Bachelor of Arts in Family Studies and Gerontology

at Mount Saint Vincent University Canada

Biology is the scientific study of past and present life. The Department of Biology offers programs and courses that introduce students to fundamental and specialized biological knowledge and train students in scientific thinking and biological investigation and communication. The BSc Major, Combined Major and major with Honours programs all provide a thorough grounding in the organismal perspective of biology – that is, in the many ways organisms (including humans) make their livings, grow, develop, interact with other organisms and their environments, regulate internal conditions and processes, and reproduce. Required courses in the BSc programs introduce students to the incredible diversity of the animal, plant and microbial worlds and to the unifying disciplines (cell and molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry and metabolism, developmental biology, ecology and evolutionary biology) that indicate descent of all organisms from a common ancestor. All required courses in these programs have laboratory components in which students learn “hands-on” from nature and develop practical lab skills and techniques of data-analysis and written and oral scientific communication. Students in BSc programs acquire specialized knowledge by completing elective biology courses at the 2000-, 3000- and 4000-levels. A student may choose courses that deepen knowledge of a particular group of organisms (plants, animals, humans, microbes or fungi) or follow a recommended path of required and elective courses that should prepare him/her for careers in

• Health, Veterinary and Plant Sciences
• Evolution, Ecology and Environment
• Neuroscience and Biological Psychology
• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Consult the department for advice on following one of these paths or see the large poster on the departmental website and bulletin board.

Graduates can pursue careers in the animal and human health professions, environmental sciences, resource and wildlife management, journalism, public relations, library science, biotechnology, epidemiology and public health, education, public service, conservation and research.

Students interested in research can satisfy their curiosity and learn about scientific culture and communication by becoming involved in faculty research. This may take the form of one or more 4000-level courses in directed literature, laboratory or field research extending over a single term or a full academic year (BSc Honours). Alternatively, students may be part time or full-time research assistants.
Regardless of whether you are in a biology or non biology program, the department’s objectives are the same: (1) to include you in our community of biology scholars and to teach you about scientific philosophy and culture; (2) to share up to date fundamental and specialized biological knowledge; (3) to satisfy your personal and career related interests in biology; (4) to develop your analytical, critical and creative intellectual skills; (5) to make you an effective communicator of science; and (6) to develop some degree of personal responsibility for social welfare as it relates to biology.

Students seeking admission to biology programs and courses are advised to have knowledge of basic chemistry and facility in mathematics and oral and written English.
Any student wishing to complete a major, concentration or minor in Biology should consult a faculty member or contact the Centre for Academic Advising and Student Success for help with planning an academic program.

The Bachelor of Public Relations is a four-year degree that is respected nationally and attracts students from across Canada and beyond. In 1977, the Mount became the first Canadian university to establish a professional degree in public relations, and remains the only institution to grant the Bachelor of Public Relations (Co-operative Education). The Mount has been recognized for excellence in public relations education by the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS), and boasts an impressive roster of faculty with interests ranging from change management to social media, literacy and ethics.

Connecting to industry via co-operative education:
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Public Relations program are required to complete the co-operative education component, taking their knowledge to the real world with hands-on experience. Each year, hundreds of employers across Canada give students the opportunity to gain experience in government, corporate, agency, education and non-profit sectors. By completing three work terms over the course of your degree, students graduate with a full year of work experience. Learn more about co-operative education »

Making theory relevant
Inspired by a desire for public relations excellence, students will explore various theoretical perspectives to gain confidence and understanding of public relations as a practice focused on the ethical and strategic management of relationships. From there, theories become applied to relevant and timely discussions and coursework, deconstructing and analyzing real-world events, crises situations and conversations had in new media. Courses offered »

The Communication Major is a multidisciplinary program which draws from a variety of approaches, theories, methods and other resources to analyze communication in social, political and cultural environments that are rapidly changing and increasingly complex.  This program is designed to meet the needs of students interested in an undergraduate degree in Communication, grounded in a foundation of communication and media theory, research and ethics.  Students who have an interest in media literacy, interpersonal, small group and organizational communication as well as the sociopolitical aspects of communication within today's society are well-suited for this program.

Program Objectives
Students enrolled in the COMM Major program (having selected Communication as their major) will complement core strengths in Communication with required courses from a number of related disciplines as well as elective courses.  Together, these elements work to provide students with an introduction to the dynamic context in which communication occurs

The objectives of this program are to:

• Encourage students to develop a broad understanding of communication theory;
• Contribute to the advancement of communication as both a field and a discipline;
• Provide enhanced opportunities for students to study the contextual nature of communication in its various forms;
• Develop within students an appreciation of the processes which define human communication;
• Develop within students an appreciation for and awareness of ethical communication.

In this program, you will develop a wide range of skills, knowledge and dispositions of a professional educator. Your professors will emphasize reflective practice, diverse teaching and learning methods, and professionalism. The degree will prepare you to recognize and value teaching and learning as a vital activity across a variety of workplace settings - both inside the classroom and out.

