Bachelor Of Science - Aquatic Resources at St. Francis Xavier University - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-04-22

Program overview

Program Overview

If you have a passion for the environment and want to learn more about aquatic resources and sustainability, the Aquatic Resources Program at St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) is an excellent choice. This program offers an interdisciplinary approach that combines both natural and social science perspectives, motivating student engagement and fostering a deep understanding of water resource issues, both marine and freshwater. Students can choose to pursue either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree in Aquatic Resources, allowing for flexibility in their educational journey. The program emphasizes the importance of water in our lives, from food production to the health of our planet's oceans, making it a vital area of study for those interested in environmental sustainability.

Program Structure

The Aquatic Resources Program at StFX is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of aquatic ecosystems and the challenges they face. The program is delivered in-person and spans a four-year duration, allowing students to immerse themselves in both theoretical and practical aspects of aquatic studies. Key features of the program structure include:

Interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates natural and social sciences.
Hands-on research opportunities in various aquatic environments, including rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.
Small class sizes that foster close relationships with professors and peers.
Options for flexible degree choices, enabling students to explore different subject areas.
Focus on developing critical skills such as communication, organization, and research.

Students are encouraged to engage in discussions about water-related challenges, including climate change, pollution, and sustainability, from both local and global perspectives. This program not only prepares students for immediate career opportunities but also equips them for advanced studies in related fields.

Featured Experiences

The Aquatic Resources Program offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance learning and practical application:

Hands-on research opportunities in diverse aquatic environments.
Field schools that provide real-world experience in marine and freshwater systems.
Interdisciplinary projects that encourage collaboration across different fields of study.
Access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources for research and study.
Opportunities for internships and co-op placements in relevant industries.

These experiences are designed to enrich the educational journey, allowing students to apply their knowledge in practical settings and gain valuable insights into the complexities of aquatic resources management.

Career Options

Graduates of the Aquatic Resources Program have a wide array of career opportunities available to them in Canada. Here are some potential job roles:

Adaptation Planning Specialist, Water: Focuses on developing strategies to manage water resources in the face of climate change.
Climate Change & Sustainability Manager: Works to implement sustainable practices within organizations to mitigate environmental impact.
Conservation Planner: Develops plans to protect and manage natural resources and habitats.
Fisheries Analyst: Analyzes data related to fish populations and ecosystems to inform management decisions.
Water Quality Specialist: Monitors and assesses water quality to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

These roles highlight the diverse pathways available to graduates, emphasizing the importance of aquatic resources in various sectors, including environmental research, policy analysis, and resource management.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit St. Francis Xavier University official website

Last updated on 2025-04-22

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For students interested in applying to the Bachelor of Science in Aquatic Resources program, the following Academic Requirements must be met:

General Academic Requirements:

Overall average of 70% in Grade 12.
No grade below 65% in each of the required subjects.
Admission to limited enrolment programs is competitive; meeting the minimum average does not guarantee admission.

Specific Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Aquatic Resources:

English 30-1
Math 30-1 or Math 31
Two of the following: Chemistry 30, Physics 30, Biology 30
One other university preparatory course

Important Notes:

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.
Students currently in Grade 12 applying for early admission must have the program requirements in Grade 11 and be registered in the program prerequisites in Grade 12 to be eligible for an early offer. Otherwise, offers will be made after receipt of final first term Grade 12 transcript.

We encourage all prospective students to apply as soon as possible. For any clarification or support, please reach out to LOA Portal's advisors who are ready to assist you!

Language Requirements

StFX reserves the right to require proof of language proficiency as a condition of acceptance, regardless of country of origin, citizenship status, or language of instruction. Applicants from countries where English is not an official language are normally required to submit a test of English Language Proficiency. Test results must be two years old or less, at the time of application to be valid.

Students whose first language is not English are normally required to submit proof of English language proficiency. When proof of English language proficiency is required, you must achieve the following minimum score or above on a recognized English language proficiency test:

Recognized English language proficiency tests:

IELTS: 6.5 overall and no lower than 6.0 in each band (Accepting IELTS One Skill Retake)
TOEFL: 90 iBT and no lower than 20 in each band. MyBest Scores accepted.
MET: 55
CAEL: 70 overall and no lower than 60 in each band
C1 Advanced: 180 overall and no lower than 170 in each band
C2 Proficiency: 180 overall and no lower than 170 in each band
Duolingo: 115 with no integrated subscore lower than 100
Pearson Test of English – Academic: 60 overall with no score below 50
Oxford ELLT Digital: 7 overall and no lower than 6 in each band
Oxford ELLT Global: 7 overall and no lower than 6 in each band

Students may not be required to provide proof of English language proficiency if:

You have studied the last 2 years in a high school or university where the medium of instruction is English. Proof of English as the language of instruction must be included in the application, either through a letter from the school or on the transcript.
You are a student with the Nova Scotia International Students Program (NSISP), studying at a Nova Scotian high school, and you have successfully achieved a minimum 70% average in Grade 12 English, or equivalent.
You have successfully completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma with English Language A.

If your test scores fall below our minimum English language requirement but you otherwise meet Academic Requirements, you may be offered admission into the English for Academic Purposes program with conditional admission into a bachelor’s degree, provided you successfully complete the EAP program.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!