St. Thomas University

St. Thomas University (STU) is a highly regarded liberal arts university located in the heart of Fredericton, New Brunswick.

STU, founded in 1910, has a long history of offering a first-class education that prepares students to make an impact in their careers and communities, locally and globally.

Students learn in small classes where they connect with peers and professors, and are supported in their personal and academic growth in the university's tight-knit campus community. The average class size is just 23 students, and classes are capped at 60 students, which creates a personalised learning environment where students can connect with their professors for a more in-depth learning experience.

STU's inclusive and diverse student community numbers around 1,600, of which 10 per cent are international students. The university fosters a collaborative community spirit within a setting that values critical thinking, ethical judgement, and intellectual curiosity. First-year students report higher satisfaction levels than peers at other Canadian universities (CUSC, 2022).

STU's Bachelor of Arts program is at the core of its curriculum, offering over 30 humanities and social sciences programs with popular subjects including Psychology, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Law, Politics, and Society, Economics, Digital Media and Creative Arts, Gerontology, Business: Social Entrepreneurship, and International Relations.

The university's mission is to prepare graduates for a rewarding career and equip them to make meaningful contributions to society.

At St. Thomas University, teaching quality is a cornerstone of the educational experience, rooted in a commitment to academic excellence and personalised learning. The university's faculty comprises a dedicated team of educators, practitioners, and accomplished scholars who are highly qualified, and are passionate about the success of their students. In fact, 99 per cent of faculty hold the highest degree in their field, ensuring that students receive expert instruction in every program.

Classes are always taught by professors, not teaching assistants, allowing students to learn directly from experienced academics.

Small class sizes create a collaborative learning environment where professors get to know their students, fostering close mentorship and intellectual engagement. This personalised approach encourages critical thinking and meaningful discussions, enhancing students' overall learning experience. First-year students ranked STU professors higher for effective communication, encouraging participation, and concern for their interests than their peers at other Canadian universities (CUSC, 2022).

Innovative teaching methods, including experiential learning, group projects, and community-based initiatives, further enrich the classroom experience, ensuring that STU graduates are well-prepared for their careers while also being encouraged to develop themselves outside the classroom.

St. Thomas University's academic structure is designed to provide a comprehensive liberal arts education that encourages interdisciplinary exploration. It delivers its programs through several departments:

Bachelor of Arts

St. Thomas University's Bachelor of Arts program offers a diverse and comprehensive academic experience, with students selecting courses from a broad range of disciplines in the humanities and social sciences.

Social Sciences

• Anthropology
• Criminology and Criminal Justice
• Economics
• Environment and Society
• Gerontology
• International Relations
• Law, Politics, and Society
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Business and Social Entrepreneurship
• Sociology
• Women's Studies and Gender Studies

Humanities

• Catholic Studies
• Communications and Public Policy
• Digital Media and Creative Arts
• English Language and Literature
• English as a Second Language
• Fine Arts
• French
• Great Books
• History
• Human Rights
• Interdisciplinary Studies
• Irish Studies
• Journalism
• Native Studies
• Philosophy
• Religious Studies
• Romance Languages
• Spanish and Latin American Studies

Bachelor of Arts (Aviation Stream)—The St. Thomas University Bachelor of Arts (Aviation Stream) is offered in partnership with MFC Training (Fredericton Campus). The program combines traditional undergraduate education with ground and flight training and is one of few programs in the country.

School of Social Work

This department offers both undergraduate and graduate programs designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for impactful careers.

The school offers a Bachelor of Social Work and the only English-language Master of Social Work program in New Brunswick, providing students with comprehensive training in social justice, advocacy, and direct practice.

Bachelor of Education

This cross-disciplinary degree program emphasises inclusionary teaching approaches, offering concentrations in elementary (kindergarten to grade 5), secondary (grades 6 to 12), or French second-language teaching through cooperative learning and teamwork, along with practical teaching techniques.

St. Thomas University welcomes prospective students with a clear and accessible admissions process for its diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

• Bachelor of Arts— Open to high school graduates, transfer students, returning students, and adult learners.
• Bachelor of Applied Arts— Offered in collaboration with the New Brunswick Community College.
• Bachelor of Education— Applicants must hold or be in the process of completing a bachelor's degree in the application year; direct entry from high school is not available.
• Bachelor of Social Work— Requires a minimum of 60 credit hours in liberal arts from a recognized institution. Applicants applying directly from high school will start in the Bachelor of Arts, taking introductory social work classes before applying to the BSW program.
• Master of Social Work— Open to applicants who have completed a bachelor of arts or bachelor of social work degree.
• Certificate Programs— Have specific entry requirements and do not allow direct admission from high school.

Specific programs may have additional criteria, such as particular subject requirements or a minimum overall grade score. International applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL, meeting the minimum score outlined on the university's website. Applicants are encouraged to review the admission criteria for their chosen program and submit all required documentation before the deadline. The university's admissions team are available all year round to answer any queries and questions.

St. Thomas University provides a well-rounded campus experience with modern facilities designed to support academic success, student well-being, and an engaging social life.

On-campus living is a vibrant part of student life at STU, with three on-campus houses: Harrington Hall, Vanier Hall, and Holy Cross House. These residences primarily offer double rooms and feature shared lounges and study rooms to encourage a sense of community. International students are guaranteed a room in residence for all four years of study if they reserve their room by the April 15 deadline.

The STU campus features fully modernised classrooms, computer labs, and well-resourced libraries, including access to the Harriet Irving Library, which is shared with the University of New Brunswick.

For those seeking quiet study spaces, the Dr. Daniel O'Brien Study Hall is a popular location, offering a peaceful setting for focused reading and coursework. Students looking to stay active can visit the J.B. O'Keefe Fitness Centre (JBO), which includes a fitness and court area, squash court, dressing rooms, and shower facilities. There are no additional costs to use the J.B. O'Keefe Fitness Centre— a student ID is all that's needed for entry.

St. Thomas University is committed to making higher education accessible by offering a variety of scholarships and financial aid options. The scholarship and bursary programs reward diverse student achievements, from academic excellence to community leadership, as well as providing financial help to students who need it most. With over 100 different types of scholarships available, students have numerous opportunities to secure financial support.

Scholarships at STU range from CAD 500 to CAD 100,000 over four years, and are available to both domestic and international students. Special scholarships are designed to assist underrepresented groups, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed.

To simplify the process, applicants submit one application to be considered for the majority of awards available to incoming students. This streamlined approach allows students to maximise their potential financial support without the burden of multiple applications.

Many scholarships are renewable annually based on academic performance, ensuring sustained support throughout a student's academic journey. More information, including eligibility criteria, deadlines, and application details, can be found on the university's financial services page.

St. Thomas University continues to evolve by introducing initiatives that enhance both its academic offerings and community engagement. Recent developments include the launch of innovative new programs that integrate rigorous academics with interdisciplinary learning and experiential opportunities. These include:

Bachelor of Arts (Aviation Stream) – an exciting new program that combines traditional undergraduate study with ground and flight training — one of only a few programs of its kind in the country.

Business and Social Entrepreneurship – a new interdisciplinary major in Bachelor of Arts that emphasises business with a purpose, combining business fundamentals with the skills and knowledge to create social change.

These initiatives underscore the university's commitment to continuous improvement and adapting to the needs of its diverse student community. The university has also expanded its digital and on-campus resources, offering new virtual learning tools and updated campus facilities.