Bachelor of Arts

Program Overview
Admission Requirements
Application Deadlines
Program Types:
Program Duration:

Please select your province for specific admission requirements.

General Requirements for High School Graduates

  • See CBU’s English Language Requirements here.
  • English 12 (academic or advanced)
  • 4 additional grade 12 academic or advanced level courses

Please select your country to view admission requirements.

General Transfer Student Requirements

  • In order to transfer to CBU you must be in good academic standing at your current/previous institution.
  • You must meet the general admissions requirements (or the post-secondary equivalent) for the program, found under the Canadian or International tabs of this tool.
  • To see if your institution is an articulation partner, please view our articulation agreements page.
  • Please email us if you have specific questions about admission requirements and transferring to CBU:
CANADIAN DEADLINES
Fall 2026
Opens: October 1, 2025
Closes: September 3, 2026
Winter 2027
Opens: May 1, 2026
Closes: December 15, 2026
Spring 2027
Opens: October 1, 2026
Closes: April 15, 2027
Fall 2027
Opens: October 1, 2026
Closes: September 3, 2027
SEE MORE >>
INTERNATIONAL DEADLINES
Fall 2026
Opens: November 17, 2025
Closes: May 15, 2026
SEE MORE >>
In order to register for courses, you must accept your offer and confirm your seat at CBU. For detailed steps on how to do this, please reference your acceptance letter in your future Student Account

Study Diverse Perspectives, Ideas And Traditions

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.

Ready to Apply?

 

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.

What is the tuition for this program?

These numbers are an estimate for planning purposes only. These numbers do not include lab or accommodation fees. Please visit the Student Finance Hub for more information.

TOTAL YEAR(S) TOTAL CREDITS TOTAL SEMESTER(S) NS STUDENTS OTHER PROVINCE STUDENTS INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
3 Year Bachelor of Arts (BA) 3 90 6 $27,895.20 $33,994.20 $71,383.20
4 Year Bachelor of Arts (BA) 4 120 8 $37,193.60 $45,325.60 $95,177.60

Areas of Study and Sample Courses

Why study at CBU?

At CBU, it’s as rewarding to study here as it is to live here. That’s why we provide opportunities for specific place-based learning experiences on Cape Breton Island. We also offer distinct programs that connect to the island’s heritage and culture, including courses in traditional music and folklore.

Inside and outside our modern facilities, our faculty offer a friendly, approachable teaching style that goes a long way in providing you with an edge in the real world. Our collaborative teaching philosophy means many faculty contribute to different disciplines and programs. This interdisciplinary approach provides students with various perspectives to learn from in a personalized learning environment.

Another distinct aspect of the BA at Cape Breton University is the focus on local culture on the island, with a special emphasis on Mi’kmaq/L’nu language, culture, history and law.

What skills will I gain from this program?

  • Critical thinking
  • Effective communication
  • Problem-solving and leadership skills
  • Knowledge of cross-cultural perspectives
  • Aesthetic appreciation

Possible Career Paths

  • Entrepreneurs
  • Teachers/professors (CBU BA graduates have been accepted to graduate programs in CAN, US and UK)
  • Lawyers
  • Human resources and public administration
  • Public relations

Bachelor of Arts Success Stories

Jess Breen is Motivated to be the Advocate She Needed Growing Up

June 25, 2026

For much of her teenage life, Jessica “Jess” Breen lived out of a suitcase, moving between homes in Cape Breton,…

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Writing Her Own Narrative : Sarah Munro’s CBU Story

May 26, 2026

Finding your voice as a writer is easier when you are surrounded by people who genuinely want to see you…

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Structuring Success: Justus Peuser’s CBU Story

May 15, 2026

For years, Justus Peuser’s life was dictated by the buzzer, team travel and the demanding schedule of a CAPERS basketball…

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A Heart for Community: Devina Mishra’s CBU Story

May 8, 2026

When Devina Mishra arrived at Cape Breton University from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India, she brought with her a profound dedication…

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Charting a New Course: Pretty Philip’s CBU Story

May 5, 2026

When students walk into the Student Affairs office, Pretty Philip knows exactly how to help them find their footing. When…

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Double Duty: Ellie Lancaster’s Return to Basketball

February 17, 2026

For most student-athletes, balancing one varsity sport and a full university course load is already enough of a challenge. For…

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My CBU Story: Shemar Brown

October 29, 2025

Shemar Brown came to Cape Breton University with a straightforward plan. The psych major and basketball player from Toronto wanted…

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Building Confidence, Creating Opportunity: Leah Smith Finds Her Voice Through the Jennifer Keeping Centre’s Employment Project

July 21, 2025

Leah Smith knew she wanted her university experience to be more than textbooks and lectures. Through the Jennifer Keeping Centre’s…

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The Learning Never Ends: Meet Kelly MacNeil

June 19, 2025

For Kelly MacNeil, the learning journey never ends. After working in healthcare for 36 years, as retirement neared, she chose…

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Related Contacts

Profile Picture
Chris McDonald
Dean, School of Arts & Social Sciences
School of Arts & Social Sciences
chris_mcdonald@cbu.ca
902-563-1354