Introduction to Acadia University's Graduate Programs

Acadia University offers a range of graduate programs designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in their chosen field. The university's graduate programs are highly competitive, and admission is based on a student's academic record, research experience, and other relevant factors.

Graduate Program Entrance Requirements

Candidates for admission to Acadia University's graduate programs must possess an Honours degree or a four-year bachelor's degree from an approved university. Those possessing a major in a field other than that of their graduate program will normally be required to take sufficient undergraduate courses to make up the equivalent of an Acadia undergraduate major. Special consideration may be given to those candidates wishing to change from one undergraduate field to a related graduate one.

Admission Requirements

• Candidates must have at least a B- average (70%) in the courses taken in the major field in the last two undergraduate years (or 60 credit hours) of university study, including coursework in undergraduate degree(s) and any graduate work completed.
• Applicants to all MEd programs must have at least a B average (73-76%) in their final two years of full-time equivalent (60 credit hours) university study, including coursework in undergraduate degree(s) and any graduate work completed.
• Admission is highly competitive, and the number of students admitted each cycle or year may vary depending on the applicant pool and resource availability.

Program Requirements

The following programs have specific admission requirements:

Applied Geomatics

• Candidates must possess an Honours degree, or a four-year Bachelor's degree, from an approved university.
• Undergraduate degrees in Biology, Earth and Environmental Science, and Physical Geography are most compatible with this degree.
• Candidates should have at least a B- average in relevant disciplines in the last two undergraduate years.

Biology

• Emphasis is placed on research rather than course work.
• Individual programs of study are determined by the student's supervisor and committee.
• The advisory committee consists of the supervisor and at least two other faculty members or research associates.

Chemistry

• Students must possess an Honours degree, or a four-year Bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from an approved university.
• Students holding degrees with high academic standing in fields closely related to Chemistry may also be accepted for graduate work in Chemistry, although they may be asked to take additional course work to improve their background in Chemistry.
• Students must have at least a B- average (70%) in the courses taken in the major field in the last two undergraduate years.

Community Development

• The program seeks applications from excellent graduating and mature students with a range of Bachelor's degrees who are interested in an intensive, self-directed, and engaging program.
• The program is thesis-based, and students will also complete a number of courses while working in close cooperation with faculty on their research project.
• Applicants should have a particular interest in one of the following areas:
  • Tourism and Sustainable Community Development
  • Environmental Education
  • Active Transportation and Community Health
  • Sustainable Food and Community Development
  • Renewable Energy and Community Engagement
  • Adventure Education
  • Community-Based Resource and Environmental Management

Master of Education

• All applicants must meet the minimum graduate admission criteria.
• Applicants to all MEd programs must have at least a B average (73-76%) in their final two years of full-time equivalent (60 credit hours) university study, including coursework in undergraduate degree(s) and any graduate work completed.
• Two years of paid, full-time equivalent, post-degree teaching or related experience is required.
• Two current arm's length references from persons conversant with the applicant's academic and professional abilities are required.

Master of Education - Counselling

• Applicants must possess a four-year undergraduate degree with a B (73 - 76%) average in the final two years of study.
• The equivalent of two years of full-time, paid, relevant work experience is required.
• Relevant work experience should involve strong interpersonal and communication skills.

English

• Applicants for admission should hold a BA Honours degree in English or equivalent.

Environmental Science

• Candidates for admission to this program must possess an Honours degree, or a four-year Bachelor's degree, or its equivalent, from an approved university.
• Undergraduate degrees in science, particularly Environmental Science, Environmental Geoscience, Environmental Engineering, are most compatible with this MSc degree.
• Candidates should have at least a B- average in relevant disciplines in the last two undergraduate years.

Geology

• The program usually accepts only students who have completed undergraduate degrees in Geology with A grades.

Mathematics & Statistics

• In addition to other admissions requirements, applicants must submit a brief statement of possible research interests and indicate whether they will be seeking an internship.

Political Science

• The current average threshold for admissions in the program is a Bachelor Degree in Political Science/Political Studies/Politics, with a minimum GPA of 3.50/4.00 in the last two years of full-time study.
• Applicants without a degree in Political Science may be considered, but may be required to complete undergraduate coursework in Political Science prior to admission.

Psychology

• To apply, students must have either an Honours degree in psychology or equivalent.
• Previous research activity, work experience, and clinically-related public service are considered.
• Short-listed candidates shall receive a telephone or in-person interview by two or more faculty members in order to augment the selection process.

Social & Political Thought

• The program is interested in admitting a diversity of students with a common motivation and ability to pursue interdisciplinary, graduate-level theoretical work on society and/or politics.
• Applicants should have a background in a relevant disciplinary or interdisciplinary program, as well as relevant work or life experience.

Sociology

• In addition to the general admission requirements, applicants must have an Honours degree in sociology and a grade-point average of at least 3.55 in the last two years of their program.
• Applicants are required to have completed 6h coursework in each of social theory and research methods.
• The application must include a statement of research interests, a sample of written work, a curriculum vitae, all undergraduate transcripts, and two letters of reference.

