Bachelor of One Health
Why Choose a Bachelor of One Health?
The Bachelor of One Health is the first of its kind in Canada. The degree looks at the interconnections between human, animal and environmental health at the individual, population and ecosystem levels, integrating both scientific and socio-cultural knowledge into one degree.
With its roots in veterinary medicine and agriculture, and strengths in biological and social sciences, the University of Guelph is uniquely suited to prepare students to address complex health issues with a One Health approach.
Students take a combination of science and social science courses to explore the foundations of health and gain skills needed to implement a One Health approach. They then apply their knowledge to real-world challenges in four One Health courses that include guest speakers, case studies, and a culminating experience that connects students with external partners.
There are four areas of emphasis:
- Disease, Complexity and Health
- Environment, Food and Health
- Policy, Economics and Health
- Culture, Society and Health
To see all courses offered in this program, visit our Academic Calendar.
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What Is One Health?
One Health is an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to understanding, managing, and mitigating health challenges at a local and global scale – challenges such as transmission of zoonotic diseases, environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, anti-microbial resistance and food security.
Join a Unique Program
Bachelor of One Health is the only degree of its kind in Canada, providing students with an interdisciplinary understanding of complex global health challenges.
Flexible Learning
Choose courses from four areas of emphasis to reflect your interests and career goals: disease; food and environment; economics and policy; and socio-cultural.
Experiential Learning
Take advantage of experiential learning opportunities, including field courses, offered locally and nationally, independent research courses, an internship course and international study opportunities.
Gain Work Experience
Gain 12 months of hands-on work experience through the co-op option.
Access Supports
Specialized academic and career advisors are available to help BOH students navigate course selection, find opportunities that help them grow personally and professionally, and support them in achieving their academic goals.
Part of a Community
Students can take advantage of opportunities through the One Health Institute and One Health Student Committee, including regular seminars, conferences, research assistantships and networking events.
Gain Valuable Experience Through Co-op
The Bachelor of One Health co-op is a five-year program that includes three paid work terms. Apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to the real world, with hands-on work experiences available in private, non-profit, and governmental organizations. Benefits of co-op include:
- Relevant work experience
- Up to 12 months of work experience
- Earning while learning
- Career exploration
- Professional networking
Students can apply for the co-op program directly from high school or later for in-course admission.
- Health Product and Food Junior Evaluator, Health Canada
- Health Systems Strategy and Integration Planning, Central West Local Health Network
- Flu Watch, Public Health Agency of Canada
- Species At Risk Assistant, Royal Botanical Gardens
- International Development Officer, Global Affairs Canada
- Junior Analyst, Plant Research and Strategies Canadian Food Inspection Agency
What Can You Do With a Degree in One Health?
With an interdisciplinary education, One Health graduates stand out from their peers with their innovative approaches to complex challenges. Students will develop the skills and knowledge to succeed in One Health fields such as human and animal medicine, public health, wildlife and ecosystem management, food safety and security, and environmental protection, across the private and public sectors. Students will be prepared to pursue professional programs, including human and veterinary medicine, or enter graduate school.
Some career paths include:
- Agricultural Planning & Policy Expert
- Community Health Coordinator
- Conservation Biologist
- Educator
- Food Quality Assurance & Security Consultant
- Food Systems Consultant
- Indigenous Cultural Wellness Leader
- Land Use Planner & Environmental Consultant
- Lawyer
- One Health Knowledge Mobilization Specialist
- Physician
- Policy Analyst (Health, Economics, Environment)
- Public Health Officer
- Research Scientist (Environment, Human or Organismal Health)
- Veterinarian
What Alumni and Students from the program are saying about U of G
The BOH program is focused on transdisciplinary collaborative work. It allowed me to expand my interests in developing holistic solutions while exploring multiple different disciplines, from geography and epidemiology to sociology. The community supported me immensely in this. The BOH counsellor, professors, and One Health Committee gave me the encouragement and help I needed to become Canada's first One Health graduate.
The BOH program has been the best part of my academic career. Through interdisciplinary courses, I’ve learned to see the world holistically, consider all angles of real-life problems, and empathize with all situations. I have had unique experiences, like going to Madagascar to do hands-on research, with an incredible and supportive professor. Thanks to the BOH, I have the opportunity to do things that most can only dream of!
Admission Requirements
Explore admission requirements for Canadian, international, transfer, and mature students. Start your journey today!
Scholarships & Bursaries
We offer a wide range of financial aid programs to assist with funding your education at the University of Guelph.
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