General Office

Dean: Dr. Peter Nickerson
Program Director: Dr. Mark Nachtigal
Program Deputy Director: Dr. Sari Hannila
Campus Address/General Office: 202 Human Ecology Bldg
Telephone: 204 474 8137
Website: https://umanitoba.ca/health-sciences/interdisciplinary-health-program
Academic Staff: Please refer to our website

Introduction

Students entering the Interdisciplinary Health Program will select one of the following two programs:

• Health Sciences
• Health Studies

This curriculum consists of two degree programs: the Bachelor of Health Sciences and the Bachelor of Health Studies. These degree programs offer new approaches to planning, administration and delivery of health services by fully integrating biological science and social science in understanding the health of people. Students will gain experience of dealing with health issues at the individual, community and population levels, as well as across the lifespan. The two degrees can serve as the foundation for careers in biomedical sciences, health care teams and community health management. They offer a general course of study, not a professional status. Students can use both degree programs to build the knowledge and prerequisites for entry into professional programs in the health and social science fields.

In order to qualify for a degree, students must complete the 120 credit hours specified for the selected program. Elective choices provided in each program can permit students to transfer between them; however, this opportunity decreases as students progress. Students who transfer to another program must meet the full requirements of that program.

Advisement

The Interdisciplinary Health Program will provide entering students with orientation information and will refer a student to an academic advisor if the student requests. All returning students in the program must submit a program plan for the succeeding year before the start of registration.

Minors

The Minor in Management

A Management Minor is offered by the Asper School of Business. Interdisciplinary Health students may complete this Minor as part of the electives portion of their programs. The Minor will consist of any 18 credit hours of Management courses. Students must meet prerequisites for all courses.

The Voluntary Minor

Students in the Interdisciplinary Health Program may declare and complete a Minor from departments or interdisciplinary programs in which a Minor is offered. However, IHP students are not permitted to complete a Health Sciences or Health Studies Minor. For example, a Health Sciences student cannot complete a Health Studies minor. A Family Social Sciences Minor is available to all IHP students except Health Studies students who are completing the Family Health concentration. Information about Minors in programs other than Interdisciplinary Health is found in the appropriate description of departmental/school/faculty program offerings in the Academic Calendar.

Completion of the Minor is entirely optional. Courses required in a student’s specific degree program are acceptable for use in a chosen Minor.

Programs

Minors (optional or required) are part of degree programs - for program length, refer to the Years to Completion.

Faculty Academic Regulations

Admission Requirements for the Interdisciplinary Health Program

Admission requirements are described on the Undergraduate Admissions website.

Requirements for Direct Entry to the Interdisciplinary Health Program from High School

Health Sciences

Manitoba High School graduation (5 full credits at the grade 12 level in courses designated S, G, or U). A minimum 85% average over the four required courses with no less than 60% in each required course.

1. English 40S
2. Applied Mathematics 40S or Pre-Calculus Mathematics 40S
3. Biology 40S
4. Chemistry 40S

Health Studies

Manitoba High School graduation (5 full credits at the grade 12 level in courses designated S, G, or U). A minimum 85% average over the four required courses with no less than 60% in each required course.

1. English 40S
2. Applied Mathematics 40S or Pre-Calculus Mathematics 40S
3. Biology 40S or Chemistry 40S
4. An academic 40S course

Requirements for Advanced Entry to the Interdisciplinary Health Program

Health Sciences

All applicants must have completed a minimum of twenty-four (24) credit hours of university level course work, with a minimum Adjusted Grade Point Average of 2.50. Course work must consist of 6 credit hours of Arts course work, 6 credit hours of Science course work, and 12 credit hours of electives.

Health Studies

All applicants must have completed a minimum of twenty-four (24) credit hours of university level course work, with a minimum Adjusted Grade Point Average of 2.50

Other Requirements for University Study

High school prerequisites required for University level courses in certain programs: Mathematics 40S (pre-calculus or applied) and Chemistry 40S are required for the science requirements in the Interdisciplinary Health Program.