Tuition Fees

• Graduate fees for Nova Scotian students:
  • MA Program (except MA SOPT) and MSC GEOM (1-year programs): $10,195.92
  • MSc/MSc CS (Thesis or Project)/M CODE/MA SOPT/MAK (per year, 2-year programs): $7,145.10
• Graduate fees for Canadian students:
  • MA Program (except MA SOPT) and MSC GEOM (1-year programs): $10,604.58
  • MSc/MSc CS (Thesis or Project)/M CODE/MA SOPT/MAK (per year, 2-year programs): $7,431.60
• Graduate fees for international students:
  • MA Program (except MA SOPT) and MSC GEOM (1-year programs): $24,233.10
  • MSc/MSc CS (Thesis or Project)/M CODE/MA SOPT/MAK (per year, 2-year programs): $16,881.98

Research Areas

• Aesthetics of international politics
• Canadian politics and government
• Civil society and social movements
• Comparative public policy
• Continental political thought
• Democratic citizenship in theory and practice
• Discourses of culture and technology
• Discursive democracy and social justice
• First Nations Peoples in Canada
• Gender and development
• Identity politics in Canada
• Indigenous epidemiologies and political contexts
• International political theory
• Intersectionality of oppressions in Canada
• Labour rights, especially for women, migrants, and public sector employees
• New media technologies
• Northern studies in Canada
• Public administration
• Place-based knowledge and narrative
• Philosophy of space and time
• Politics of the Americas
• The role of culture and ideology in environmental politics, with a focus on water issues
• Social construction of scarcity
• Sovereignty and pre-emptive governance
• Workers' activism

Program at a Glance

• The 12-month program in Political Science helps students unite great ideas and urgent practice.
• The program prepares students for work in the public and private sectors or further graduate study at the PhD level.
• Students will take a Master's Colloquium, complete a thesis, and take five courses, with at least one course from three of the four subfields:
  • Canadian Politics
  • Comparative Politics
  • International Relations
  • Political Theory

Graduate Studies Office

• The Graduate Studies Office is responsible for administering the university's graduate programs.
• The office provides support and guidance to graduate students throughout their program.
• Students can contact the Graduate Studies Officer with questions about admission requirements or the application process.

Masters in Political Science at Acadia University

Degree Overview:

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Program Summary:

• This 12-month program aims to equip students to unite "great ideas with urgent practice".
• It focuses on rigorous training in the discipline and prepares graduates for further academic study at the PhD level, as well as work in both the private and public sectors.
• The program stands out for its small size, allowing for individualized attention, and its location in a welcoming community with a vibrant cultural and natural setting.

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Program Objectives:

• To provide students with comprehensive instruction in Canadian politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory.
• To cultivate student expertise through rigorous training in the political science discipline.
• To prepare graduates for continued academic pursuits at the PhD level.
• To equip graduates for careers in the public and private sectors including journalism, advocacy, international development and organization, education, and law.
## Outline: The program consists of three terms.

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Years 1, Term 1:

• POLS 5143 Masters Colloquium
• POLS SUBFIELD 1 Research Seminar (from Canadian, Theory, Comparative or Global)
• POLS 5xx3 Elective
• POLS 5960 Thesis (in-progress)

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Year 1, Term 2:

• POLS 5143 Masters Colloquium
• POLS SUBFIELD 2 Research Seminar
• POLS SUBFIELD 3 Elective (from three remaining subfield areas)
• POLS 5960 Thesis (in-progress)

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Year 1, Term 3:

• POLS 5960 Thesis Completion
## Assessment:
• The program utilizes various methods of assessment.
These may include:
• Essays
• Research projects
• Examinations
• Presentations
• Seminar participation
## Teaching:
• Benefit from small class sizes and individual attention.
• Learn from faculty with diverse research interests.
• Access the Wolfville campus library, IT services, and student resources.
## Careers:
• Graduates are prepared for various career paths in both the public and private sectors.
These may include:
• Government positions
• Non-governmental organizations
• Advocacy and policy work
• Education and research
• Journalism and communication
• International development
## Other:
• The program welcomes applications from students from diverse backgrounds and encourages interdisciplinary study.
• Students have opportunities to participate in research, conferences, and other academic activities.
## Disclaimer

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Please note:

this response is based solely on the information provided. It is possible the program information may have changed or that additional details are available elsewhere. It is recommended to double-check the program website and official sources for the most up-to-date information.

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Overview:

Acadia University is a renowned Canadian university established in 1838. It is consistently ranked as the top primarily undergraduate university in Nova Scotia and among the best in Canada. Acadia offers a unique experience compared to larger universities, with smaller class sizes, more interaction with professors, and opportunities for undergraduate research or co-op work terms.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Acadia provides a welcoming and supportive environment for students. The smaller size fosters a tight-knit community, allowing students to create a sense of home away from home. The campus is walkable, with most students living in residence or within a mile of campus. Acadia offers a range of student life supports, including academic advising, accessible learning services, tutoring, career and experiential learning, health and wellness services, housing and dining options, and campus life activities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Small class sizes and personalized attention:

Acadia's smaller size allows for more individual attention from professors and a more intimate learning environment.

Opportunities for undergraduate research and co-op work terms:

Acadia provides students with opportunities to engage in research and gain practical experience through co-op programs.

Welcoming and supportive community:

The tight-knit community at Acadia fosters a sense of belonging and provides students with a strong support system.

Beautiful campus and town setting:

Acadia's campus is located in the charming town of Wolfville, offering a picturesque and walkable environment.

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Academic Programs:

Acadia offers over 200 combinations of degree programs across the faculties of Arts, Professional Studies, Pure and Applied Sciences, and Theology. Many programs include Honours or Co-op Education options.

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Other:

Acadia University is located in Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaw nation.