Program structure

The Bachelor of Health Sciences (Public Health) program at Cape Breton University (CBU) offers three distinct pathways to accommodate students with varying educational backgrounds:

1. Four-Year Program:

• Target Audience: High school graduates or individuals with some university coursework.

• Structure: Comprises 40 term courses over four years.

• Certification Eligibility: Graduates are academically eligible to apply for the national certification examinations leading to the Certified Public Health Inspector (Canada) [CPHI(C)] credential. An appropriate 12-week practicum is also a requirement for certification.

• Transfer Credits: Students with prior university courses can apply for transfer credits, assessed on a case-by-case basis, with the possibility of transferring up to 20 courses.

2. Two-Year Accelerated Degree (Advanced Standing):

• Target Audience: Individuals who have already completed a relevant university degree.

• Structure: Consists of 24 courses intended to be completed over two years.

• Certification Eligibility: Graduates are academically eligible to apply for the CPHI(C) credential, with the 12-week practicum requirement applicable.

• Transfer Credits: Eligible for up to 12 transfer credits if previous courses are similar in content.

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3. One-Year Professional Degree:

• Target Audience: Certified Public Health Inspectors holding the CPHI(C) credential.

• Structure: Requires completion of 12 term courses, offered via distance education (online).

• Outcome: Graduates receive the Bachelor of Health Sciences (Public Health) degree.

Core Curriculum Highlights:

• Year One:

  • General Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • Cell Processes and Environmental Effects
  • Physical Agents and Their Health Effects
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Statistics
  • Public Health Administration
  • Writing Electives
  • Free Electives

• Year Two:

  • Introductory Microbiology
  • Engineering Issues in Public Health
  • Emergency Preparedness
  • Occupational Health and Safety Legislation
  • Hydrogeology
  • Food Hygiene
  • Integrated Pest Management
  • Epidemiology
  • Science/Technology Elective
  • Free Elective

• Year Three:

  • Issues in Public Health
  • Public Health Law
  • Public Health Inspection
  • Public Health Ethics
  • Quality and Environmental Project Management
  • Occupational Hygiene
  • Public Health Inspection II
  • Communicable Disease Control
  • Food Borne Disease
  • Free Elective

• Year Four:

  • Food Quality
  • Toxicology
  • Biocontaminants in Indoor Environments
  • Waste Management
  • Municipal Services
  • Health Risk Assessment
  • Public Health Education
  • Community Nutrition
  • Free Electives

This structured approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared for diverse careers in public health, equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

Fees and Funding

Cape Breton University's Bachelor of Health Sciences (Public Health) program offers a comprehensive education with associated tuition fees and funding opportunities.

Tuition Fees:

• Canadian Students:

  • Tuition: $9,225.00 per academic year (30 credits).
  • Fees: $1,105.20.
  • Total: $10,330.20 per year.

• International Students:

  • Tuition: $9,225.00 per academic year (30 credits).
  • International Differential Fees: $10,650.00.
  • International Medical Plan A (mandatory): $1,283.00.
  • Fees: $775.20.
  • Total: $21,933.20 per year.

These estimates are based on a standard course load of 30 credits per year.

Funding Opportunities:

• Entrance Scholarships: Accepted students can apply for entrance scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000 per year. Applications are reviewed based on academic performance and other criteria.

• In-Course Scholarships: Awarded after each Fall and Winter semester to students who complete a minimum of 9 credits with an overall average of at least 80%. The scholarship value is based on the number of credits registered during the semester the award is received.

• Bursaries: CBU offers bursaries to students demonstrating financial need. Applications for in-course bursaries open in the fall each year, with awards distributed during the second semester.

Prospective and current students are encouraged to consult CBU's official resources or contact the awards office at awards@cbu.ca for the most current information on scholarships and bursaries applicable to the Bachelor of Health Sciences (Public Health) program.