Minimum Adjusted GPA for Consideration: 2.5.

Canadian Indigenous Ancestry Admissions Category

To address the under-representation of Indigenous Students in the Interdisciplinary Health Program, a special admissions category for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students has been created. All Canadian Indigenous applicants are encouraged to apply to this category and self-declare their Indigenous heritage.

First Nations, Métis and Inuit applicants must meet all of the eligibility requirements.

First Nations, Métis and Inuit applicants are required to submit documentation to support their declaration of Indigenous ancestry. One of the following will be accepted:

• A copy of a Status or Treaty card;
• A copy of a Métis membership card;
• A copy of a Nunavut Trust Certificate card;
• Roll number or any other proof accepted by Inuit communities;
• Any other proof accepted by the First Nations (Non-Status) communities

If none of these forms of documentation are available, enquiries may be made to the University of Manitoba Admissions Office regarding other acceptable documentation.

Canadian Indigenous applicants who select the Indigenous category for admission will be considered in the general admission category first, and then in the Indigenous category. Applicants to the Indigenous admissions category will be ranked based on the calculated Adjusted Grade Point Average (for Advanced Entry applicants) or high school admission average (for Direct Entry applicants) to determine which students are admitted.

Academic Regulations

Interdisciplinary Health Program Academic Regulations Intro

The provisions of the General Academic Regulations, and the University Policies and Procedures, apply to all students. In addition, the Interdisciplinary Health Program has regulations and requirements, published below, that apply specifically to its students.

Prerequisite, Corequisite, and Course Availability: Definitions

Prerequisite

If a course is prerequisite to a second course, the prerequisite must be met in order to continue in the second course. The department giving the second course may require a minimum grade of ‘C’ in the first course to register in the second course. Some inactive (legacy) courses may be used as prerequisites.

Corequisite

If a first course is a corequisite to a second course, the first course (unless previously completed) must be taken in the same term as the second course.

Course Availability

Not all courses listed are offered every year. Students are referred to the on-line calendar for courses offered in the year.

Scholastic Standards

Graduation and Grade Point Average

To graduate, a student must have passed 120 credit hours acceptable for credit in the current degree program and have obtained a minimum of 300 quality points. This is equivalent to a Degree Grade Point Average (DGPA) of 2.50. A pass indicates a grade of ‘D’ or better. DGPA will be determined from the number of effective courses which apply at a particular stage. The effective courses consist of all courses passed, plus all failures which have not been cleared, or substituted for, in the student’s record. A maximum of 150 credit hours may be attempted and applied to the DGPA in order to obtain the 120 credit hours needed to graduate.

Assessment

The status of each student will be assessed at the end of each term in which a student is registered.  Assessments can include the following comments:

• Faculty minimum met (grade point average meets the standards);
• Dean′s Honour
• Academic Warning
• Probationary status
• On Suspension 

Academic warning indicates a degree grade point average that is below the minimum DGPA requirement of 2.0 when the student is between 9 and 21 credit hours.

Probationary Standing

Students must meet or exceed the following standards at the specified stages in their academic careers. Failure to meet the standard results in probation. Once placed on probation, students who fail to achieve the appropriate performance level at the next assessment will be academically suspended. A student is not permitted to be on probation for two consecutive years.

Assessment Standards

 Interdisciplinary Health Program: Health Sciences and Health Studies

On Suspension

A student who receives an Academic Suspension assessment from the Interdisciplinary Health Program is not permitted to register in any other faculty or school at the University of Manitoba. If a student completes courses at another postsecondary institution while serving a suspension, the student will be required to reapply for admission to the University of Manitoba and meet admission requirements. Students should consult Other Admission Categories and Attendance at Other Institutions for more details.

Students who are on academic suspension may not use courses taken at another institution during the period of suspension for credit towards an Interdisciplinary Health Program degree at the University of Manitoba.

Returning from Suspension

Suspended students cannot register for courses during their suspension, but are not required to withdraw from their Degree Program. Following the one-year suspension, the student will be required to contact an Interdisciplinary Health Program academic advisor before returning. After returning from suspension, the student will be on probation and must maintain the appropriate performance level for 1 year or another suspension will be levied.

