A new career-focused degree program to be launched at Conestoga’s Doon campus in September 2016 will provide graduates with the skills and knowledge required to address the challenges of environmental health practice for the 21st century.
The four-year Bachelor of Environmental Public Health degree program is one of only seven in Canada designed to prepare the next generation of environmental public health professionals. It was developed with input and support from experts at the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, Public Health Ontario, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, local and regional public health units, and the University of Waterloo.
The program features applied, hands-on learning opportunities, a co-op term, and small classes led by faculty with industry experience. It has been accredited by the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI).
“The Bachelor of Environmental Public Health addresses the growing demand for a public health workforce with the knowledge and experience to address changing needs across our communities,” said Conestoga President John Tibbits. “We are very pleased to include this new program in our growing suite of career-focused degrees.”
The multidisciplinary curriculum will provide students with knowledge and skills in environmental health sciences with an emphasis on epidemiology, toxicology, critical thinking, and risk exposure and assessment. The program’s focus on eHealth will provide opportunities for students to use technology, such as handheld tablets, to investigate issues, organize and manage inquiry, aid collaboration and communicate information. They will be challenged to consider multiple perspectives in understanding environmental health practice and policy, determining professional practices that positively impact population and community health.
“Graduates will possess a unique skill set based on a comprehensive and innovative curriculum focused in Environmental and Public Health Sciences,” said Dr. Liana Nolan, Commissioner and Medical Officer of Health, Region of Waterloo Public Health. “There is strong need for this forward-looking and experiential curriculum in the province.”
Graduates of the Bachelor of Environmental Public Health program will be eligible for a variety of public and private sector careers, including: Public Health Inspector, Environmental Health Officer, Water Quality Specialist, Quality Assurance/Quality Control Specialist, Environmental Consultant, Health Promoter or Educator, and Program or Policy Advisor.
Applications are now open for September 2016 entry. For more information regarding admission requirements, application information and program details, visit the program webpage.
With the addition of the new Bachelor of Environmental Public Health, Conestoga now delivers 14 career-focused degree programs in high-demand areas related to business, engineering, health, community services, media and design. For more information, visit http://www.conestogac.on.ca/degrees/