Mount Saint Vincent University (the Mount) 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, the Mount is a university with unparalleled social impact at home, across the country and around the world.

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 4,000 women and men from across Canada and more than 50 countries take advantage of the Mount’s programs and unique sense of community through on-campus classes and distance learning opportunities. 

The Mount’s more than 140-year history is a story of humanity and growth. From its beginning, the University has been concerned with 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. More »

Location

Mount Saint Vincent University overlooks the Bedford Basin in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Situated on a park-like campus in the centre of the Halifax Regional Municipality, the Mount is just minutes from the heart of downtown Halifax, with easy access to shopping, entertainment, museums, theatres and restaurants. On campus you will find the Freda Wales Trail and the Sister Lua Arboretum.

We invite you to take a virtual tour of our campus.

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 Arts (Communication)which offers students a deeper understanding of the foundations of human and organizational communication, and the relationship between media, culture and society. Our Bachelor of Science (Science Communication) program is designed to educate scientifically-literate communicators — professionals who help bridge the gap between the general public and the work of scientists.

Other professional programs offered include Applied Human Nutrition, Business Administration, Tourism and Hospitality Management, Child and Youth Study and Public Relations. 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 more than a dozen graduate programs that build on and enhance undergraduate program strengths, including the 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.

Co-operative and Experiential Learning

As a leader in co-operative and experiential learning, all students at the Mount are encouraged to find opportunities to build experiential learning into their programs. And with Co-operative Education included in a number of our programs, students gain the experience they need to be ready for the workforce. 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.

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 offers one of the most generous scholarship programs in the region. Each year, hundreds of students benefit from approximately $2 million in scholarships and bursaries associated with the Mount.

A Leader in Research  

The Mount’s research centres provide unique learning opportunities for our students while facilitating critical advancements in food security, healthy aging, literacy, childhood development and more. Our faculty and departments 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. These opportunities can be life-changing for students, opening up professional possibilities and new aspirations.

The Mount’s Research Chairs include Dr. Tamara Franz-Odendaal (NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering, Atlantic); Dr. Marnina Gonick (Canada Research Chair, Gender); Dr. Jamie Metsala (Gail and Stephen Jarislowsky Chair in Learning Disabilities); Dr. Patty Williams (Canada Research Chair, Food Security and Public Policy); and Dr. Maya Eichler (Canada Research Chair, Social Innovation and Community Engagement).

Shaping the Future 

Our network of more than 33,000 Mount alumnae stays connected through activities, programs and communications from the Mount’s Alumnae Association which celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2011. 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.

Thanks to the efforts of a task force of committed leaders and many generous donors and supporters, in May of 2015 the Mount opened its new environmentally friendly Margaret Norrie McCain Centre for Teaching, Learning and Research. Offering students a learning environment that is contemporary, technology-rich and interactive, the McCain Centre is home to programs and initiatives in women's studies, business, tourism and communications, and is the first building on a Canadian University campus dedicated to the accomplishments of women. In short, the new McCain Centre has transformed our instructional environment resulting in a tremendous impact on our core mission: teaching.

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 interests and topics in a wide range of realms, 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.