Bachelor of Arts Community Studies in Anthropology (Co-op)

at Cape Breton University Canada

Cape Breton Island is a hotbed of culture, with a rich, varied landscape of traditions and lore. Traditionally, folklore is the study of informal culture.

The study of a group’s folklore yields valuable insights into how that group operates in the world, but also reveals biases, prejudices and other obstacles to a more inclusive worldview. Most often, folklore is expressive and manifests itself in certain forms, such as story and song, festival and feast, architecture and craft. Although these forms may be manifested in a distinct way by each group, they recur in similar ways across cultures, so folklore examines both the particular context and the general formal patterns of expressive culture.

After providing a solid introduction to folklore genres, analytical approaches and ethnographic methods, folklore students take a balance of regional folklore courses (courses primarily about folklore in Atlantic Canada), and courses emphasizing genres and issues (such as urban legend, gender, food and cultural tourism).

CBU students learn practical skills in interviewing, fieldwork, and ethnographic research while also gaining an awareness of international heritage policy. Folklore’s interdisciplinary nature promotes sharing concerns, methods and insights with others. Through this group learning dynamic, folklore students acquire skills and knowledge that are applicable in a wide range of careers.

What skills will I gain from this program?

• Understand how folklore informs our worldview.
• Recognize the prevalence of folklore in contemporary society.
• Ethnographic fieldwork.
• Analyze the use of traditional forms and styles in popular culture.
• Research and writing.

Take one step onto the breathtaking shores of Cape Breton Island and you’ll instantly realize this is a place where philosophy and nature come together to create a unique learning environment. CBU’s modern facilities and accessible faculty make every day a valuable learning experience. Students from more than 40 countries around the world come to learn the lessons they need to plot their path into the future.

Philosophy at CBU helps you create a customized compass for navigating the intellectual, ethical and emotional complexities of life. Engaging philosophically with the world around you can provide a sense of overall direction which is essential for personal, social and professional growth. In the process, students benefit from exceptional training in the art of logical reasoning.

Many of Canada’s top lawyers, writers, business people, and other professionals have undergraduate degrees in philosophy. That means you can trust the skills you learn here to take you well into the future.

What skills will I gain from this program?

• High-level critical thinking skills
• Analytical writing skills
• Ability to discuss complex ideas effectively
• Knowledge of diverse world views & intellectual traditions
• Expertise in understanding contemporary ethical issues

Why study at CBU?

• In an ever-changing electronic age, philosophical expertise is essential for untangling the complications of core ethical and legal concepts, such as privacy, self-identity and intellectual property. That’s why, when you’re studying philosophy at CBU, you take a case study approach to examine problems in law, business and other areas that cannot be resolved by simply applying familiar principles and practices.
• Our approachable, friendly faculty help you build the solid foundation you need for success in the future. Because of their experience, CBU is a place you can come to learn answers to the world’s toughest questions. For example, are there justifiable limits to the bio-engineering of human life? Does science provide “all the answers?” What roles do love, appreciation of art, athletic achievement, or other experiences play in life? And, in an increasingly virtual world, is it worth trying to distinguish genuine (or “real”) from fake experiences? Once you have the skills CBU prepares you with in our Philosophy program, you can truly go anywhere your passion for success takes you.

Help contribute to a future we can all be proud of with a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Environment (BASE). CBU’s first fully interdisciplinary degree, the BASE program takes advantage of the natural resources available among the breathtaking scenery on Cape Breton Island. The BASE program reflects a university-wide commitment to teaching and research in environment and sustainability, and is enriched by Indigenous perspectives.

With dedicated professors and unprecedented research opportunities, the breadth of the BASE program ensures graduates have wide-ranging skill sets. When you enroll in BASE, you are immersed in three streams simultaneously: a science concentration; an arts/social science concentration; and a core set of environment-themed courses specially designed for this program.

Each year, the themes of these courses may change to reflect our world-class faculty’s specialties or timely environmental issues. Respect for, and inclusion of, Indigenous knowledge is a guiding principle of BASE. All students will have the opportunity to take Mi’kmaq Studies courses toward their degree, preparing you to be an active and responsible agent in the development of sustainable environmental practices.

What skills will I gain from this program?

• Communication and writing in science and arts/humanities fields.
• Critical thinking skills.
• Experience in multiple academic disciplines.
• Solid background in science and arts/humanities/social science.
• Deep knowledge of relevant environmental issues.

Why study at CBU?

• This dynamic program attracts students from around the globe who are passionate about making a positive impact on the ever-changing world around them.
• The BASE program was developed with two primary objectives: to bridge the arts and sciences; and to provide a unique education in environmental issues and sustainability.
• The entire island is yours to explore. That’s why you’ll find learning outcomes include knowledge about local and global environmental issues, as well as practical skills in writing, and quantitative and qualitative analysis. Plus, the fluid communication of ideas in a small-knit community means your hard work will get noticed. At its core, this program prepares students to consider environmental issues from a broad range of angles, and to develop interdisciplinary approaches to creating solutions.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

• Field Course (ENVS3104)
• Volunteer and extracurricular opportunities (e. CBU Environmental Society, Science Atlantic Environment Conference)
• Co-op option, examples include:
  • Parks Canada technical positions
  • Parks Canada Outreach and Education positions
  • ACAP
  • Cape Breton Fish Harvesters Association technical positions
  • CBU research assistantships
  • Tourism organizations outreach positions

Studying a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Public Health) at CBU offers a unique opportunity to impact quality of life for everyone around you. With the knowledge and skills learned here, you gain the ability to make a difference in a real community using modern facilities, working alongside experienced faculty.

