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Saint Mary's University

Address: Saint Mary's University, 923 Robie Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 3C3, Canada

Phone: +1 902-487-3400

Email: smuinfo@smu.ca

Website: www.smu.ca


About Saint Mary's University

Founded in 1802, the Saint Mary's University is a non-profit public higher  education institution located in the urban setting of the medium city of Halifax (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Nova Scotia. Officially recognized by the Department of Advanced  Education of Nova Scotia, Saint Mary's University (SMU) is a medium-sized (uniRank enrollment range: 7,000-7,999 students) coeducational Canadian higher education institution. Saint Mary's University (SMU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study table below for further details. This 222-year-old Canadian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 60-69% making this Canadian higher education organization a moderately selective institution. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. SMU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

Why Saint Mary's University

Saint Mary's University (SMU) is known for several key attributes that contribute to its reputation:

1. Strong Business School (Sobey School of Business)

  • SMU is particularly famous for its Sobey School of Business, which is one of the top business schools in Canada. The Sobey School offers highly regarded undergraduate, MBA, and specialized business programs. It has earned a reputation for entrepreneurship, business innovation, and its focus on international business. The MBA program is highly respected, and its Master of Finance program is particularly well-known in the field of financial services.

2. Location in Halifax, Nova Scotia

  • Halifax is a vibrant and culturally rich city, serving as the capital of Nova Scotia and the economic hub of Atlantic Canada. SMU's location provides students with access to a range of opportunities, from internships and work placements in various sectors like business, government, and nonprofit organizations to outdoor recreational activities. The city also serves as a regional center for healthcare, technology, and education.

3. Commitment to Research Excellence

  • While primarily known for teaching and learning, Saint Mary's University has developed strong research capabilities, especially in business, social sciences, environmental sustainability, and health studies. SMU’s research institutes, such as the Atlantic Canada Study of Entrepreneurship and the Institute for International Business, focus on real-world issues and global challenges, contributing to its growing research reputation.

4. Diverse Programs and Interdisciplinary Focus

  • SMU offers a broad range of programs, with a strong focus on interdisciplinary studies. It is known for providing students with the opportunity to tailor their studies to their interests by combining courses from different disciplines, allowing them to gain a well-rounded education. This flexibility is one of the reasons why students choose SMU.

5. Community Engagement and International Collaboration

  • The university fosters a strong sense of community and has numerous partnerships with international institutions. It offers various study abroad programs, allowing students to gain global perspectives. The university’s focus on service learning and community engagement also makes it unique, as students are encouraged to take part in activities that benefit local and international communities.

6. Strong Alumni Network

  • Saint Mary's University has an active and engaged alumni community. Many of its graduates go on to successful careers in business, politics, and academia. The business alumni network, in particular, is very strong, and it supports both current students and graduates with career opportunities, mentoring, and professional development.

7. Athletics and Campus Life

  • SMU is known for a vibrant campus life with a strong athletics program. The university competes in several sports leagues, particularly in basketball and soccer, and has a strong presence in Canadian university sports (U Sports). Additionally, the campus offers various clubs, cultural events, and social activities, making it an appealing place for students looking for a dynamic university experience.

8. Inclusive and Supportive Environment

  • The university is celebrated for its inclusive and supportive environment, which promotes diversity and provides various student services like career advising, counseling, and academic support. SMU actively works to foster an atmosphere where students from all backgrounds feel welcome and supported.

These elements combined contribute to Saint Mary's University’s reputation as a top choice for students seeking high-quality education, particularly in business, social sciences, and liberal arts, as well as a university experience that is engaging and community-focused.

For Saint Mary's University (SMU), the language requirements for international students typically focus on proficiency in English, as it is the language of instruction at the university. Here are the general language requirements:

English Language Proficiency Requirements:

  1. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):

    • Internet-based (iBT) TOEFL: Minimum score of 88 (with at least 20 in each section).
    • Paper-based TOEFL: Minimum score of 570.

  2. IELTS (International English Language Testing System):

    • Minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0.

  3. Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Assessment:

    • Minimum score of 60 overall with no band less than 60.

  4. Duolingo English Test:

    • Minimum score of 115.

  5. Pearson Test of English (PTE):

    • Minimum score of 59.

  6. Cambridge English Qualifications (CAE, CPE, FCE):

    • FCE (First Certificate in English): Minimum score of 169.
    • CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) or CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English): Minimum score of 176.

Exemptions:

  • Students from English-speaking countries (such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, etc.) or those who have completed studies in English may be exempt from these language requirements.
  • Some undergraduate programs may have additional or more specific language requirements depending on the course, so it’s important to check with the program of interest.

Students who do not meet the language requirements can often enroll in English language courses at the university’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program to improve their skills before starting their degree program.

It's always recommended to check the official Saint Mary's University website or contact the admissions office for the most up-to-date language requirements specific to your program and level of study.