Part-time Students

The maximum time allowed for completion of the degree is 10 years. Part-time students will be evaluated each term they are registered for and must conform to the minimum performance levels.

Repeating Courses

Limited Access will not affect registration for the current Academic Year, which includes Fall, Winter, and Summer terms. See University Policy and Procedures – Repeat Course Policy – Section 2.5 (a) Limited Access.

A student may repeat any course for the purpose of attaining a better grade. For courses (or their equivalent) that are repeated in Fall 2016 or later, the highest grade will count. There are no supplemental examinations for students who have failed final or deferred examinations.

Challenge for Credit

A student wishing to challenge a course for credit should contact an Academic Advisor. Letter grades are granted upon completion of the course that is challenged for credit. An application is required.

Transfer of Credit

Please refer to Admissions and Transfer of Credit.

Credits must have been completed within the last 10 years at the time of admission to the IHP in order to be eligible for transfer into the degree.

Appeals of Academic Regulations

The Committee on Student Standing considers petitions from students who request special consideration with respect to rules and regulations governing their programs of study and qualification for graduation.

Dean’s Honour List

Students who complete 12 credit hours or more and achieve a Term Grade Point Average of 3.75 or higher, will be placed on the Dean's Honour List. The Dean's Honour List will be calculated at the conclusion of each term.

Degree With Distinction

Students who graduate with a degree GPA of 3.75 and higher will receive a degree with distinction.

Work Permit for Study Purposes

International students who are registering for courses or programs that require work placement must obtain a valid Work Permit, in addition to maintaining a valid Study Permit. Work placement includes, but is not limited to, any paid or unpaid practicum, internships, work experience, field placement, and co-op programs that are a required component for the completion of their degree, diploma or certificate. Please contact your program advisor or the International Centre for Students for further information.

Release and Indemnification Forms

In elective courses, students may be required to sign a release form for off-campus activities.

Written English and Mathematics Requirements

The written English and Mathematics requirements are satisfied by required courses HNSC 2000 (or the former HMEC 2000) and STAT 1000 within the Interdisciplinary Health Program. HNSC 2000 (or the former HMEC 2000) will be available to students upon admission to the Interdisciplinary Health Program.

Program Medals

University Program Medal in Health Studies

1. Has achieved the highest degree grade point average (3.75 or above) in the Bachelor of Health Studies program; and,
2. Has completed four years of full-time (minimum 80% course load) study in both Fall and Winter terms of the Health Studies program including direct entry and advanced status students.

University Program Medal in Health Sciences

1. Has achieved the highest degree grade point average (3.75 or above) in the Bachelor of Health Sciences program; and,
2. Has completed four years of full-time (minimum 80% course load) study in both Fall and Winter terms of the Health Sciences program including direct entry and advanced status students.

An Option in Aging is offered by and in the following faculties, schools, and colleges: Arts, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences: Bachelor of Human Ecology Family Social Sciences Degree Program, Interdisciplinary Health Program, Nursing, Kinesiology and Recreation Management, Social Work, and Agricultural and Food Sciences: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutritional Sciences Program.

To complete the option, students in the Interdisciplinary Health Program must complete each of the following requirements:

¹

Application is required for all field placement or practicum courses. 

Upon completion of these requirements, a comment will be added to the student’s transcript.

Academic Schedule Fall/Winter Term 2026-2027

Dates Applicable to all UM Students 

University Closure

When the University is closed no classes/examinations will be held, and course assignment deadlines will not be set on dates where the University is closed.

Dates Applicable to most UM Students

Some additional or differing date information is included in separate sections for: Agriculture Diploma, Applied Human Nutrition, Architecture, Art (School of), Dental Hygiene, Dentistry (includes IDDP), Education (B.Ed. only), Management, Medicine (excludes Family Social Sciences), Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Physician’s Assistant Studies, Respiratory Therapy, and Social Work. Students in these programs should also see their respective section of the Academic Schedule. 

