Cape Breton University

Established: 1951

University Type: Primarily Undergraduate

Location: Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada

Background Information:

Cape Breton University is dedicated to supporting the communities of Cape Breton and the region’s emerging industries with a focus on local involvement and entrepreneurship. The university has a strong relationship with the island’s Aboriginal communities and was the first in Canada to offer a Mi’kmaq studies program. Currently, CBU is strengthening its online course options and offering a select number of courses for credit, certificate or curiosity.

“Cape Breton University is committed to supporting our domestic and international students and further innovating to bring our unique and new program to the world through digital and online offerings, but also through international delivery options,” says Dale Keefe, interim president. CBU has taken on the challenge of supplying the oil and gas industry of Atlantic Canada with skilled workers, creating programs in petroleum technology and petroleum engineering that attract students from as far away as Kuwait. The university’s art gallery is a must-see, with more than 2,000 pieces, including works by the Group of Seven and Picasso. Full-time students have access to the fitness centre at the Cape Breton Health Recreation complex. And with more than 70 student societies, finding the right fit at CBU is never a problem.

University Strengthen:

CBU offers nine major entrance scholarships based on the student's average from high school. Students with a 90% average or greater are eligible for scholarships ranging in amount from $10,000 (Orpha Thayer-Scott) to $24,000 (Chancellor's) over a four-year period. Other entrance scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,000 a year are also available.

The Cape Breton University Students' Union provides services such as the Emergency Bursary Fund, funding and management of societies, health and dental plans, Women’s Centre, Pride and Ally Centre, Capers Helping Capers, The Orange Initiative, The Pit (campus bar), Caper Convenience (store), and free legal service. The CBUSU's main focus is advocacy on behalf of its members, and it is also the largest employer of students on the CBU campus. The university rank among the highest in Canada for student satisfaction and the lowest average upper year class sizes.

The CBU co-op program is an excellent way for you to discover your passion. Students will work with a mentor in a feld they love, get paid, earn three credits and get a competitive edge when applying for future career opportunities. Each co-op placement is with a respected and knowledgeable professional in the business community, so they will thrive in a real workplace environment by bringing new ideas and views to their employer.

• Bachelor of Arts and Science in Environment: This interdisciplinary program explores current environmental issues, drawing on faculty in business, geology, Mi’kmaq studies and biology; includes an Indigenous perspective.
• Community Studies in Applied Theatre:  Gain skills to produce theatre in non-traditional places, such as museums, heritage sites, professional and governmental organizations, schools and other community venues; develops artistic entrepreneurs.
• Sport and Physical Activity Leadership: Through community-focused, problem-based learning, students gain skills in healthy lifestyles, physical literacy, leadership and management.

Academic Programs: