Health & Society students take a social sciences approach to the study of health, well-being, and the individual’s whole life in its social context. The health focus in this program is much social than physical, although some graduates do move towards front-line health and medical professions, bringing their interdisciplinary analytical insights with them, often becoming health sector leaders.

Graduates from the Social Gerontology program have an enriched understanding of the complex connections between health and well-being and other social factors across the life course. Whether applying these insights to children and youth or to the experience of elder Canadians, their skills and understanding help to support patients and their families well in the health sector.

Social Workers are well-equipped to help individuals and families navigate the complex institutions, barriers, and challenges associated with the health sector, whether as social workers or in other health-related occupations and professions.

Social psychologists tend to have an affinity for the helping professions, as well as for person-focused roles in the health system. Their understanding of psychology, mental health, and well-being in a social context allows graduates to support patients and clients well, and often to make major leadership contributions to the health sector.