Global Health (Video Transcript)
Global Health is the study of improving health and achieving health equity for all people worldwide. As Canada’s first undergraduate Global Health program, it has been recognized by Maclean’s magazine as one of York’s “standout” programs.
In today’s interconnected world, issues such as the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change, and growing rates of obesity and diabetes do not recognize borders. These challenges are linked to broader factors such as population growth, migration, wealth disparity, environmental degradation, corporate activity, and government policy. Health is more than the absence of disease – it involves physical, mental, and social well-being at both individual and societal levels. The Global Health program equips students with the tools to analyze and address global structures and processes, shaping health outcomes locally and globally.
Quick Links
- Health Program Guide
- Mature and Transfer Students
- Current Students
- PhD in Global Health
- Careers in Global Health
EVENTS
Duration
4 Years
Degrees
Honours (BA, BSc)
Intake
Fall (Sept)
Study Options
Full-time, Part-time
Delivery
In-person
Why Choose Global Health at York U?
Be empowered to tackle complex global challenges and make a meaningful impact on health equity worldwide.
- Explore global health through science, social sciences, and humanities perspective.
- Benefit from small class sizes and research opportunities.
- Develop teamwork and public engagement skills to advocate, collaborate across sectors and regions, and drive global health equity.
- Participate in Globally Learning strategies where you can learn with and from students and faculty from across the world.
- Experience different ways to showcase your learning, including tests, video presentations, podcasts, documentaries, and many more.
Degree Options
We offer both an honours Bachelor of Arts (BA) and honours Bachelor of Science (BSc) option. Both share the same core requirements (48 credits). However, BSc students take additional math, science, and computer science courses while BA students have more flexibility with those credits.
Students can apply directly to the Honours BA [OUAC program code: YHS] and Honours BSc [OUAC program code: YHT].
Specialized Honours in Global Health
The Specialized Honours (BA and BSc) option is open to current students who meet the GPA requirement and seek a practicum experience. It includes all the core courses of the Honours program, with an additional 12 credits in practicum preparation, placement, and a research capstone (60 credits). Students must also complete electives aligned with one of five stream concentrations:
- Global E-Health
- Global Health and the Environment
- Global Health Law, Policy, and Governance
- Global Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
- Global Mental Health
Current students can submit a program request change to the Specialized Honours (BA/BSc).
Sample Courses
Admission Requirements
Experiential Learning Opportunities
Students in the Global Health program have opportunities to apply their classroom learning through diverse experiential education settings, including:
- Case studies and simulations
- Advanced training in research methods
- Research opportunities both at York U and in the community
- International exchanges
- Summer abroad courses
4th-Year Practicum
As part of the Specialized Honours (BA or BSc) in Global Health, students will complete a practicum during the second semester of their fourth year. This 11-week, research- or practice-based placement is designed to bridge theory and practice in various health-related settings. Practicum placements can be completed locally in Toronto or with our international partners in countries such as Costa Rica, the Netherlands, and South Africa, offering students a truly global perspective on health issues.
Optional Co-op
As a Global Health student, you can choose to take part in an optional Co-operative (Co-op) program, where you’ll gain paid, full-time work experience during your degree. Participating in a Co-op is a great way to apply your learning, build your professional network, and develop valuable, transferable skills for your future career. Learn more about the Health Co-op program.
Learn about Gabriel’s 4th year practicum experience at York University's Global Strategy Lab.
Learn about a 3-week study abroad opportunity in Ho, Ghana from Assistant Professor Godfred Boateng.
Careers in Global Health
The Global Health program prepares students for diverse professional pathways. Some of our graduates pursue advanced studies (Master’s, PhD) or professional schools, such as medicine, law, or public health. Many also enter the workforce directly, thriving in fields like policy analysis, health education, global health promotion, international development, medicine, and research.
Pathway to Professional and Medical School
Planning to pursue professional studies such as medicine or law? Both the BA and the BSc in Global Health can be used as preparation for professional school. Some of the benefits include:
- A unique degree combining science, social science, and humanities perspectives
- Core curriculum includes common prerequisites such as statistics, anatomy, physiology, and social science courses
- A tight-knit program fostering closer connections with professors and potential academic references
- Research opportunities to enhance and differentiate professional school applications
Learn More
Please contact us if you have any questions about applying for Faculty of Health programs, your application status, or your next steps after receiving an offer of admission.
Faculty of Health Recruitment Office
hlthrec@yorku.ca