Tuition & Fees - Cape Breton University

Cape Breton University (CBU) has specific language requirements for international students whose first language is not English. Here’s an overview of the language requirements:

1. English Language Proficiency Requirements

International students must demonstrate proficiency in English through one of the following methods:

Test Scores Accepted:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):

  • Internet-Based Test (iBT): A minimum score of 80 (with at least 20 in writing and speaking).
  • Paper-Based Test: A minimum score of 550.

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System):

  • A minimum overall band score of 6.0 (with no band score lower than 5.5).

• PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English):

  • A minimum score of 58.

• CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment):

  • A minimum overall score of 60.

• CanTEST (Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees):

  • A minimum overall score of 4.5.

Other Accepted Qualifications:

• Completion of High School English: Applicants who have completed a high school education in English or have completed a degree in an English-speaking country may be exempt from the English language test requirements.

• English Language Program: Students who do not meet the language requirements may be admitted to CBU's English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program, which helps improve English proficiency before starting degree courses.

2. Exemptions

• Students from countries where English is an official language or who have completed their previous studies in English may be exempt from providing proof of language proficiency.

3. Conditional Admission

• If a student does not meet the English language requirements but has an otherwise strong academic record, they may be offered conditional admission. In this case, students must complete the university's English language support programs to achieve the necessary language proficiency before beginning their degree studies.

For detailed and updated information, students are encouraged to visit the official CBU website or contact the admissions office directly.

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Cape Breton University (CBU), located in Sydney, Nova Scotia, is known for its focus on applied learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary studies. The university offers a range of programs, with specific strengths in the following areas:

1. Business and Entrepreneurship

• Specializations: Cape Breton University has a strong reputation for its business programs, particularly those that focus on entrepreneurship, management, marketing, and international business. The Desjardins Centre for Innovation helps students explore entrepreneurial ventures and start-ups.
• Programs: Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), MBA in Community Economic Development, and various diploma and certificate programs.

2. Community Economic Development

• Specializations: CBU is recognized for its Community Economic Development (CED) programs, which focus on creating sustainable local economies, particularly in rural and remote communities.
• Programs: The Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Community Economic Development is one of the university’s flagship programs, combining business principles with social development. This is ideal for those interested in promoting sustainable economic growth in underdeveloped areas.

3. Environmental and Earth Sciences

• Specializations: CBU offers strong programs in environmental science and sustainability, focusing on climate change, renewable energy, and environmental conservation.
• Programs: Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, Environmental Technology, and Environmental Studies programs. The university also provides opportunities for research in sustainable energy and climate change adaptation.

4. Nursing and Health Sciences

• Specializations: CBU’s nursing programs are well-regarded, particularly those focused on community health and primary care. The university’s health programs are designed to address healthcare needs in both urban and rural settings.
• Programs: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and a range of health-related programs like public health, rehabilitation, and health promotion.

5. Social Work and Community Development

• Specializations: The university is known for its focus on social work, community development, and social justice. CBU's programs prepare students to work in the public sector and non-profit organizations, with an emphasis on community outreach and supporting marginalized populations.
• Programs: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), Community Studies, and a Master's in Community Economic Development.

6. Arts and Culture

• Specializations: CBU offers a wide range of arts programs that focus on culture, history, music, and literature. The university is closely involved with the local culture of Cape Breton, which includes Celtic music, language, and heritage.
• Programs: Bachelor of Arts (BA) with specializations in History, Anthropology, Music, and Humanities, along with Celtic Studies programs that are unique to the region.

7. Inuit and Indigenous Studies

• Specializations: CBU offers programs in Indigenous studies, with a focus on the experiences, cultures, and histories of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.
• Programs: Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies, programs in Indigenous governance, and Indigenous education.

8. Engineering and Technology

• Specializations: The university offers specialized programs in engineering, technology, and sustainable energy. These programs are focused on addressing the needs of the local economy, particularly through innovation in green technology and energy systems.
• Programs: Bachelor of Engineering Technology, programs in Renewable Energy and Engineering Management.

