About the program

UNB Saint John’s health program is unique in Canada, offering an interdisciplinary core curriculum that integrates arts, science, and business.

The bachelor of health is a four-year interdisciplinary degree program focused on all aspects of health. The teaching faculty are drawn from the faculties of Arts , Science and Applied Science and Business and include researchers in business, health sciences and the social sciences and humanities. The interdisciplinary core courses in the health program are team-taught.

Students develop the knowledge and skills necessary for success in a variety of careers in the health sector. The program is also comprehensive preparation for further professional or graduate studies. All students complete core courses covering the biological and social determinants of health, current health issues and the management of healthcare services.

Choosing a major

At the beginning of their second year, health students choose a major.

In addition to the core health courses taken each year, students complete their chosen major with a series of required courses and electives which develop their depth of knowledge in their chosen area of study.

  • Society and Health: Society and Health majors study health policy and the social, political and economic determinants of health. Students complete their major with courses in public policy, sociology, health economics, history, ethics and related subjects
  • Management in Health: Management and Health majors focus on the efficient and effective administration of health care systems. Students complete their major with courses in accounting, marketing, organizational behaviour, human resource management; and options including supply chain management, employee health and safety and operations management.
  • Biomedical Sciences and Health: The biomedical sciences are the foundation for many careers in health. Students complete their major with courses in biology, chemistry and psychology; as well as their chosen electives

The perfect location

UNB Saint John is steps away from Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick, Horizon Health Network Saint John Regional Hospital, and the New Brunswick Community College Allied Health Programs. Our location means that students have access to world class researchers who approach health from different perspectives.

Learn more about city life at UNB Saint John.

Work experience and service learning

As part of the bachelor of health program, you will be exposed to a variety of work settings in the healthcare system and in the community through job-shadowing and internships. When going through the program, you will also be eligible to take one or more of the service-learning courses offered at UNB Saint John.

In the fourth-year capstone courses (HEAL 4001 and 4002), students from all three majors come together to work in multidisciplinary teams, just as they will in the workplace, to analyze and address a critical health issue identified in consultation with experts in the healthcare sector.

Experiential learning opportunities are built into the health curriculum. Beginning in your first year, you will apply what you have learned in the classroom in practical lab experiences and community-based research assignments. All of these experiences will expand knowledge of the health sector, help you refine your interests, further develop your skill set and give you relevant work experience.