Mount Saint Vincent University (the Mount) is committed to providing the best university experience for all members of its community and to developing thoughtful, engaged citizens who make a positive impact on their world. With a unique blend of passion and individuality, the Mount is a university with unparalleled social impact; at home, across the country and overseas.
The Mount is located just minutes from downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia and is recognized for its small class sizes and personalized approach to learning. A diverse mix of more than 4,000 women and men from across Canada and from 60 countries take advantage of the Mount’s programs and unique sense of community through on-campus classes or at a distance.
Our History
The Mount’s history is a story of humanity and growth. From its beginning, the University has been concerned about the wellbeing of individuals and communities, at home and abroad. Established by the Sisters of Charity in 1873, the Mount was one of the only institutions of higher education for women in Canada. At a time when women could not vote, the Mount provided an opportunity for women to learn and participate equally in society.
Specialized programs
The Mount is renowned for its wide range of programs and areas of study within arts, sciences, education and professional studies. One of the newest programs is the four-year Bachelor of Science (Science Communication), which will help fill a gap in Canada’s need for well-qualified science communicators and prepare students for further study. Other professional programs offered include Applied Human Nutrition, Business Administration, Tourism and Hospitality Management, Child and Youth Studies and Public Relations. With Co-operative Education in a number of these programs, students gain the experience they need to be ready for the workforce. The Mount’s undergraduate degrees in Public Relations and Child and Youth Study are the only programs of their kind in Atlantic Canada.
There are also more than a dozen graduate programs that build on and enhance undergraduate program strengths, including the newly developed Master of Public Relations Program, which is the only one of its kind in Canada. The Mount recently introduced a PhD in Educational Studies, the first PhD offered at the Mount. The Inter-University Doctoral Program in Educational Studies, offered in conjunction with Acadia University and St. Francis Xavier University, is the only one of its kind in the region.
Flexible learning options
A leader in distance education, the Mount offers innovative ways for students to study and learn. Students at the Mount can take classes on a flexible schedule with many undergraduate and graduate degree programs available through Distance Learning and Continuing Education.
Scholarships
The Mount is committed to increasing student financial aid and offers one of the most generous scholarship programs in the region. Each year, hundreds of students benefit from more than $1.5 million in scholarships and bursaries associated with the Mount.
A leader in Research
The Mount has been nationally recognized among undergraduate universities in Canada for our success in Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council grants. The University has more than doubled the number of undergraduate students holding research assistantships over the last three years, while graduate research assistantships have also increased. These unique opportunities can be life changing for students, opening up professional possibilities and new aspirations.
Shaping the Future
More than 26,500 Mount alumnae stay connected to the Mount through activities, programs and communications from the Mount’s Alumnae Association which has recently celebrated its 90th anniversary. The Mount also continues to develop connections with a number of individuals, organizations and businesses in the community on projects that improve our community, our campus and our students’ experience.
Recently, the Mount embarked on Project TWENTY12, the most ambitious fundraising initiative in the Mount’s history. Project TWENTY12 will result in a new Teaching, Learning and Research Centre, a contemporary, technology-rich and interactive learning environment. Also inside the Centre, the Mount will pay special tribute to 12 inspiring Canadian women whose contributions to society will leave a lasting impression on the students of today and tomorrow. The Mount is committed to raising the $12 million required to build the Centre by the end of 2012.
Campus life
The Mount has an active and engaging campus life. Students can opt to participate in a number of groups and societies, many of which reinforce the Mount’s commitment to social justice and address a wide range of interests and topics, including: academic, international, political, environmental, social, community service and recreational. Students can choose to live on campus through a range of options including traditional residence, townhouses or apartment style residence.
Home to some of the best athletes and teams in the region and country, athletics and recreation play a big role in campus life at the Mount. Our Mount Mystics varsity teams have been recognized for their athletic ability, their academics and fair play. The Mount’s fitness centre offers a wide range of classes and programs for students and community members.