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

at Cape Breton University Canada

The BACS degree is highly flexible, with a wide range of opportunities for academic specialization as well as highly specific focused degrees in different areas of study. The program is a process-oriented, experiential degree program that prepares students for the job market. The core community studies courses are focused on problem-solving, critical thinking, community-based research and work placements.

Why study at CBU?
What makes the decision to study at CBU the right decision to make? The unique academic programs. The undergraduate research opportunities. The people. The location. It all comes together to create the perfect environment for learning and living. And as #8 on the top islands to visit in the world by Travel + Leisure Magazine, CBU prides itself on our beautiful landscapes, tradition of excellence and innovative culture of collaboration.

Our BACS degree offers a unique experiential education with volunteer or work placements built into the core of the program. We strive to ensure students have real work experience before graduation. Additionally, students engage with their communities in projects that help foster both community awareness and establish a true sense of teamwork.

CBU also provides an easy destination for transfer students as CBU has articulation agreements with Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) and a number of other Canadian colleges. In some areas of study, it is possible to complete a three-year BACS degree entirely online.

What skills will I gain from this program?

• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Reflective learning
• Workplace experience
• Community involvement

From the soothing sounds of our singing shores, to the everlasting beat of our vibrant culture, Cape Breton holds music close to its heart.

Build your skills for a solid foundation in music and carve your own path, wherever the tempo takes you. Our BACS music major is the only undergraduate program in Canada to focus on traditional and tradition-based popular music, with particular emphasis on Cape Breton’s rich music traditions.

Students learn about music career options, develop a career network and gain valuable work experience through courses such as Understanding the Music Industry, and Arts Entrepreneurship, as well as our Archival Internship and work placements.

Our music offerings focus on three broad areas: Atlantic Canadian cultures and traditions; popular music; and the study of global traditions (e.g., West African, Eastern European, etc.) through ethnomusicology and folklore approaches.

In all of our program options, we offer a variety of courses, including courses in performance, music theory and composition, genre surveys and histories, issues (e.g., protest, cultural tourism), research methods and business.
What skills will I gain from this program?

• Awareness and appreciation of music from around the world
• Greater understanding of music’s roles and functions in society
• Ability to analyze music
• Improved ability to perform
• Knowledge of the music industry

Why study at CBU?
As a music student at CBU, you’ll be excited to learn some of Cape Breton’s best-known traditional musicians teach here, including popular local artists such as Kyle MacNeil of the Barra MacNeils. That means you’ll be taught by experienced instructors who are both accessible and approachable, which makes a major difference in the intricate world of music.

Our music program uniquely ties together liberal arts courses, performance classes, work placements and community learning to create a truly well-rounded experience. Join students from around the world in one of the most breathtaking locations on the planet, in harmony, as you realize your true potential in music.

Cape Breton is known for its musical traditions. As one of the most celebrated cultural regions in the country, we offer courses that introduce students to a variety of music. From local traditions to music from around the world, popular music to classical music, students learn to analyze the music they love in order to see how it works.

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.

Why study at CBU?

• Cape Breton is home to several distinct language and expressive communities, including Mi’kmaq, Scottish Gaelic and Acadian. It is home to the only African Orthodox Church in Canada, the only Ukrainian and Polish churches east of Montreal, and a vibrant, multicultural community with many members descended from Italian, Greek, Jewish and Lebanese immigrants, among others.
• Students in the folklore program have access to cutting-edge technological equipment, software and facilities at CBU. The Digitization Lab lends audio and video equipment to students so they can conduct ethnographic fieldwork and interviews. The Media Interpretation and Reception Lab enables video documentation of group interviews and focus groups.
• CBU is also home to the Beaton Institute and the Mi’kmaq Resource Centre, exceptional archival resources that provide primary and historic data sources about the history and culture of Cape Breton Island and its cultural groups. They also regularly accept student research materials, allowing students to leave a legacy that will help future scholars.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

• International exchange agreements with institutions in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland, as well as other countries around the world.
• An archival internship working with folkloric and/or archival materials at an institution such as the Beaton Institute or in a library or museum outside of CBU.
• A significant number of courses involve experiential learning units, such as our festivals course (FOLK 3603), which involves attending and analyzing the Celtic Colours International Festival, and our ethnography course (FOLK 2114), which requires producing a unique ethnographic project.

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.

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.