9. Education

• Specializations: CBU provides programs in teacher education, with a focus on inclusive education and teaching in rural settings.
• Programs: Bachelor of Education (BEd), Adult Education, and Teacher Certification programs.

10. Tourism and Hospitality Management

• Specializations: Given its location in a tourism-rich region, CBU offers specialized programs in tourism management, hospitality, and cultural tourism. These programs emphasize practical, real-world experience and the importance of sustainable tourism.
• Programs: Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management.     

Research - Cape Breton University

Academic Programs - Cape Breton University

Scholarships & Bursaries

International Student Services - Cape Breton University

Career Opportunities

Cape Breton University (CBU) is home to several esteemed professors known for their expertise in areas that align with the university's strengths in community economic development, Indigenous studies, sustainability, and cultural studies. While CBU is smaller and focused on community engagement, its faculty members make substantial contributions in their fields. Here are a few notable professors associated with the university:

1. Dr. Keith Brown – Community Economic Development

• Dr. Brown is a respected figure in Community Economic Development (CED) and has been instrumental in shaping CBU's well-regarded MBA program in CED. His work focuses on regional economic resilience, community empowerment, and the social aspects of economic development. He has worked on multiple initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth in Cape Breton and has had a significant impact on policy in community and economic planning.

2. Dr. Tanya Brann-Barrett – Communication and Cultural Studies

• Dr. Brann-Barrett is a professor in the field of Communication and Cultural Studies with research interests in social inclusion, youth engagement, and community narratives. Her work emphasizes understanding how young people experience economic challenges and educational inequalities in rural communities, making her a key contributor to the university's mission of supporting community and cultural understanding.

3. Dr. Catherine O’Brien – Sustainable Happiness and Education

• Known for her pioneering concept of sustainable happiness, Dr. O’Brien explores the connections between happiness, sustainability, and community well-being. Her work has been influential in educational psychology and sustainable development. Dr. O’Brien's courses and research have attracted attention globally, and she often collaborates with educators and policymakers to integrate sustainable practices into educational settings.

4. Dr. Cheryl Bartlett – Integrative Science and Indigenous Knowledge

• Dr. Bartlett is a Professor Emerita who led CBU’s Integrative Science Program, which bridges Western science with Indigenous knowledge. Her innovative approach has helped make CBU a leader in Indigenous studies and community-based research. Dr. Bartlett’s work has been recognized nationally, and she has played a role in developing inclusive, cross-cultural scientific approaches that respect Indigenous perspectives.

5. Dr. Ashlee Cunsolo – Environmental and Indigenous Health

• Although now at Memorial University, Dr. Cunsolo’s work while at CBU focused on environmental impacts on Indigenous health and the mental health consequences of climate change. Her research in environmental health and her work with Inuit communities on climate change has been influential and aligns with CBU’s commitment to environmental issues and Indigenous rights.

6. Dr. Peter MacIntyre – Psychology and Communication

• A professor of psychology, Dr. MacIntyre’s research spans communication, language learning, and psychology. He is well-known for his work on communication apprehension and second language acquisition and has published extensively in these fields. His expertise benefits students studying psychology and communication and contributes to CBU’s strong academic foundation.

These professors exemplify CBU’s dedication to fields with social impact, including community development, Indigenous studies, sustainability, and education. Their contributions significantly enhance the university's profile, despite its smaller size, and help fulfill CBU’s mission of regional and cultural engagement.

Cape Breton University (CBU) does not have any Nobel Prize laureates associated with it. The university is relatively young compared to some other institutions, and its focus is more on community development, regional economic growth, and cultural preservation, rather than producing Nobel Prize winners.

However, CBU is known for its contributions to community-based research, sustainable development, and Indigenous education, which might not always align with the fields traditionally recognized by the Nobel Prizes, such as physics, chemistry, or literature.

Despite not having a Nobel laureate, CBU continues to focus on innovative research, particularly in fields that have significant social, economic, and environmental impact on the local and global community.