Specifically, the public health program at CBU focuses on environmental health. This segment of public health centres on keeping people healthy in the places they live, work and play. With an eclectic community coming from more than 40 countries collaborating and studying together in an island setting, health sciences in Cape Breton is a rich area for discovery.

Our program taps into the natural resources of our region, focusing on food safety, water and air quality, communicable disease control, and occupational health and safety. We currently offer three streams of our program.

Stream One is the four-year option that a student graduating from high school, or someone without post-secondary education, could take. Stream Two is an accelerated two-year option for students with a previous science degree or a similar degree/diploma. And Stream Three is an in-career option available only to military workers seeking a degree. These military workers must be certified by the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors.

What skills will I gain from this program?

• Evaluate safety hazards and mitigate risks.
• Sharpen interpersonal skills through presentations.
• Interpret and apply government legislation.

One look at island life and it becomes clear: CBU is a special place that is focused and determined to make the world a better place. The passion for innovation and collaboration runs deep in our history and fuels our future.

The engineering transfer program is offered at CBU on an associate basis with Dalhousie University. CBU is one of the few Associated Universities to offer the first two years of all seven engineering disciplines. These include civil, environmental, mineral resource, electrical, industrial, mechanical and chemical engineering. We deliver the first two years of the four-year Bachelor of Engineering program.

The first year of the program is common for all seven discipline options. At the end of the first year, you must make a decision on a specialty. Application is made at this time to both CBU and Dalhousie for a seat in the particular discipline of choice.

During year two, you will be registered at both CBU and Dalhousie University.

Students can also combine a BSc in either chemistry or mathematics with the Engineering Diploma. This program requires a third year of study at CBU to complete the BSc, followed by two years at Dalhousie University to complete the BEng.

What skills will I gain from this program?

• Reduce complex problems using appropriate assumptions.
• Identify appropriate engineering tools for real-world problems.
• Learn to plan for safety and sustainability issues.
• Explain interactions between technical systems in various contexts.
• Become an effective leader and team member.

Why study at CBU?

• Our friendly, welcoming, respectful community helps engineering students connect solutions with real-world problems.
• By starting the BEng Transfer Program at a smaller institution, students get individualized attention and support from experienced faculty, which is critical for success.
• CBU is home to the newest Engineering Department in Nova Scotia, and second in size only to Dalhousie University. CBU is also one of the few Associated Universities to offer the first two years of all eight engineering disciplines.

The special skills you learn at CBU in the Diploma in Public Administration and Management program can take you in any direction. Learn in modern facilities surrounded by a thriving community with access to everything you need to grow. The knowledge you gain here will help you excel in managing people, processes and policies in various industries to help you build the solid foundation you need for the real world.

This Diploma in Public Administration and Management has been designed to help you gain quantitative and qualitative research skills, and get a better understanding of management and community development. This is incredibly helpful for those with an interest in working for, or with, government and community-based organizations managing groups of people.

Carve your own path into the future while developing expertise in the techniques and practices of public sector management. This diploma offers the chance to take a deep look at the nature of Canadian government and public administration at the international, national, provincial and local levels. Study comprehensive subjects such as management, law, organizational theory, policy development, research methods, leadership and more.

What skills will I gain from this program?

• Learn about public sector management at all government levels.
• Financial and personnel management skills.
• Quantitative and qualitative-based research skills.
• Understand how government policies work.
• Management and community development skills.

Why study at CBU?

• On Cape Breton Island, public sector managers play a critically important role in our local, regional, national and global communities by providing project management and policy advice. It’s not only the modern facilities or the word-class education that draws students from over 40 countries to our unique location on the sea, it’s the chance to make a difference in the place you call home.
• Studying public administration and management at CBU will help you learn the skills necessary to take on challenging issues that define the public agenda in Canada. In addition to our regular courses, our experienced faculty provide hands-on learning through either an experiential learning directed study, or co-op work placements paired with the opportunity to earn a Certificate in Management (C.I.M.). This helps ensure our students are prepared to enter the professional world or continue to graduate studies.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

• Local volunteer activities
• Large-scale community engagements
• Diverse campus events
• Option to choose a directed study project or internship
• Option to complete a special Certificate in Management (C.I.M.)

Plot a course from here that can take you anywhere you want to go. With a BA from CBU, you’ll have an exciting, contemporary and challenging opportunity to learn about the world around you. By gaining the knowledge, leadership skills and critical thinking required to succeed in the real world, students adapt a cross-cultural perspective that’s truly unique to Cape Breton University.

Here, we help you find the right skills to provide the solutions every industry needs. That’s why our graduates are so sought after by prospective employers. At CBU, you gain important, transferable skills in a distinct, natural environment that inspires your learning and stimulates your senses. Take the time you need to clear your head along our rugged coastlines and focus on your personal growth.

Our BA program encompasses the study of the arts, humanities and social sciences. Students come to CBU to explore human inquiry and activity from a wide variety of vantage points and specializations. By being engaged both locally and globally, a solid foundation is set to build a lasting, successful career.

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.

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.

CBU offers a four year bachelor’s degree in the field of Mathematics. For years, CBU has been providing impeccable services to their students to prepare them to be successful citizens of the world. Math is a subject that keeps evolving and there are new developments in the subject happening now and then.

CBU has a great faculty of expert mathematicians, state of the art services and excellent placement records which make this a very desirable course. Students have a number of career options after completing a degree in mathematics namely accountancy & finance, banking, actuarial career, statistician, careers in academia & research, engineering and many more.

Over the years a number of students have graduated in the field of mathematics from CBU who have made great careers. The four year program helps students deal with the basic fundamentals of mathematics and gradually delves into the deeper aspects of the subject.