Orientation

Additional or differing dates exist for: Agriculture Diploma, Applied Human Nutrition, Dental Hygiene, Education (B.Ed. only), Management, Medicine, Midwifery, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies, Respiratory Therapy, and Social Work. Students in these programs should also see their respective section of the Academic Schedule.

Start and End Dates

Additional or differing dates exist for: Agriculture Diploma, Applied Human Nutrition, Dental Hygiene, Dentistry, Education, Management, Medicine, Midwifery, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Physician’s Assistant Studies, Respiratory Therapy, and Social Work. Students in these programs should also see their respective section of the Academic Schedule.

Registration and Withdrawal Dates

Additional or differing dates exist for: Agriculture Diploma and other faculties, colleges and/or schools offering irregularly scheduled courses. Agriculture Diploma students should also see their respective section of the Academic Schedule; all others should also refer to the Class Schedule.

Regular Registration Period

Registration Revision Period

Students may use this period of time to make changes to their selected courses or class schedule. Last day to drop is 1 business day prior to the end of the Registration Revision Period.

Last Date to Drop without Penalty

Last date to drop and have course excluded from transcripts; VWs will be recorded on transcripts for courses dropped after this date. There will be no refunds for courses dropped after this date. Additional or differing dates exist for Agriculture Diploma; students in this program should also see their respective section of the Academic Schedule.

Last Date to Register/Registration Revision Deadline

Voluntary Withdrawal (VW) Deadline

Last date to withdraw and not receive a final grade; students cannot withdraw from courses after this date

Fee Payment Deadlines

A financial penalty will be assessed on accounts with an outstanding balance after this date.*

*

Please see the Last Day to Drop without Penalty

Term Breaks

Academic and administrative offices will be open during this period; no classes, tests or assignment due dates occur during this time. Additional or differing dates exist for: Applied Human Nutrition, Dental Hygiene, Dentistry, Education (B.Ed. only), Medicine, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies, and Respiratory Therapy. Students in these programs should also see their respective section of the Academic Schedule.

Examination and Test Dates

Students are reminded that they must remain available until all examination and test obligations have been fulfilled. Additional or differing dates exist for: Agriculture Diploma, Applied Human Nutrition, Dental Hygiene, Dentistry, Education, Medicine, and Pharmacy. Students in these programs should also see their respective section of the Academic Schedule. Students in faculties, colleges, schools or programs offering irregularly scheduled courses should also see the exam timetable available through their program office.

Challenge for Credit Application Deadline

Final Grade Appeal Deadlines

Graduation and University Convocation

Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates will be awarded at Convocation. Graduation date may differ from Convocation Ceremony date.

For students graduating Fall 2026

For students graduating February 2027

For students graduating Spring 2027

*

Last date for receipt by Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies of Theses/Practica and reports on Theses/Practica, comprehensive examinations, and project reports from students, and lists of potential graduands from departments.

Dates for Summer Term

Start and End Dates (Generally Monday to Thursday classes)

Classes on Monday, May 24^th will be made up on Friday, May 28^th

Classes on Monday, August 2^nd will be made up on Friday, August 6^th

May - August courses will have no classes scheduled Monday, June 21^st to Friday, July 2^nd

Registration and Withdrawal Dates

Regular Registration Period

Registration start dates are to be determined by the Registrar’s Office.

Late Registration/Registration Revision Period

Students may use this period of time to make changes to their selected courses or class schedule.

Last Date to Drop without Penalty

Last date to drop and have course excluded from transcripts; VWs will be recorded on transcripts for courses dropped after this date. There will be no refunds for courses dropped after this date. 

Voluntary Withdrawal (VW) Deadline

Last date to withdraw and not receive a final grade; students cannot withdraw from courses after this date.

Fee Payment Deadlines

*

A financial penalty will be assessed on accounts with an outstanding balance after this date. (determined by Financial Services)

Examination and Test Dates

Students are reminded that they must remain available until all examination and test obligations have been fulfilled.

Challenge for Credit

Health Studies