Program Options:-
You can choose from two programs: the Elementary or the Secondary program. These program options will help you to become a scholar, a teacher or a highly-qualified professional with future leadership potential. Both programs require 10 units of study organized over two years. Read the official Academic Calendar Program Description » 

Elementary - The program examines the young learner and encourages reflective practice. It offers courses in philosophy, social and cultural contexts, as well as core curriculum in subjects such as mathematics, language arts and science. Learn more about our admission requirements>>

Secondary - The program has a strong focus on examining contemporary culture and encouraging critical thinking. As a student, you'll have two focused disciplines within a variety of subject areas such as social studies, English, mathematics, science or French.  Learn more about our admission requirements >>

Our Master of Arts program in Child and Youth Study will help you to develop an understanding of issues that affect children and youth in our region, in Canada, and around the world. In this thesis-based program, you will conduct focused and relevant original research in areas like early intervention, child and youth development, social justice, race and ethnic relations, child and youth health and wellness, play, and more.

Professional skills
This program will help you to become a leader, a researcher, or an educator in this field. Our Master’s program builds on the knowledge and skills that you developed through your undergraduate education and practical experience. In both course work and in thesis research, you’ll delve into the theories that support the practices of professionals who work in the field of child and youth study.

Meaningful research
In the MA (Child and Youth Study) program, you will research issues that affect children and youth, as well as their caregivers, educators, and the many other professionals who work with them. Each student works with a faculty member to develop an original thesis topic, and to research and write a thesis. Recent student research focuses on areas such as children’s experiences of equine therapy, cultural sensitivity and early intervention, including persons with disabilities in faith communities, and more. More about students research (digital commons)

Our graduate programs in Family Studies and Gerontology program will help you develop a deep understanding of the key issues that affect this field: family dynamics and development, or individual and population aging. You can focus your studies on Family Studies or on Gerontology. Family Studies considers individuals and families across the life-course, as well as the programs and policies that affect families. Gerontology focuses on issues related to aging and the challenges that older persons encounters.

Professional and research skills
This program will prepare you to either pursue further academic studies, or to build your career by putting your research and critical thinking skills to work as you merge theory and practice in the field. As a graduate student, you may be able to participate in research projects through Nova Scotia Centre on Aging (NSCA), and you’ll have access to the state-of-the-art facilities in the Maritime Data Centre for Aging Research and Policy Analysis.

At the Mount, we know Tourism is about more than hotels, restaurants and resorts. It's excursion and adventure tour companies, bed and breakfasts, experiences and memories that last a lifetime. Tourism is the world's largest service industry and careers in tourism and hospitality are available locally and around the world. Here in Nova Scotia, the tourism and hospitality industry is an exciting, vibrant and rapidly growing sector. Students in our program benefit from small class sizes and faculty who have a wide range of research interests and industry experience. Tourism is the world's largest service industry and the second largest industry overall. Here in Nova Scotia, the tourism and hospitality industry is an exciting, vibrant and rapidly growing sector.

Canadian Studies is an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary program that spans Canadian culture and society past, present and future. You’ll gain a greater understanding of our country, our place in the international community. You’ll study Canadian values, politics, history, art, economics and literature. You’ll explore and debate a variety of topics such as the art of the Group of Seven, First Nations Governance and  the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

You’ll be inspired to participate in shaping the future of Canada. You’ll have a wide range of career options to choose from, including: teaching, journalism, foreign affairs, library science, social activism, law, public administration, politics, cultural arts coordination, public relations and business.

The Research Master of Arts degree is intended for those who wish to pursue specialized scholarly study under the supervision of a full-time faculty member of the Faculty of Education. The degree can be taken in connection with any of the graduate program areas offered by the Faculty of Education; the focus of the degree is research. The degree requires a minimum of 5.0 units. Coursework will vary according to the background of the student. The thesis can count for a minimum of 1.0 unit and a maximum of 5.0 units.

At the Mount, we are aware that the business world is both thought-provoking and diverse. Our program will equip you with the essential leadership skills. These skills will prepare you for your career in business, whether you choose to become an entrepreneur or work in a large corporation, a small business, or a not-for profit organization.

The tourism industry is an exciting, vibrant and rapidly growing sector. Tourism is the world’s largest service industry and second largest industry overall. Careers in tourism and hospitality are available here in Nova Scotia and around the world.

Understanding the business of tourism and hospitality management offers many rewarding avenues to explore. If applying your accounting or strategic human resource management skills in a tourism organization is what you are looking for, combining a foundation in tourism with a BBA may help you to get that job you want.

BBA with a Concentration in Tourism and Hospitality Management
Complete a BBA with a concentration in tourism by taking four full units of coursework in tourism and hospitality management. The concentration in tourism provides you the opportunity to focus on your business program while gaining a foundation in the field of tourism.