On a world-famous island such as Cape Breton, our economy works when smart financial decisions are made that impact lives every day. That’s why we take extra care to dedicate ourselves to excellence in accounting that meets the IFRS global standard in accounting business.

Accounting is much more than numbers. Global business and government departments are constantly in need of high-quality, dedicated employees with a thorough understanding of financial management, and current generally accepted accounting principles and best practices.

Commonly referred to as the language of business, accounting serves as the basis for financial decision making. Accounting is a dynamic, creative and interesting subject, and is the process of gathering, recording, interpreting and analyzing financial information.

What skills will I gain from this program?

• Gain an understanding of global accounting practices and skills.
• Develop an international perspective.
• Learn current business practices.
• Develop decision-making skills.

Why study at CBU?

• Through a major in accounting at CBU, we prepare you with the skills and knowledge to succeed in one of the fastest growing professions with continued high demand.
• At CBU, this program truly gives you an education you can count on. An accounting major at CBU can open doors to numerous opportunities and steady career advancements. Graduates can enter into professional accounting programs to receive designations like Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Aboriginal Financial Officer Association (AFOA) with maximum exemptions.
• Students are well equipped to enter middle management accounting positions in small to medium-size firms, non-profit agencies or government. Studying accounting also provides students with a skill set that is ideal for entrepreneurship.

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

Nurses are at the forefront of our health care system. The Bachelor of Science, Nursing (BScN) is an incredible opportunity. It’s a program that prepares students to be eligible to practice as registered nurses in a variety of health care settings. At Cape Breton University, you arrive inspired and leave prepared with the skills you need to thrive, with lifelong knowledge, skills and ability guiding you along the way.
The nursing curriculum is an intentional blending of courses from many disciplines, integrating theory and practice to facilitate self-growth, critical inquiry and a commitment to lifelong learning. Teachers and students engage in continuous professional development. From perfecting evidence-informed practice to respond to changing patient needs, to learning modern technologies, our faculty and students work together in a supportive and dynamic learning environment.

CBU’s BScN strives for excellence in preparing our future registered nurses to be knowledgeable, compassionate and ethical professionals.
What skills will I gain from this program?

• Knowledge of nursing theories, research and evaluation.
• Acquire practice-based learning.
• Learn to promote, maintain and restore health.
• Skills to prevent illness or injury.
• Qualify to write the NCLEX-RN exam.

Why study at CBU?
The nursing program at CBU uses a concept-based curriculum, so it’s easy to find the resources you need to gain the skills you need. Our concept-based learning is an approach to education that is more student-centered and student-directed. This means you’re fully immersed in real-world studies through engaging, hands-on learning.

CBU students have access to a wide variety of nursing practice placements (hospitals, community, long-term care) within the Nova Scotia Health Authority as well as private community partners that provide the experiential learning nursing students need to bridge theory to practice.

You also have an opportunity to take part in a two-week International Experience designed to help you learn about health and nursing in another culture and engage in service-learning. Our students have travelled to Quito, Bali, and Argentina. Students have the opportunity to study for a Specialty Nursing Certificate in oncology, acute and critical care, mental health, public health or Indigenous health nursing, along with others. Additionally, qualified students can enhance their research knowledge and skills by completing an advanced major in an area of interest.

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.

Our communities are the threads that tie our country together. From helping to build a strong economic engine, to facilitating the cultivation of our healthy food, each community plays an important role in the development of our society. The Cape Breton community, although small in size, is big in opportunity. Here, you’re free to explore a welcoming island with warm people who see the same potential in you as you do in them.

The MBA in CED offers a leading edge curriculum that includes all business subjects found in traditional MBA programs, with an emphasis on economic development, leadership, governance and management of change. The program resonates with people who aspire to play leadership roles in the private, public and community sectors.

There are many MBA programs around the globe. However, the program found here at Cape Breton University is the only one in Canada that includes community economic development at its core. It’s for people who want to make a difference where they live and work. Here, we teach the lessons that inspire students to make a positive change wherever they go. The MBA in Community Economic Development has been offered by the Shannon School of Business at CBU since 1997.

What skills will I gain from this program?

• Advanced analytical and strategy skills
• Advanced interpersonal and communication skills
• Advanced research skills
• Application of an international perspective to risks and opportunities in managerial decisions
• Integrated knowledge through interdisciplinary approaches
• Management of change, growth, and new opportunities
• Strategic leadership
• Understanding of the role of business and community in affecting the economy, quality of life, health, and the environment
• Understanding of community economic development and business