Bachelor of Arts in Gender and Women Studies (Co-op Optional)

at Cape Breton University Canada

If you’re looking for a place to study the most interesting aspects of life, you have certainly found it. Cape Breton is teeming with as much opportunity to learn about how humans live as anywhere in the world. At CBU, the study of anthropology is a natural fit in a natural wonderland.

Anthropology is said to be the most scientific of the humanities, and the most humanistic of the sciences. Divided into the sub-disciplines of socio-cultural, linguistic, physical and archaeology, anthropology is the discipline that explores the human journey. It is a holistic discipline, meaning that it considers this diverse range of topics necessary to understanding what it means to be human.

This program at CBU aims to challenge our preconceived ideas about our own traditions and ways of life. We examine other, often opposite, notions and ways of living to help determine solutions for living the best life humanly possible. CBU also encourages a reflective approach so that students learn to place their own experiences under the lens of examination. This teaches social sensitivity and a sense of place in the larger context of global human experiences. Anthropology is considered a teachable subject by the Nova Scotia Department of Education.

What skills will I gain from this program?

• Ability to design and conduct thorough, independent research.
• Broad understanding of the similarities and differences of human cultural systems.
• Clear understanding of the human species in the context of the evolutionary story.
• Ability to apply an awareness of global human diversity to any future career choice.
• Learn to gather, analyze, and use qualitative and quantitative data sets.

Why study at CBU?

• With students from more than 40 countries, a natural coastline, stunning scenery drawing visitors from around the world, and a distinctive island culture, studying Anthropology at CBU is a truly unique experience.
• We provide students with a four-field approach to anthropology. Faculty who teach anthropology courses have research interests in areas such as medical anthropology, historical archaeology, evolutionary anthropology, anthropology of tourism, Mi’kmaw semantics and typology, language revitalization, Mi’kmaw language pedagogy and much more.
• This diverse range of topics and research areas provides students with a broad base of instruction that reveals the numerous types of topics that anthropological work is actively engaged in.

The history along the ancient east coast of Canada is rich and rewarding for those who dive into the legend and lore. That’s why we’re so proud to not only teach history – but to make it. With students studying here from more than 40 countries around the globe, the historical and cultural knowledge base is wonderfully vast and incredibly diverse.

Home to faculty who are award-winning teachers and cutting-edge researchers, the history program at CBU offers a unique perspective on this intriguing field of study. Our approachable and experienced faculty facilitate the study of history by teaching students to think about the past and the present in equal parts. Historians analyze the causes and consequences of change over time, yet the study of history also takes the present into account – seeking to expand our knowledge of our own experiences through a deeper understanding of the past.

What skills will I gain from this program?

• Research skills
• Communication skills
• Understanding of history

Why study at CBU?

• From the cornerstones of our historic culture, students will learn how life is forged into the future by an interwoven series of past events.
• Thought-provoking material and a diverse course selection are offered through unique courses that provide a variety of ways to study and a range of experiences in and out of the classroom.
• Enjoy a more personal post-secondary education experience with accessible and experienced faculty, and ample opportunities to work as a research assistant conducting original, independent research throughout your degree.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

• Hands-on Internship Program
• Work experience at Beaton Institute or CBU Art Gallery
• Travel with International Exchange Programs

On Cape Breton Island, you’ll find the path to your successful future by discovering today’s world of psychology. With students coming to study at CBU from over 40 countries around the world, our diverse campus of thought leaders set the stage for your future success.

Psychology courses at CBU emphasize the genetic, physiological, sensory, cognitive, personality-based and social structures that mediate behaviour and mental processes. As the science that examines the structure and function of behaviour and mental processes, we’re proud to offer relevant programs for today’s world.

What skills will I gain from this program?

• Understanding of mental health
• Learn theories and history of psychology
• General research skills·
• Specific knowledge to your specialization

Why study at CBU?

