies Program Concepts and Goals

In the Bachelor of Health Studies, you will learn the determinants of health and the tools to understand and evaluate health-related theory, research, programming and policy.

Learn

Learn to be a critical thinker and to apply theory in real-life settings from your expert instructors. Your studies will include theories and models of health and illness, individual research, Indigenous health, and ways to address inequities in health, locally, across Canada, and globally.

 

Get experience

The 15-week fieldwork placement lets you take what you’ve learned in the classroom and apply it in a working environment. Gain valuable work experience and a network of contacts before you graduate.

Succeed

Help shape a healthier society. You’ll be prepared for a dynamic health career in multiple settings. Our graduates make a difference and have a positive impact in their communities.

Health Studies Optional Concentration

Indigenous Health and Well-Being

Students completing the Bachelor of Health Studies may select an optional concentration in Indigenous Health and Well-Being by completing additional courses offered by the First Nations University of Canada.

What Can You Do With a Health Studies Degree?

Upon successfully completing your bachelor’s degree in health studies, you will be prepared for an impactful health career. Some of our graduates from this major pursue advanced education in related fields such as medicine, counselling, social work, public health, or education. Our health studies graduates have gone on to jobs such as the ones listed here.

To explore minors that may be available in this program area, please visit the Academic Calendar or meet with your faculty advisor in the Academic Advising Office after you are admitted.

  • Health Policy Analyst
  • Health Care Services Coordinator
  • Community Research Assistant
  • Community Health Specialist
sunflowers

Request More Information

Loading...