Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Co-op Optional)

at Cape Breton University Canada

Communication helps the world work together. It helps people see the world more clearly, and helps to create mutual understanding. This is especially true when your world is an island wonderland filled with unlimited opportunity and intellectual resources. That’s Cape Breton and this is CBU – a place where you can learn to communicate with efficiency, respect and effectiveness. Here, you leverage your naturally existing communication skills to amplify and expand your other communication-based talents.

Clear and creative communication is critically important for safe, stable communities and workplaces. That’s why we’re proud to say Cape Breton University offers the only communication major in the Maritimes.

The theories and skills learned in our program are essential for successful careers, healthy relationships and the development of a deep understanding of communication and its functions in society. Through our on-campus and distance courses, communication students explore various areas of interpersonal and public communication, media studies and cultural studies. These dynamic and energetic environments allow students to develop the skills and knowledge base needed to critically examine and understand communication in all aspects of society.

What skills will I gain from this program?

• Critical thinking and reflection skills
• Conflict management / resolution
• Effective public speaking skills
• Effective interpersonal communication skills
• Media literacy and analytic approaches to media messages
• Leadership, team building and collaborative working skills
• Ability to apply communication theory in wide-ranging contexts

Why study at CBU?

• At CBU, our modern facilities and experienced faculty guide you through the intricacies of communication. This includes areas that touch on relationships, communities, culture, history and technology. We believe communication is ever-changing and evolving, so our faculty continue to stay up-to-date by exploring the impact that new technologies, practices and forms have on our daily lives.
• With the guidance of a communication lab peer facilitator, students work in small groups and participate in dynamic, hands-on activities and discussions. These discussions help them put into practice the communication theories and skills they study in the classroom. Peer facilitators are upper-level students who have excelled in their studies and have a passion for helping other students develop as communicators. Peer facilitators take our communication facilitation courses and receive training to gain personal and professional experience in this unique leadership role.

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.

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

When it comes to global innovation and change, petroleum has been at the heart of some of the most important scientific advances in human history. That’s because hydrocarbons are at the foundation of our modern, energy intensive societies.

At CBU, we help you capitalize on this career opportunity by giving you the skills you need to build a solid foundation in this field. As a small island with an incredible way of life that is delicately balanced, we know how petroleum and its by-products affect nearly every aspect of human life and occupation.

After graduating from CBU with a BET Petroleum, students will have the skills and knowledge regarding the extraction, processing and refinement of petroleum resources. You’ll also focus heavily on protecting the environment, a challenge that is necessary to tackle in today’s oil and gas industry.

What skills will I gain from this program?

• Knowledge of drilling and exploration
• Reservoir analysis skills
• Completions planning skills
• Oil and gas equipment knowledge
• Awareness of petroleum processing

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.)

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.

The Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Business Management is a 24 months post graduate diploma which does not only interest students with a background in business administration and management but also includes a wide variety of students from the fields of arts, science, medicine and engineering as well. The diploma deals with a number of subjects such as marketing, finance, accounting, economics as well as statistics. The course at CBU has a great faculty and well trained staff that guide students at every way.

During the first year of the program, students are introduced to the foundation subjects of business management such as management, accounting, economics, and public communications. The second year of the diploma includes more practical aspects of the diploma where students learn marketing, business finance as well as strategy. Students in the last year also have an opportunity to go for internships for 12 weeks and are required to complete a project with an organization. After graduating from the BDM course students can enter public sector, social sector as well as government services. The various areas of study include organizational behaviors as well as business decisions.

What skills will I gain from this program?

• Understand the effect of external environments (political, legal, market, sector) on business
• Use managerial accounting to make resource management decisions that maximize value
• Conduct industry analysis, identify opportunities and propose product/services offerings
• Integrate technical knowledge of management, incorporating theoretical concepts in managing people, operations and finances
• Address management issues in workplace contexts, showing initiative and applying judgement

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.

An overlooked factor behind most of the world’s major projects and industries is the ability to time and control how technology is applied in a dynamic setting. At CBU, you can study a technologically advanced approach to electronics and controls. Electronics and controls at CBU focuses on electrical engineering, analog and digital design, microelectronics and industrial systems.

Instrumentation, electronics and controls courses combine theoretical principles with hands-on experience and technical expertise related to electronics, instrumentation and microprocessor control. Aspects unique to electrical technology are emphasized, including topics such as analog/digital design, industrial instrumentation, control and microelectronics.

What skills will I gain from this program?

• Electronics and instrumentation.
• Exposure to industrial applications, drawings and standards.
• Programming using assembly, MATLAB, VHLD, and PLC languages.
• Methods of design.
• Electrical troubleshooting.

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.