Academic Programs - Undergraduate

Canadian Studies

In Canadian Studies, you will develop a sophisticated understanding of Canadian society. You will also gain a range of skills from the humanities and social sciences.

Understand our past, build towards our future.

Halifax's historic Citadel Hill Clocktower surrounded by modern buildings on a sunny day, including the Nova Centre under construction.

Canadian Studies will push you to investigate Canada from various perspectives. Your journey, as you study Canada, will take you into the humanities (Art, English and Theatre, French, History). You will also explore the social sciences (Economics, Politics, Sociology). You will deepen your understanding of current social, cultural and political trends in Canada. You will better understand their historical roots. Along the way, you will broaden your skills in research, reading and writing. With these skills, you will be able to make a significant contribution to Canadian society.

Acadia offers a personalized education. In Canadian Studies, you can explore what interests you. If you wish, you may choose courses that focus primarily on Atlantic Canada, or on Canadian culture, or on contemporary Canadian issues. It is possible to earn a major in Canadian Studies alone, or you may combine it with another discipline to receive a double major.

One of the first things you will notice when you arrive on campus is that you are a big part of your small classes. That increased level of contact and participation enhances your learning. It also improves your connection to professors and your fellow students inside the classroom and beyond.

Our experienced faculty will bring their research and opinions into the classroom. They will encourage you to share your ideas as you acquire knowledge and skills. You will develop the skills needed to address complex issues facing society and to understand the role Canada plays on the world stage.

Canadian Studies is taken as a special option in the Faculty of Arts. Your choice of available courses is wide. Because of that, you are advised to consult with the Dean of Arts or the Coordinator of the Canadian Studies Option when planning your program. This is to ensure that you will meet all degree requirements for the BA with Options.

We also offer an honours program. Honours will be of particular interest if you propose to do graduate work in Canadian Studies.

First Year at a Glance

First semester

  • ENGL 1x13
    Writing & Reading Critically/Composition 1
  • FRAN xx13
    Introductory French course
  • HUMANITIES xx13
    Introductory humanities course
  • SOCIAL SCIENCE xx13
    Introductory social sciences course
  • SCIENCE xx13
    Introductory science course

Second semester

  • ENGL 1x23
    Writing & Reading Critically/Composition 2
  • FRAN xx23
    Introductory French course
  • HUMANITIES xx23
    Introductory humanities course
  • SOCIAL SCIENCE xx23
    Introductory social sciences course
  • SCIENCE xx23
    Introductory science course

Future Careers

  • Civil service
  • Film making
  • Government
  • Historian
  • International development
  • International relations
  • Journalism
  • Law
  • Museum curation
  • Non-governmental organizations
  • Policy analysis
  • Politics
  • Teaching
 

Apply to
Acadia

If you’re looking for a high-quality, high-engagement university experience, you’ve come to the right place. Bringing out the best in you is what we do best.

Applying online takes about 15 minutes. Let’s get started!

Continue Exploring

Visit the Canadian Studies program page

Related Programs

Canadian Studies is built upon many different Social Sciences and Humanities. You may also be interested in programs including:

Campus Life & Residences

Most first-year students choose to live in residence to make friends and stay close to class, recreation facilities, and downtown Wolfville. Learn more about our residence experience and the student services here to support you.

Residences & Meal Plans Student Services
 
A smiling Acadia staff member speaks with a student in the KC Irving Centre Garden Room

Speak to Us

Our enrolment advisors are here to answer your questions about the application process, campus life, and more.

Connect Now
An Acadia student gestures as she leads a campus tour. The campus chapel is visible in the background.

Visit Campus

Seeing is believing. Book a campus tour to explore Acadia in person.

Book a Visit