Saint Mary's University (SMU), located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, is known for offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs with specializations in various fields. Here are some of the key areas of academic focus at SMU:

Course Specialties:

  1. Business Administration

    • Bachelor of Commerce (BComm)
    • Specializations:
      • Accounting
      • Finance
      • International Business
      • Management
      • Marketing
      • Information Systems
    • Master of Business Administration (MBA)
      • Known for its focus on global business, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

  2. Arts

    • Bachelor of Arts (BA)
    • Specializations:
      • Psychology
      • Sociology
      • Political Science
      • History
      • Philosophy
      • Economics
      • English Literature
      • Languages (Spanish, French, etc.)

  3. Science

    • Bachelor of Science (BSc)
    • Specializations:
      • Biology
      • Chemistry
      • Computer Science
      • Environmental Science
      • Mathematics and Statistics

  4. Engineering

    • Bachelor of Engineering (BEng):
      • Electrical Engineering
      • Industrial Engineering
    • Programs have a practical focus, integrating academic learning with real-world applications.

  5. Education

    • Bachelor of Education (BEd)
      • Specializations include elementary and secondary education, with programs for both future teachers and those pursuing educational leadership roles.

  6. Graduate Programs

    • SMU offers Master's degrees in various disciplines, including MBA, Applied Health Services Research, and Education. These programs focus on professional development, research, and leadership in specific fields.

  7. Interdisciplinary Studies

    • Programs that allow students to combine courses from multiple disciplines to suit their academic and career goals, such as Environmental Studies, Global Politics, or Women’s and Gender Studies.

Research Strengths and Specialties:

  • Business Research: SMU’s Sobey School of Business is recognized for research in areas like finance, international business, social entrepreneurship, and business ethics.
  • Environmental Sustainability: The university is also known for its research in environmental sustainability, particularly through the Environmental Science program.
  • Social and Political Research: Programs like Political Science and Sociology provide opportunities for research in areas such as public policy, human rights, and global development.

Saint Mary's University focuses on providing practical, career-oriented education with strong connections to industries, particularly in fields like business and social sciences, while also fostering interdisciplinary learning across different academic areas.

Saint Mary's University (SMU) is known for having a number of distinguished faculty members, particularly in its Sobey School of Business, Social Work, and Arts programs. However, while the university does not typically feature widely recognized "top professors" in the same high-profile way as some larger institutions, it is known for having strong teaching faculty who have made significant contributions in their fields. Here are a few professors and notable figures associated with the university:

1. Dr. Mohammad Ali Hamade

  • Department: Finance, Sobey School of Business.
  • Specialty: Finance, with a focus on corporate finance, investment management, and financial risk management.
  • Contributions: Dr. Hamade has received recognition for his research on financial decision-making and risk.

2. Dr. Nizar F. A. Khatib

  • Department: Economics, Sobey School of Business.
  • Specialty: Macroeconomics and development economics.
  • Contributions: Dr. Khatib is a respected economist in the areas of global economic development and financial markets.

3. Dr. James J. Morrison

  • Department: Department of Sociology and Criminology.
  • Specialty: His research focuses on social justice, political sociology, and criminology.
  • Contributions: Dr. Morrison is widely known for his teaching and contributions to social theory, particularly in Canadian contexts.

4. Dr. Krista J. A. McLellan

  • Department: Department of Psychology.
  • Specialty: Psychology of learning and social psychology.
  • Contributions: Known for her work on human behavior and psychology in social contexts, Dr. McLellan has contributed to teaching practices and educational psychology.

5. Dr. Suzanne L. M. McCarthy

  • Department: Faculty of Arts.
  • Specialty: Philosophy with a focus on ethics and environmental philosophy.
  • Contributions: Dr. McCarthy has published several works in ethics and is recognized for her interdisciplinary approach that integrates philosophical insights with real-world issues.

Additional Contributions:

Many faculty members at Saint Mary's University have also contributed to community-based research and global studies, focusing on indigenous issues, social justice, and environmental sustainability. The university values professors who integrate practical application of knowledge with academic rigor, often working with the local community and international organizations.

Overall, while Saint Mary's University might not be as internationally renowned for Nobel-winning professors, it offers strong, practical, and engaged faculty members who are leaders in their specific academic fields, particularly in business, social sciences, and humanities.

Saint Mary's University (SMU) does not have any Nobel Prize laureates among its faculty or alumni. While the university has a strong reputation in fields such as business, social sciences, and liberal arts, it is not currently associated with Nobel Prizes in the way that some larger, more research-focused institutions are.

However, it is important to note that many universities across Canada, including SMU, contribute to research and knowledge in various fields, which can indirectly support the types of innovations that might lead to Nobel Prizes in the future.

For example, SMU has research strengths in areas like entrepreneurship, international business, social work, and environmental sustainability, but Nobel recognition would typically be more closely associated with institutions with a broader research focus or highly specialized labs in fields like medicine, physics, and chemistry.