Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU)  is committed to being a model of creative teaching and research that nurtures socially responsible global citizens. With a unique blend of passion and individuality, MSVU is a university with unparalleled social impact at home, across the country and around the world.

Learn more about MSVU’s unique position and impact:

Vision, Missions, and Values

Vision:

MSVU will be a model of creative teaching and research that nurtures socially responsible global citizens.

Mission:

MSVU is dedicated to:

  • The advancement of women and girls, inspired by its strong tradition of social responsibility.
  • The delivery of academic excellence through a rich and rewarding university experience.
  • The pursuit of knowledge: scholarship, teaching and intellectual endeavours of the highest quality.
  • The promotion of accessibility through flexible learning opportunities and services.

Values:

  • Academic Freedom
  • Accountability
  • Creativity
  • Engagement
  • Professionalism
  • Respect

What Sets us Apart

Academics

MSVU aspires to be a university where faculty, staff, and students feel supported, valued, challenged, enlightened, and inspired to learn and experiment in their work. MSVU is committed to providing students with an environment where they can engage with, and learn from, their professors and each other, which is outlined in Mount Saint Vincent University’s Academic Plan (PDF).

Accessibility has long been a hallmark of MSVU’s mission: MSVU wants to continue to welcome a diverse range of students and help them learn and grow. MSVU has also been a leader in providing students with applied learning experiences, whether through co-op terms, practica, and internships. Students, at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, have the opportunity to work closely with their professors on research. Students choose among a range of distinctive, vibrant programs across:

  • Arts and Science
  • Professional Studies
  • Education
  • Graduate Studies
  • Certificates & Diplomas

At the same time, undergraduate students in both Professional Students and Arts and Science are encouraged to reach beyond their programs and take courses in other departments and Faculties. This interconnectivity has enabled MSVU to create collaborations and joint projects across disciplinary, program, department, and Faculty lines. Throughout its history, MSVU has demonstrated its ability to adapt and thrive, while remaining true to the values upon which the university was founded.

Innovative Mix of Academic Programs

  • Undergraduate programs in Arts, Science, Education, and a number of professional programs including Applied Human Nutrition, Business Administration, Child and Youth Study, Public Relations, and Tourism and Hospitality Management
  • 34 graduate degrees in areas including Applied Human Nutrition, Child and Youth Study, Communication, Education, Family Studies and Gerontology, Public Relations and Women’s Studies
  • 8 certificate and diploma programs

Co-operative and Experiential Learning

MSVU is home to the longest-standing and second-largest accredited co-operative education program in Atlantic Canada; in fact, students across all Mount programs have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience as part of their studies. Since 1979, the Mount has offered opportunities for students to take classroom education into the workplace. More than 35 years later, over 7,000 students have successfully completed work terms.

A Leader in Research

Research is a core mission of any university. As stated in MSVU’s strategic plan, Strength Through Community: MSVU Strategic Plan (2021-2028), MSVU will “advance research, scholarly work, professional activity among faculty, staff, and students, especially as it relates to the advancement of women, girls, and other marginalized and underrepresented groups, social responsibility and social justice.” Strength Through Community articulates a research direction and agenda for MSVU for the next seven years. It is intended to integrate with MSVU’s other primary planning documents, for example Research Strategic Plan, in the service of MSVU’s mission, vision, and goals.

Quick Facts

  • In 2019, MSVU opened the state-of-the-art Sheila A. Brown Centre for Applied Research in Human Health, focusing on Alzheimer’s disease, obesity, early childhood health, and more.
  • Over $2.08 million earned by undergraduate and graduate students in research positions over the past three years
  • Only Atlantic Chair for Women in Science and Engineering (NSERC) – Dr. Tamara Franz-Odendaal

Centres, Institutes, Chairs, and Unique Research Facilities

MSVU’s research centres provide unique learning opportunities for its students while facilitating critical advancements in food security, healthy aging, Alzheimer’s disease, literacy, childhood development and more. Its faculty and departments, including four Canada Research Chairs and several other named chairs, offer early access to hands-on research opportunities enabling both graduate and undergraduate students to enhance their education by working alongside many forward-thinking researchers.

Learn more about MSVU’s research institutes.