• At CBU, our comprehensive curriculum focuses on understanding individual behaviour so you can apply your skills to a wide variety of opportunities in the field of psychology. Studying psychology here will provide you with the skills you need to think, be innovative and design your own experiments to answer your own questions. You will critique work, yours and others, as well as conduct and report on experiments to help build a foundation for tomorrow.
• With modern facilities and breathtaking scenery, not many places in the world can offer what Cape Breton Island can offer. Plus, with accessible and experienced faculty, CBU encourages active research alongside your professors.
• Because hard work and dedication are noticed here, students are often hired as research assistants to help professors in their duties. Here, we also believe that what we learn from psychological research can be used to understand past, current, or future events. That means the knowledge you gain at CBU can also help analyze mental health issues, and improve education, employment and relationships.
• Our Honours Psychology Program (BA, BSc, or BACS) provides advanced training in research methods, statistical analysis, as well as guaranteed one-on-one thesis supervision. This program prepares students wishing to go on to graduate school or professional programs.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

• Directed study course work
• Co-op opportunities
• Working as a research assistant

In Cape Breton, one of the most biodiverse places on earth, you’re connected to the environment in unbelievable ways. Through a unique ecosystem with untouched elements on land, sea and air, discoveries are as abundant as opportunities.

Environmental studies at CBU provides you with the skills you need to thrive in the same real world you observe and assess. The rugged, natural landscapes surrounding you are ripe for discovery. While every student gains an understanding of the fundamental sciences, including biology, chemistry, and geology, as well as engineering principles with a focus on the environment, it’s the individual experience that is most important.

This program gives you the chance to examine key environmental subjects. Take part in air quality, water and soil assessments, waste management, sustainable development and environmental policy. All the while, building up your skills to take your next big step in life. Graduates from this program have secured successful careers in the technology industry, consulting with government, and with various public and private corporations.

What skills will I gain from this program?

• Understand the interconnectedness of physical, chemical, and biological processes in natural and built environments.
• Balance environmental sustainability with economic development and technological progress.
• Perform contaminated site assessments.
• Perform environmental impact assessments.
• Measure water, soil, and air quality and determine appropriate pollution control and treatment strategies.

Why study at CBU?

• At CBU, you’ll have incredible access to research opportunities and faculty who help guide you in real-world settings. If you’re looking for a future filled with adventure and discovery, you’ve found it.
• Because the connection to our environment is strong, and our ocean-based setting is so prevalent, CBU provides plenty of opportunities for field trips and immersive experiences in environmental sustainability, exploring the impacts of large industrial remediation projects.
• Our fast-growing engineering department also provides plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning and one-on-one instruction.

Hospitality is an important part of our Cape Breton culture. At CBU, our Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management (BHTM) degree is a three-year program that combines tourism and hospitality, business education and the opportunity to augment a specialty area with elective courses. This blended approach to the program, in conjunction with two paid internships, prepares students for a position in this multifaceted industry.

From event planning and management, to service training and hands-on learning, this program provides students with the opportunity to get up close and personal. Discover how small details make every guest feel special, and how unforgettable moments are brought to life every single day. Here, the skills you learn truly impact real lives and influence real experiences.

With results-oriented courses that explore destination marketing, international travel, and event management, it’s no wonder students from more than 40 countries come to Cape Breton Island to learn what they need to succeed in the hospitality industry. Careers in tourism, hotel management, food and beverage, and much more are easy to envision when you spend time living and learning in one of Canada’s most popular tourist destinations.

With the winds of inspiration blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean, you naturally get the energy you need to excel at anything you put your mind to. Our inspiring environment and relaxed atmosphere attracts students from more than 40 countries to live, work and play on the island we’re proud to call home. Voted #8 on the top islands to visit in the world by Travel + Leisure Magazine, students come here for the abundance of opportunities for outdoor adventure. Experience the very best of education while studying sport and physical activity leadership with active, well-being-focused courses within the BACS degree.

At CBU, we aim to help students deepen their insights into issues around leadership of sport and physical activity. Students graduate with a deep understanding of how their field affects individuals and communities alike, gaining skills and experience in outdoor leadership, sport management and coaching. We teach the essentials needed to stay prepared for leadership in various careers that range from education to entertainment and beyond.

What skills will I gain from this program?

• Understanding of physical activity at various levels
• Learn the relationship between sport and community
• Discover the importance of outdoor and indoor activities

Why study at CBU?
There are so many advantages to living, working and studying in Cape Breton. That’s because CBU has competitive advantages other places can’t offer. Wide open spaces. Incredible views. A welcoming community. Plus, our community-based sport, recreation and physical activity programs are facilitated by approachable faculty who use an experience-based learning style.

CBU is a top choice for students around the world. Partly because it’s the only program in Canada that focuses on sport and physical activity, which includes a core competence of interdisciplinary, community-oriented and process-based learning courses. Additionally, the flexibility and variety of options you can take in conjunction with the major in Sport and Physical Activity Leadership gives students opportunities to develop knowledge from multiple disciplines, subjects and perspectives.