Scholarship Guidance

Cape Breton University (CBU) offers a variety of scholarships and bursaries to support students enrolled in the Bachelor of Health Sciences (Public Health) program. These financial aids are designed to recognize academic excellence and assist those with financial need.

Entrance Scholarships:

• Eligibility: Students entering CBU directly from high school or through articulation agreement partners are considered based on their academic grades.

• Application Deadline: Accepted students can apply for Entrance Scholarships until March 1, 2024.

• Award Range: Scholarships range from $500 to $5,000 per year, awarded after a review of applicants.

In-Course Scholarships:

• Eligibility: Awarded after each Fall and Winter semester to students who complete a minimum of 9 credits with an overall average of at least 80%.

• Award Value: The scholarship's value is based on the number of credits registered during the semester the award is received.

Bursaries:

• Eligibility: Available to students demonstrating financial need.

• Application Process: Students must complete either an Entrance Bursary Form or In-Course Bursary Form and provide income tax assessments for both the student and, in some instances, parents.

Additional Scholarships:

• Redmond Memorial Bursary
• Lou Leith Entrance Award
• Selina & Stewart Tremblett Scholarship
• Cathrene Anna Campbell Memorial Award
• Rita MacNeil Music Award
• Kevin Hillman Scholarships
• CBUAA Entrance Scholarships
• CBUFA Scholarships & Bursaries
• Connor Timmons Entrance Scholarships
• William Bill Bugg Entrance Award
• Harrison McCain Scholarship/Bursary
• Zorychta Family Scholarship
• Stephen D. Kavanagh Memorial Bursary

For a comprehensive list and detailed information on scholarships and bursaries, please visit CBU's Scholarships & Bursaries page.

Prospective and current students are encouraged to consult CBU's official resources or contact the awards office at awards@cbu.ca for the most current information on scholarships and bursaries applicable to the Bachelor of Health Sciences (Public Health) program.

Admission Requirements

To apply for the Bachelor of Health Sciences (Public Health) program at Cape Breton University (CBU), applicants must meet the following admission requirements:

1. Academic Qualifications:

• High School Graduates:

  • Completion of Grade 12 with a minimum overall average of 65%.
  • Successful completion of English 12 and four additional Grade 12 academic or advanced level courses.

• Transfer Students:

  • Good academic standing at the current or previous post-secondary institution.
  • Meet the general admission requirements or their post-secondary equivalents for the program.

2. English Language Proficiency:

• Applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency through standardized tests such as IELTS or TOEFL, unless exempted.

3. Additional Requirements:

• Some programs may have specific prerequisites or additional requirements. Applicants are encouraged to consult CBU's official resources or contact the admissions office at admissions@cbu.ca for the most current information.

Prospective students are encouraged to consult CBU's official resources or contact the admissions office at admissions@cbu.ca for the most current information on admission requirements applicable to the Bachelor of Health Sciences (Public Health) program.

Application Procedure

To apply for the Bachelor of Health Sciences (Public Health) program at Cape Breton University (CBU), follow these steps:

1. Review Admission Requirements:

• Academic Qualifications:

  • High school diploma with a minimum overall average of 65%.
  • Completion of English 12 and four additional Grade 12 academic or advanced level courses.

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• English Language Proficiency:

  • If English is not your first language, provide proof of proficiency through standardized tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.

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2. Prepare Application Materials:

• Official transcripts from all educational institutions attended.
• Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable).
• Additional documents as specified by the admissions office.

3. Submit Your Application:

• Online Application: Complete and submit the online application form through CBU's application portal.

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• Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable application fee as specified on the application portal.

• Supporting Documents: Upload all required documents, including transcripts and proof of English proficiency.

4. Await Admission Decision:

• After submission, the admissions committee will review your application.
• You will be notified of the admission decision via email.

5. Accept Offer and Confirm Enrollment:

• If admitted, follow the instructions provided to accept the offer and confirm your seat in the program.

For detailed information on the application process and requirements, please visit the official program page.