Cape Breton University

Preparing for Online Learning: Start Smart!

In August 2020, CBU launched an online learning experience called Start Smart to give new and returning students from all programs an opportunity to become familiar with online learning at CBU. Students learn how to be more effective and successful in an online environment, and connect with faculty, staff and classmates. The overall goal of the program is to build student confidence and excitement for online studies.

New CBU Programs

CBU is an innovative institution, adapting to the needs of the ever-changing world. Over the past three years, CBU has launched more than five new academic programs, as well as several new areas of study. New programming is offered at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels and includes diplomas and degrees. Some of the newest CBU programs available to students are:

• Bachelor of Arts and Science in Environment
• Diploma in Government Management
• Post-baccalaureate Diploma in Business Analytics
• Post-baccalaureate Diploma in Business Management
• Post-baccalaureate Diploma in Supply Chain Management
• Bachelor of Social Work

The mission at CBU is to develop the academic lives of students, while having a profound and positive effect on the communities with which it engages. High quality teaching, combined with innovative learning spaces and experimental opportunities, ensures that students' needs are met, while at the same time fostering a feeling of inclusion and belonging which expands and solidifies their perception of themselves within the world.

The learning experience at CBU is based around rigorous and conscientious research, centred around the concept of ‘transformation through inquiry', combined with the following three values.

Courage – (Mel kik no'ti in Mi'kmaq)

Thriving through creativity and leadership

Cooperation – (Maw lukitimk in Mi'kmaq)

Working together for the common good

Quality – (Mawi kelu'lk in Mi'kmaq)

Achieving excellence through continual improvement

The university lays out its principles very clearly through the Teaching and the Student Learning Experience, which provides a detailed breakdown of the academic structure the university implements. CBU has one of the smallest average class sizes in the country, meaning students receive more one-on-one contact time with their instructors and professors, ample access to university facilities and resources, and more hands-on and undergraduate research opportunities.

CBU is comprised of five academic schools: School of Arts and Social Sciences, School of Education and Health, School of Science and Technology, School of Nursing and the Shannon School of Business. Combined, these academic schools offer more than 20 programs and 60 areas of study at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

Each academic school fosters its own approach to learning, though academic integrity and quality of education are fundamental aspects which remain consistent across all fields of study. Small class sizes, taught by engaging and experienced faculty experts, offer students the opportunity to conduct research as soon as within their first year. Community-oriented engagement and an experimental approach to learning is encouraged and possible within almost all programs. Internships, work experience placements and exchanges encourage students to look outside the boundaries of the classroom and gain critical perspectives which will inform their own choices, both during and post university.

Entry requirements at CBU can vary based on the program of interest and any prior education a student may have. However, general undergraduate admissions require a 65 per cent average as well as proof of English language proficiency. On CBU's website, students will find an admissions requirement tool at the bottom of each academic program page.

Official English Language Testing Score Requirements

• TOEFL score of 550 (paper test), 213 (computer test), or 80 (internet test)
• IELTS Academic (and IELTS Indicator) score of 6.5 with no band below 6.0
• Pearson PTE (Academic) score of 59
• Duolingo English Test score of 115 for undergraduate programs, diplomas and certificates. Score of 120 for Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Education and post-baccalaureate diplomas

An international baccalaureate score of 24 or equivalent is required for international student entry, and students who have studied at another accredited post-secondary institution may be able to transfer earned credits into their CBU program. When applying, prospective students are required to submit official transcripts from all previous postsecondary institutions attended. These are typically sent directly from the institution to CBU.

The CBU academic calendar also provides information on admission requirements, specific to each degree program.

CBU's campus sits upon a wonderfully landscaped site, with wide tree lined avenues and open green spaces throughout. The campus is surrounded by natural forests, offering beautiful scenery, seasonal views and miles of hiking trails. Only seven kilometers from the coast, sandy beaches are a short journey away for CBU students, as well as access to many other necessary amenities and recreational activities.

The campus contains a state-of-the-art sports facility, learning rooms, computer laboratories, cafes and many other amenities. For those wishing to look beyond the grounds of CBU, the city's bus service visits campus hourly, with routes running between downtown Sydney and Glace Bay where students will find restaurants, bars, cinemas and shopping centres.

There are three safe and secure residence options on campus, offering a variety of accommodation options from traditional single dorm rooms to shared apartment-style living. Living in residence is a big part of the university experience, and CBU ensures that there are options to suit everyone. The university website includes a map and virtual tour of the campus and its facilities.

Through its network of donors and alumni, CBU provides CAD 2.6 million in scholarships and bursaries annually. Students admitted directly from high school or through articulation agreement partners are eligible for entrance scholarships based on their academic performance. Scholarships and bursaries range from CAD 500 to CAD 5,000 per year

All incoming students must submit an official transcript to be considered for an entrance scholarship, and a financial need application is required for those who are interested in bursaries. The application includes submission of tax documents and becomes available to apply between January and March. Articulation agreement students who are transferring programs require a minimum of 80 per cent average to be eligible, with no module failures, as well as requirements for English language.

In addition to these, there are a number of in-course scholarships and bursaries which require completion of one year of study at CBU, while maintaining an overall average grade of at least 80 per cent. There is no application for these scholarships, since they are awarded based entirely on academic performance.