Canadian Studies


Canadian Studies seeks to analyze and explain the Canadian experience and to explore Canada’s place in the world through Canadian-centred courses in a number of disciplines.

Overview

Canadian Studies seeks to analyze and explain the Canadian experience and to explore Canada’s place in the world through Canadian-centred courses in a number of disciplines.

Mount Allison’s Canadian Studies program is one of the oldest in the country.

The program explores Canadian issues and realities, such as the country’s vast and varied geography, regional distinctions, history and politics, public policy, culture, economy, the environment, Indigenous peoples, bilingualism, and multiculturalism.

At a Glance

Degree options
Bachelor of Arts (BA), major or honours
Minor
Undergraduate certificate

Curriculum

At Mount Allison, the Canadian Studies program addresses some of the most pressing topics in contemporary society: diversity, community, cultural literacy, and national identities.

In first year you will take introductory courses that examine contemporary Canadian issues and institutions as well as Canadian culture and identity.

Second year course options include cultural diversity, media and pop culture, regionalism, and Canadian foodways, while in third year you can explore gender in Canada, Canadian-American relations, and contemporary issues.

Your fourth year provides opportunities for independent studies, seminars, and advanced studies in courses such as Culture of the Maritimes, Aboriginal Political and Legal Issues, and Imagining Canada.

Canadian Studies is an interdisciplinary program, which means that in addition to your Canadian studies courses, you'll be able to take Canadian-centred courses from fields such as:

Canadian Studies is available as:

  • BA major (60 credits)
  • BA honours (72 credits)
  • Minor in any degree (24 credits)

Canadian Arts and Culture is available as an undergraduate certificate (18 credits).

Not sure about the difference between a major, a minor, an honours, and a certificate?

 Cultural Diversity in Canada class

Centre for Canadian Studies

As a Canadian Studies student, you can take advantage of Mount Allison’s Centre for Canadian Studies, an active research centre that works closely with the Canadian studies academic program.

The Centre supports and extends student learning through an exceptional program of public lectures, conferences, and extracurricular events; hosts visiting scholars; and supports student initiatives and academic projects.

Careers

Whether you're entering the job market or continuing your education, your Mount Allison degree will stand out.

Mount Allison has been recognized by Maclean's as the top primarily undergraduate university in Canada more times than any other university.

With experiential learning and career development opportunities available in every degree, you'll also graduate with hands-on learning and real-world experience.

Our graduates also boast extraordinarily high acceptance rates to top graduate programs and professional schools such as law and medicine.

Popular career paths for Canadian Studies graduates include:

  • public policy analyst
  • municipal, provincial, or federal elected representative
  • community/urban planner
  • foreign service officer
  • journalist
  • aboriginal liaison
  • entrepreneur/business analyst
  • museum curator/director
  • arts administrator
  • mediator/conflict resolution specialist
  • public relations specialist
  • teacher/professor
  • social media specialist
  • immigration officer
  • economic development officer
  • demographer
  • heritage researcher/interpreter
  • tourism development officer

Testimonials

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Majoring in Canadian Studies was the best academic decision I could have made. Drawing from various subjects, the interdisciplinary program has allowed me to continue to pursue topics of interest as well as discover new ones. The flexibility of the program introduced me to new academic areas that I previously would not have considered. Additionally, the Canadian Studies professors have given me a variety of research and teaching assistant opportunities, which has been a great experience!


Jenna
Green
'22
Canadian Studies, minors in French Studies and Political Science
Florenceville, NB
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The Canadian Studies program offers opportunities for students to engage in their education actively. I love that Canadian Studies is interdisciplinary; the fundamentals can be applied to many different academic, professional, and even social settings. I am excited to use the "big picture" perspective that my Canadian Studies minor has provided me with, along with gratitude for the supportive environment that strives for students to grow.


Emma
Penton
'22
Psychology, minor in Canadian Studies
Torbay, NL

Extras

Students attend the Canadian Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies conference

Experiential learning

Upper-year students have opportunities to work as teaching assistants and research assistants at the Centre for Canadian Studies, as well as attend conferences.

In addition, there are paid internship opportunities, such as the Bradbrooke Smith Internship in Canadian Studies.

The Davidson Collection is a treasure of nearly six hundred rare first-edition books

Edgar and Dorothy Davidson Collection of Canadiana

Mount Allison is home to the Edgar and Dorothy Davidson Collection of Canadiana, a rich collection of Canadiana books, imprints, and manuscripts of great rarity and value, and examples of early Canadian glass, 18th century Canadian furniture, and 19th and 20th century Canadian paintings and sculptures.

/current-students/canadian-studies-program

Bachelor of Arts

Admission Requirements

Our admissions decisions are based on your academic record, leadership skills, a high level of commitment, and the potential for personal growth. The drop down menu below will help you find information on what pre-requisites are recommended for a Bachelor of Arts.

Academic Awards

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Mount A is #2 in student awards


Maclean’s ranks Mount Allison second in student and faculty awards in its latest University Rankings. To date, 56 Mount Allison students have become Rhodes Scholars — one of the best per capita records in Canada.

Next Steps

Be part of Canada's best undergraduate university