Understand the the complex factors that influence physical, mental, and social health and overall well-being. Challenge yourself to think critically about health in relation to social justice, politics, and culture. Your courses will explore both the social and the physical determinants of health, approaches to health promotion, public health, epidemiology, and program evaluation.
Degree Programs
- Health Studies – Specialization (Arts) – Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
- Health Studies – Major (Arts) – Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
- Health Studies – Minor (Arts)
High school prerequisites from Ontario include:
- English 4U
- 5 other 4U/M courses
- Biology 4U is also recommended
Check the Queen’s Viewbook for requirements from outside of Ontario.
Recommended first year courses: HLTH 101/3.0*, HLTH 102/3.0 and PSYC 100/6.0.
*mandatory
Highlights
In addition to innovative and engaging lecture-based learning, the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies offers a variety of unique course opportunities. Fourth-year seminars provide small-group, discussion-based learning where you can explore contemporary topics in Health Studies alongside your professor and peers. The Community-Based Programming and Evaluation course allows students to take health theory beyond the classroom by working with community partners on real-world projects. Inquiry-based learning is also central to our curriculum, with a research course sequence that progresses from Research Methods, to a Research Internship in a faculty lab or program, and ultimately to a fourth-year Honours Thesis Project.
“Critical thinking about the many dimensions of health, emphasizing equity and community involvement.”
Current Students
Current StudentsGet the courses you need
In first year, you will have the chance to explore the foundations of Health Studies along with some electives. Take HLTH 101/3.0 (required), HLTH 102/3.0 & PSYC 100/6.0 (recommended but not required for plan entrance). Attend Majors Night in the Winter term to learn more about Plan options.
Get relevant experience
Join teams or clubs on campus such as Queen’s First Aid or Queen’s Health Outreach. Take Queen’s Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training. See the AMS Clubs Directory or the Queen’s Get Involved page for more ideas.
Get engaged with the community
Volunteer on- or off-campus with different community organizations, like the Ontario Public Interest Research Group (OPIRG) Kingston.
Get engaged globally
Speak to a QUIC advisor to get involved in their programs, events, and training opportunities.
Start going deeper into the discipline of Health Studies, while looking into plan selection for a certificate such as Disability and Physical Activity. Want to make sure your academics are where you want them to be? Visit SASS (Student Academic Success Services) for some help.
Consider applying at the end of Winter term to the Community Based Practicum (HLTH 300) and/or the Research Skills Development Practicum (HLTH 352).
Get relevant experience
Look into Summer jobs by talking to us or Career Services about work through SWEP or USSRF.
Take more responsibility within different clubs or extra-curricular activities.
Think about applying to positions in student services or the Alma Mater Society.
Get engaged with the community
Get involved with the Health Studies Departmental Student Council (HLTH DSC).
Start or continue volunteering with organizations such as Raise the Bar.
Consider becoming a Peer Health Educator with Student Wellness Services.
Get engaged globally
Is an exchange in your future? Start thinking about where you would like to study abroad. Apply in January for a third year exchange through the International Programs Office.
Get ready for life after graduation
Explore different careers in the Career Services Career Advising and Resource Area. For more information, check out Career Cruising or by finding and connecting with alumni on LinkedIn.
Attend the annual School of Kinesiology and Health Studies Mini-Career Fair.
Start grouping courses in areas of interest, or to keep it more general and explore many areas of Health Studies.
Meet with an Academic Advisor to make sure you are on track and have planned out your courses for next year.
Get relevant experience
Consider applying to do a QUIP internship between your third and fourth year.
Volunteer in the Revved Up lab.
Get engaged with the community
Participate in the HLTH DSC alumni pen pal initiative (HLTH Connect).
Check out Career Services networking workshops.
Connect with professors at events or workshops hosted by the DSC.
Attend the Canadian Undergraduate Conference on Healthcare (CUCOH).
Get engaged globally
Build your intercultural competence by getting involved with other cultures or by practicing or improving your language skills.
Get ready for life after graduation
Research your careers of interest on the National Occupational Classification website.
Start focusing on areas of interest. Research education requirements for careers of interest. If needed, prepare to take any required tests (like the LSAT or GMAT) and get help thinking about Grad School from Career Services.
Attend the annual School of Kinesiology and Health Studies Mini-Career Fair.
In fourth year, you will have the chance to participate in research-based courses that can lead to Graduate School or to your future career path. Make sure to finish up all your courses for your major and your optional minor and/or certificate(s).
Get relevant experience
Inventory your skills and experiences and compare them to the Pan-Canadian Health Promoter Competencies.
Assess what experience you’re lacking and fill in gaps with volunteering, clubs, or internships – check out the Career Services workshops for help.
Get engaged with the community
Familiarize yourself with different professional organizations and networks: seek memberships, join email lists, and consider attending events hosted by the Canadian Public Health Association, Health Promotion Ontario, or National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools.
Get ready for life after graduation
Apply to jobs or future education, or make plans for other adventures. Get help from Career
Services with job searching, resumes, interviews, Grad School applications, or other decisions.
Review "So you want a reference?" before approaching professors for references.
Possible Career Paths
Government, Health Care, Education, and Non-Profit
Public Health
Health Promotion
Epidemiology
Global Health
Counselling
Health Education
Bioethics
Complementary Medicine
Medicine
Nursing
Occupational Health and Safety
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Speech and Language Therapy
Gerontology
Social Work
Law
Health and Public Administration
Nutrition and Dietetics
Culture of Learning
The faculty and teaching staff in the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies (SKHS) are committed to creating an inclusive, positive, and high-quality teaching and learning environment. One of our most recent initiatives has focused on improving the "culture of learning" within SKHS through evidence-based tips and strategies to improve learning and academic performance.
Health Studies Departmental Student Council
Established in 2005, the Health Studies Departmental Student Council (HLTH DSC) represents students in all HLTH degree plans and reports to the Arts and Science Undergraduate Society (ASUS), the student governing body for the Faculty of Arts and Science. Founded in 1891, ASUS is one of the oldest faculty societies in Canada and is mandated to provide opportunities that enrich students’ experiences outside the classroom.
To support this mandate, the HLTH DSC is led by two Co‑Chairs who oversee a team of volunteers responsible for offering social and academic programming for HLTH students. These roles include, but are not limited to:
- Academic Representatives who attend the School’s Academic Council and Undergraduate Sub‑Committee meetings.
- Career Representatives who serve on the Undergraduate Career Committee, sponsor the annual SKHS Mini‑Career Fair, and provide workshops that support career development.
- Social Representatives who organize events that help students connect outside of the classroom.
- General Volunteers who assist with a wide range of activities, including special lectures, charity events, sports, and more.
- As outlined in the Health Studies Teaching Award Guidelines, the HLTH DSC also annually honours the contributions of SKHS professors and teaching assistants (TAs) who teach within the program.
Contact: hlth.president@asus.queensu.ca
The HLTH DSC is composed of approximately twenty elected members who meet weekly. Typically, all positions are filled through elections held at the end of the previous academic year.
Be sure to watch for HLTH DSC notices in UG News, published bi‑weekly during the Fall-Winter academic session.