Bachelor of Education: Admissions – Elementary and Intermediate/Secondary Streams
Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)
Cape Breton University offers a 12-month, 60-credit Bachelor of Education program in Elementary (Grades P-6) and Intermediate/Secondary (Grades 7-12). Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible to apply for teaching certification in Nova Scotia. Classes commence each spring and include a teaching internship. The program is offered on campus or online.
Admission requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Completion of an undergraduate degree (minimum of a 90-credit degree) from a recognized university and submission of transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
- Minimum 70% average within the last 60 credits and minimum 65% overall*
- Submission of:
- a Letter of Application (500-750 words) indicating applicant’s teaching philosophy, motivation for entering the profession, and the relevant experiences that have prepared them to be successful in the online or on campus program.
- a résumé detailing previous work and volunteer experience. Experience working with school aged children/youth is an asset (coaching, tutoring, etc.).
- an academic and non-academic reference form completed as part of the online application. Select a non-academic reference that can speak strongly to leadership, communication and decision-making skills. References from friends or family are not suitable.
- International applicants must also meet English language proficiency requirements, which may include submission of standardized test scores (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) or proof of prior education in English.
An interview may be required as part of the admission process. This allows the admissions committee to gain a deeper understanding of your motivation, communication skills, and readiness for the program. Applicants will be contacted directly if selected for an interview. Interviews may be conducted virtually or in person, depending on the applicant’s location and program format.
*Please note: The Bachelor of Education admission committee appreciates that because of extenuating circumstances, some applicants may not meet the academic average requirement. Additionally, we recognize that not all applicants will have access to the same opportunities to work/volunteer with school aged individuals. We invite applicants to include additional information on any such circumstances with their application for the admission committee’s consideration.
Admissions Evaluation
Applications are assessed using the following criteria:
- Academic average (most recent 60 credits): 40 points
- References: 20 points
- Essay: 20 points
- Résumé: 20 points
Important Program Information Updates
May 2026 Bachelor of Education Intake
- The following courses are no longer required for admission:
- 3 credits in Developmental Psychology (PSYC 2601 or equivalent university-level coursework)
- 3 credits in Critical Study coursework
- Concentration options will be discontinued.
All students admitted for May 2026 and onward will follow a revised program structure without concentrations.
Academic Prerequisites for Nova Scotia Teacher Certification
Candidates must also possess the following academic prerequisites, as determined by the Office of Teacher Certification, to be eligible for certification in Nova Scotia.
Elementary Education Stream (Grades P-6)
- Social Studies: six credits in university social studies from among History (with a preference for local and Canadian History), Geography, Political Science, Anthropology, Sociology, Economics, Law, Classics, African Canadian Studies, Mi’kmaq Studies, Acadian Studies and/or Philosophy
- Science: Six credits in university science coursework from any one or combination of the following disciplines: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geology/Earth Sciences, Oceanography, and Environmental Studies
- Mathematics: Six credits in university mathematics coursework with a preference for a course in fundamental concepts
- English: Six credits in university English coursework
Secondary Education (Grades 7-12):
First Teachable Area: A concentration of at least thirty credit hours of university coursework in a single discipline selected from below.
Second Teachable Area: A concentration of at least eighteen credit hours of university coursework in a second single discipline university coursework in a single discipline selected from below.
Intermediate/Secondary Teachables offered at Cape Breton University:
- Mi’kmaw Language | English | Math | French | Fine Arts | Technology
- Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geology/Earth Sciences, Oceanography, Environmental Studies
- Social Studies: History, Geography, Political Science, Anthropology*, Sociology, Economics, African Canadian Studies, or Mi’kmaq Studies
- Business: Business Administration, Commerce, Marketing, Accounting, Finance, Organizational Behaviour, Secretarial Arts
- Family Studies: Foods and Nutrition, Family Dynamics and Textiles/Housing
*Anthropology can be used as a second teachable area only.
Additional Prerequisites for Nova Scotia Teacher Certification
For Elementary Education, applicants MUST have each of the following:
- Completion of an undergraduate degree (minimum of 90-credits)
- Minimum 70% average within the last 60 credits and minimum 65% overall
- 6 credits in English courses
- 6 credits in Math (or Math equivalent) coursework
- 6 credits in Science related coursework
- 6 credits in Social Studies related coursework
For Intermediate/Secondary Education, applicants MUST have each of the following:
- Completion of an undergraduate degree (minimum of 90-credits)
- Minimum 70% average within the last 60 credits and minimum 65% overall
- Concentrations in teachable content areas
- *Note: CBU does not offer a Health teachable or Physical Education/Health teachable.
- First teachable subject: at least 30 credit hours in a single discipline
- Second teachable subject: at least 18 credit hours in a single discipline