Cape Breton University recognizes the inherent challenges of maintaining proper health and safety in today’s ever-evolving workplace. With CBU’s Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety Management, students will gain the managerial skills necessary for effective management of occupational health, safety and risk across various disciplines in the Canadian and global context.

Students will gain competencies to provide coaching and guidance and the abilities to identify, assess and communicate on matters relating to occupational health, safety and organizational risk. The diploma further provides an introduction to approaches for working with various stakeholders, workplace diversity, human rights and working within an Indigenous context.

Upon graduation from the OH&S Management diploma, students will be prepared for roles in any industry; particularly the public sector and compliance services, business and insurance project management and construction, safety supervision, environmental industry, oil and gas and many more roles where advanced education in these areas is highly valued and in demand.

What skills will I gain from this program?

• Develop an advanced understanding of occupational health, safety, and organizational risk applicable to any industry.
• Gain strategies and methods for developing collaborative relationships among stakeholders to achieve greater health, safety and risk outcomes and to better inform culturally responsive approaches.
• Develop competencies to provide coaching and guidance and the abilities to identify, assess and communicate on matters relating to occupational health, safety and organizational risk.

The English language is central to the way billions of people work, play, think and relate to one another. The English program at CBU teaches you to become an expert user of the language, understanding the history and applications in all its linguistically splendid detail and nuance.

A big part of that nuance will come from understanding humanity’s richest literary tradition, engaging with some of the world’s most profound imaginations.

Studying English means learning to think not just critically, but curiously and courageously. It’s opening your eyes to cutting-edge ideas while also being skeptical and analytical.

Studying English means coming to understand the way our language shapes us, our societies and even our physical environment. We study how we can use language – and its texts – to understand our past, to remake ourselves and to understand the world around us.

What skills will I gain from this program?

• Deep critical interpretation skills
• Cultural literacy
• Advanced writing skills
• In-depth knowledge of literary texts and forms
• Flexible and adaptable research skills

Why study at CBU?

• Study English in a place where inspiration comes naturally. Our English faculty are active scholars with an impressive record of publications and awards. CBU faculty care deeply about inspiring their students to become engaged readers, brave writers and thoughtful citizens.
• We will be here from your first day as a student to your first day as a graduate and beyond, guiding you through the program and helping you engage with the intricacies of scholarship. We’ll be here to help you craft a brilliant writing style and hone unparalleled research skills. We’ll be here to help you sharpen your critical prose, to make your creative writing sing, and even to help you make a splash at your first academic conference.

With increasing public interest in food and health, human nutrition is a dynamic field with new career opportunities emerging. CBU Human Nutrition students graduate with a strong scientific background in foods and nutrition, combined with social science perspectives, communication skills and understandings of ways to effect individual and social change.

Chemistry is the study of matter — anything that has mass and occupies space. Everything you touch, hold, smell or taste involves chemistry and chemicals. So, when you step onto Cape Breton Island and look into our waters, across our landscapes and throughout our communities, you’ll discover a natural sense of opportunity and wonder that opens your path to success.

Chemistry is the science of change that affects virtually all other scientific disciplines and is essential to many new technological developments. Chemistry is a physical science, which puts importance on mathematics and physics. Students who study chemistry here take part in a world class curriculum that produces results for tomorrow. That’s because the CBU Chemistry program is nationally accredited by the Canadian Society of Chemistry, designed for students with a passion for chemistry and desire to learn. With accessible faculty and modern facilities, CBU truly has it all.

Here, you study the relationship between the chemical structure of matter and its properties. From new pharmaceuticals that fight disease, industrial catalysts for efficient manufacturing and leading-edge nanotechnologies—what CBU teaches you has the power change the world we live in.

What skills will I gain from this program?

• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Exposure to chemical literature
• Laboratory safety training
• Interpretation and experimental skills
• Ethics in chemistry training

Why study at CBU?

• At CBU, students gain hands-on research with state-of-the-art equipment in modern facilities. This makes all the difference as you continue your studies or start your career in a number of different possible fields, such as biology, medicine, pharmacy, oceanography, environmental sciences and more.
• CBU Chemistry graduates have been very successful with graduate scholarships. Students find success thanks to the hands-on research experience they gain from our award-winning faculty. About 75% of our students have the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research projects with real-world applications.
• CBU also has a Chemistry Outreach Program, working with students from primary school through grade 12 to share the wonderful world of science with audiences of all ages. This program creates opportunities for CBU Chemistry students to share their knowledge and also learn from other students, while engaging with our friendly community.