Liberal Arts at St. Thomas University

The small university of big opportunities.

Liberal Arts

DISCOVERING LIBERAL ARTS The liberal arts are those subjects or skills that are considered essential to know in order to take an active part in civic life. The liberal arts are not just about sharing knowledge, but developing intelligence. We believe a truly great education is one that increases your capacity to learn, analyze, and formulate thought in a way that enables you to contribute positively to society.

Regardless of the major you choose at St. Thomas, you will acquire life’s most important skills. The development of these skills will be what will help you define your values in life, identify the type of contribution you want to make, and land the type of employment you will enjoy.

EXPLORE YOUR INTERESTS At St. Thomas, you do not have to declare your major in your first year. You are instead encouraged to explore your interests and weigh those experiences before committing to a major in upper years.

Here are a few areas of study you might consider exploring further. If any, or many, of these areas interest you, we encourage you to apply.

Criminology, Human Rights, and Sociology help you understand how policies, laws, and institutions actually affect human beings and society as a whole.

Psychology enables you to understand human behaviour, addictions, mental illnesses, and more; while Gerontology aids in understanding and improving people’s lives through the aging process at the later stages of their lives.

As a student of Journalism, you will learn the art of telling people’s stories in print, radio, web writing, or broadcast.

Political Science, International Relations, and Economics shed light on complicated issues and events in Canada, New Brunswick, and around the world. Environment and Society helps you understand prevalent issues such as climate change, pollution, and resource sustainability.

Students who study English Literature, Great Books, or Philosophy develop the capacity to understand complex issues, empathize with individuals who are different than them, and uncover what is true, what is fair, and what is just.

By studying French or Spanish, you can break down borders to new experiences with people and places from around the globe.

The study of World History equips students with a detailed understanding of how events from the past have shaped the world today.

Women’s Studies and Gender Studies break down preconceived notions of what it means to be male or female, and provides insight into experiences of women from around the world.

In Communications and Public Policy, you will be exposed to how and why policy is created, communicated, and how it affects people.

Students of Science and Technology Studies evaluate the ways in which advancements in those two fields affect our society.

Courses in Native Studies provide First Nations and non-First Nations students an opportunity to explore cultural, historical, and contemporary issues faced by First Nations people.

Delve deep into the study of cultures, near and far, in Anthropology, and obtain a more broad perspective on human behaviour.

Challenge yourself creatively in Fine Arts —through music, paint, or sculpture—and develop a professional confidence in your creative talents.

Religious Studies and Catholic Studies will provide you with an understanding of the world’s religions and the role they play in people’s lives and in society on a larger scale.

Regardless of whether you come to St. Thomas with a specific field of study in mind or you haven’t quite decided, you will discover courses that inspire you, topics that challenge and engage you, and professors who make you love their fields of study as much as they do.

A NOTE FROM ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY

CLASS OF 2014 VALEDICTORIAN Graduating from high school can be overwhelming and you

will have a lot of decisions to make in a short period of time.

For me, choosing a university seemed like it was going to be

one of the hardest decisions of my life. As I learned more

about St. Thomas, it quickly became one of the easiest and

best decisions of my life. During my time at St. Thomas,

I learned more about myself than I had ever imagined possible.

I graduated with a better understanding of my strengths and

how I can contribute to the world around me.

- Nicola MacLeod STU Class of 2014, Valedictorian

COMMONCAREERS &GRADUATEPATHWAYS

CRITICAL & TRANSFERABLE SKILLS In choosing to study the liberal arts, you are recognizing that we live in an ever-changing, complex world—socially, economically, and culturally. In Canada and around the world, almost every aspect of the way we live and work has evolved and continues to change. This is why Arts is still the single largest area of study in the country and a growing field in many developing areas of the world. A liberal arts degree provides you with skills that are in growing demand.

- Valuable knowledge from multiple fields – first-year students take classes from different departments, providing an opportunity to explore many interests and become equipped with a diversified or multi-layered understanding of today’s most important topics.

- Advanced written and verbal communication – organizing and presenting ideas, information, and facts so that audiences understand an issue better, or are motivated by your message.

- Informed understanding of different cultures, groups, and societies – this kind of cultural and emotional literacy is invaluable when dealing with individuals from different countries, generations, religions, and genders.

- Exceptional analytical and thinking skills – the ability to look at a problem or situation from different angles, to navigate through conflicting facts, opinions, and ideas to discover truth and meaning in otherwise complicated circumstances.

- Outstanding research skills – liberal arts students are passionate about what they study, which is why they are skilled researchers. Good researchers examine the cause of an issue and explore its history, familiarise themselves with legal components, deconstruct opposing views, and skillfully use statistics in each case – practice in these areas will serve you well as you pursue your career.

Liberal arts graduates are prepared for lucrative careers in an almost endless list of fields. Our graduates move into successful careers in government, business, and law. They are involved with environmental initiatives, humanitarian work, traditional and non- traditional education. They work as social workers, marketing managers, writers,

reporters, social media experts, and leaders of organizations that make a difference in the world. They have the skills to look good on paper, and to thrive in the interview and on the job.

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

Criminology Introduction to Criminology11:30-12:20

History World History10:00-11:20


History World History10:00-11:20


Sociology Introduction to Sociology12:30-1:20

Psychology Introduction to Psychology11:30-12:50


Psychology Introduction to Psychology11:30-12:50


English Introduction to Literature1:30-2:20



Sample Student Schedule (The following chart is to provide an example of what a typical course load looks like in your first year.)

Browse programs, courses, other opportunities, and apply!

Learn more about the educational philosophy at St. Thomas University and our programs at stu.ca/academics

A survey conducted by Hart Research Associates in Washington DC recently reported more than 90% of companies are looking for employees who can “demonstrate ethical judgment and integrity; intercultural skills; and the capacity for continued new learning.”

APPLY NOW AT CONNECTSTU.CA1 506 452 0532 1 877 788 4443

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Liberal Arts at St. Thomas University