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Gain knowledge and skills necessary to work across disciplines
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Engage in course-based experiential learning opportunities
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Conduct cutting-edge research in the BSc in Health Science (Honours) program
Bachelor of Science in Health Science
Whether you desire to provide direct patient care or prefer to influence health using a different method, this program will prepare you to address many of the challenges facing Canada’s health sector today. We offer an experiential learning approach in which students gain foundational knowledge in the basic sciences and practical knowledge in health and wellness. Over the course of four years, you’ll develop a wide range of highly transferable skills to ensure your success in the workplace.
Why Study Health Science?
Do you enjoy working as part of a team to create lasting change? Are you passionate about helping people live healthier lives?
With a degree in health science, you will be uniquely positioned to influence the health of the people and places around you. Health reaches across all sectors, giving you the flexibility to build your career in any way you want.
Who Studies Health Science?
Whether you’re straight out of high school or looking to switch careers, the health science program is open to anyone who has an interest in health.
Successful health science students tend to be self-motivated, with a solid work ethic, and well-developed oral and written communications skills. They also demonstrate empathy and concern for those around them. Students should have a strong interest in life science and human biology and a desire to pursue a career within the broad range of options that exist in the field of health.
Program Details
The BSc in Health Science degree is a 124-credit program that allows students to examine health and disease in human communities from various perspectives. Students obtain foundational knowledge in the basic sciences of biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, and practical knowledge in clinical, public, and population health to understand current health issues and the common approaches used to advance health and wellness.
The BSc in Health Science (Honours) degree requires students to conduct original research in an area of health science. Students pursuing this path will gain hands-on research experience by designing and carrying-out a research project under the supervision of a KPU faculty member with expertise relating to the topic.
The BSc in Health Science degree may be completed on a part-time or full-time basis, with students being admitted in September, January and May. The full program is offered at the Surrey campus, with many first- and second-year courses normally available on the Richmond campus. Some first-year courses may also be offered on the Langley campus.
Bachelor of Science in Health Science
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Health Science
Minor in Health Science
Career Outcomes
According to the latest BC Labour Market Outlook the Health Care and Social Assistance sector will see a large increase in job openings in the next 10 years, to replace retiring workers and to respond to the growing medical needs of an aging population. Based on your skills and experience, you may be able to obtain employment in health policy, research, management, sales, or education. Students may decide to continue their education into a field such as: medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, naturopathy, or public health, among others.
Student Success Stories
Micheal Ke
Michael Ke is enrolled in KPU's Health Science Honours program with a specific interest in the field of bioinformatics and has worked on a course-based research project as part of his honours degree.
He's been employed in KPU’s Applied Genomics Centre lab as a student research assistant and has contributed to a variety of lab projects, including identifying the genetic variations that cause hereditary ataxia, a degenerative disease of the nervous system, in two families.
In the spring of 2020, Ke presented his research to academic and political leaders at the Colleges & Institutes Canada CICan on the Hill student showcase. He was then invited to exhibit a poster of his results at the US National Ataxia Foundation conference in Denver, Colorado.
"The most important thing that I have discovered while I was working in the [Applied Genomics Centre] lab is how much I enjoy the process of doing research," said Ke
Rimi Afroze
In 1997 Rimi Afroze missed picking up her degree in Bangladesh because her academic success brought misogynist intimidation that forced her to leave the country. After moving to Canada, Afroze started attending medical school but had to stop when her daughter faced medical challenges. It took Afroze about 10 years to get the courage to come back to university. "I had a lot of doubt on myself, on my capability, which has all been cleared in the past two years and I sincerely owe that to KPU," she said. "Here, I have found wisdom, courage, inspiration and support at every door I knocked and in every person I met. Therefore, I feel myself extremely privileged to be a part of this great institution."
During her time at KPU Afroze gave back, organizing a health and wellness convention, presenting research at international conferences, raising money for Rohingya refugees and being recognized by the United Nations.
Afroze wants to pursue a PhD in epidemiology and would eventually like to work with under privileged women and children around the world to improve their health status. She was one of more than 1,000 students who walked across stage to collect their credentials at KPU’s spring 2018 convocation.
Nathan Speirs
Q. Why did you decide to enroll in the KPU Health Science Degree?
A. “I knew that I wanted to work in healthcare but I wasn’t exactly sure what that job would be. When I was doing my research into undergraduate degrees I spoke with several professionals who work in the science field. I was told that a Health Science degree would keep many doors open for employment as well as opportunities for future graduate programs. Once I had decided on the degree I came across the program at Kwantlen. At the time my sister was currently enrolled at KPU and she spoke of some of the positives she had experienced. In the end the biggest factor for me was that I knew the smaller class sizes with the ability to know your professors more intimately would be advantageous.”
Q. What are the most important things you’ve learned from the program that have helped you in your career?
A. “I think the obvious choice would be the extensive anatomy & physiology knowledge I learned from the 4 classes offered in the program. Having that knowledge definitely gave me the upper hand knowing that I had extensive knowledge of orthopedics when discussing anatomical structures with surgeons. I would also like to highlight the business aspect of the Health Science program. Part of my job requires constructing business plans and deals with hospital administration, so having some experience from Health Business (HSCI 4250) was extremely valuable.”
Q. Why did you decide to enroll in the KPU Health Science Degree?
A. “If you are looking for a degree that offers a multitude of options upon graduation for career choices, in both the science and business fields, as well as that option to continue your education this is a great program. Having such a variety of classes, in multiple disciplines, gives one the ability to navigate the ever-changing career landscape for university graduates.”
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) and St. George’s University in the Caribbean have formalized an articulation agreement which offers KPU students the opportunity to pursue a career in medicine or veterinary medicine. Following successful graduation with a four-year undergraduate degree at KPU, a student can work towards a BS/MD or BS/DVM via a pathway arrangement.