Faculty of Arts and Science

Join innovative and intelligent students like you in the pursuit of a world-class degree in Arts and Science. Our faculty offers over 21 areas of study ranging from Biology to Sociology so no matter where your passion is we have a program for you.

  • Engage with some of the best educators and thought leaders with Nipissing small class sizes.
  • Benefit from personalized attention and in some cases even participate in graduate-level research.
  • Experience a truly unique setting with state-of-the-art facilities nestled in 256 acres of pristine forest.
  • If you love the outdoors and looking for a quality education Nipissing is for you
  • Guaranteed single room in residence for first year students admitted from high school

Dear Students,

On behalf of our faculty and staff, I would like to extend a warm welcome to you all.

The Faculty of Arts and Science is a community of engaging professors, learners, and alumni, where education is not just a means to an end, but a path to an abundance of future possibilities and new beginnings.

The Faculty of Arts and Science offers a wide variety of undergraduate programs. Our programs are taught by professors who are well-known for their research and teaching excellence, personalized approach, and engaging pedagogies that will inspire your academic interests and guide you to success.

We offer over 26 Majors and 30 Minors, 16 certificates, and exciting internship opportunities. Our programs cover diverse areas, including Anthropology, Biology, Child and Family Studies, Classical Studies, Computer Science, Economics, English Studies, Environmental Geography, Fine Arts, Gender Equality and Social Justice, Geography, History, Liberal Arts, Liberal Science, Mathematics, Indigenous Studies, Philosophy, Psychology, Religions and Cultures, Social Welfare and Social Development, Political Science, and Sociology.

Our certificates in applied Behaviour Analysis, Indigenous Leadership, Archaeological Monitoring, Bilingualism, Digital Humanities, Environmental Management, Forest Resource Management, Game Design and Development, Geomatics, Health Studies, Neuroscience, Peace and Violence Prevention Studies, or Study of State Violence, provide numerous micro-credentialing opportunities.

We also offer graduate studies programs in History, Mathematics, Applied Sociology, Environmental Studies, and Environmental Science.

Exploring life-important and life-changing questions about our environment, humanity, big data, ethics, health and society, technology, equity, inclusion and diversity, our programs emphasize the importance of learning with integrity.

Join our community of engaged learners, a community that aspires to making a difference in the world, where belonging and learning become one.

Warmest regards,
Pavlina Radia,
Dean of Arts and Science

Foundations Pathway

The Faculty of Arts and Science is pleased to announce a new initiative that supports the transition from high school to university. Students will have an opportunity to take unique courses that inspire curiosity and provide an open dialogue for discovery. This pathway is intended for students who are determined to earn a university education but have faced challenges in an academic environment. Through our customized classes, students gain the skills and knowledge required for continued success as they work towards their Bachelor of Arts or Science degree. The pathway admits students applying directly from secondary school who have an average below the 70% admission requirement.

Learn more about the Foundations Pathway

French Language Placement Test

Please note that the French Placement Test is no longer a requirement to register in French courses for 21FW.

If you wish to enrol in FREN-1106 Introductory French I and have no knowledge of French you are encouraged to contact the Chair of the French Department, Richard Wenghofer at richardw@nipissingu.ca to seek permission. If approved, the Chair will inform the Office of the Registrar and you will be notified that you can proceed with registering for Introductory French I. 

It is strongly recommended that students enrolling in the French Minor at Nipissing University with grade 12 core French enrol in FREN-1106 Introductory French I, while those who have graduated from a French immersion or fully French secondary school enrol in FREN-2006 Intermediate French I. 

If you wish to enrol in FREN-2006 Intermediate French I and have not completed Introductory French you are encouraged to contact the Chair of the French Department, Richard Wenghofer at richardw@nipissingu.ca to request exemption from this prerequisite requirement. If approved, the Chair will inform the Office of the Registrar and you will be notified that you can proceed with registering for Intermediate French. 

Certificate of Bilingualism

Students of Nipissing University are eligible for a Certificate of Bilingualism if they demonstrate superior ability in French and English.

Please note:  You must be in your graduating year to take this test.

Application Deadline:  Friday, October 29, 2021

Written Examination:  TBA

Oral Examination: TBA

Testing Fee:  $45 

Application forms are available through the Dean of Arts and Science Office at asdean@nipissingu.ca.

Doug Manners with owl
Doug Manners doing owl banding.

Experiential Learning

UNIV 3006 Experiential Learning for Arts and Science Students

“I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand.” Confucius

Experiential learning is an effective medium that enhances and reinforces classroom learning. In addition, skills and competencies in the areas of communication, teamwork, analysis, work ethic, and problem solving are all learning outcomes that assist with finding the right career path for you.

Third and fourth year Arts and Science Students will be interested in our 3 credit course, UNIV 3006 Experiential Learning for Arts and Science Students. Within this course, academic assignments and at least 60 hours of placement in the community within a field that is related to your course of study is offered.

Experiential Learning Program for Arts and Science

The Experiential Learning for Arts & Science Program (ELAS) is an exclusive project between Student Development & Services, the North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce (NBDCC) and the Faculty of Arts & Science. This project focuses on providing students with hands-on learning experiences directly related to their academic interests.

Undergraduate Research Conference (2019)

Undergraduate Research Conference

Leadership and Community Engagement

If you are eager to get involved beyond the classroom, take part in the annual Undergraduate Research Conference, which gives you the opportunity to present your work to peers, professors, and family members.

You may also have opportunity to work as a Research Assistant to help a professor conduct research and gain valuable experience at the same time.

A student from any undergraduate discipline, who has worked on a scholarly project in which s/he has taken a leadership role in its development and execution, are eligible to participate in the conference. Proposals can be disciplinary specific or multi/interdisciplinary.

Record of Student Development

Involvement and experiential learning lead to more personal and academic success by connecting classroom learning to real world experience. Volunteer on your campus and within the community and be officially recognized for all that you do. The Record of Student Development (RSD) documents that you have completed a series of involvement outcomes that all employers are looking for. Achieving all the competencies associated with the RSD will help you communicate the depth of your experiences as you apply to career opportunities.

Employers are looking for people with the following proven abilities:

  • Analytical Skills
  • Communication skills
  • Problem-Solving skills
  • Strong Work Ethic
  • Teamwork

To register and see the full list of RSD competencies visit www.nipissingu.ca/rsd

Nipissing University Student Union (NUSU)

Students attending Nipissing University in North Bay and long distance students are members of the Nipissing University Student Union. Our organization strives to represent students democratically, provide a communication framework, and lobby for legislative change on issues that affect students.

Athletics

Exercise and healthy competition always help to clear the mind.

INTRAMURAL SPORTS

Nipissing’s Athletics Department offers a wide range of intramural activities to keep you on your game

LAKERS CLUB SPORTS

Club sports are available to all Nipissing students and are both recreational and competitive.

VARSITY SPORTS

Go Lakers! Our varsity athletes always bring their “A” game. Get your friends together and come out to cheer on your favourite teams.

STUDENT ATHLETICS CENTRE

Whether you are a gym enthusiast or a weekend warrior, Nipissing has just what you need.

2025

Dean

Associate Dean

Administration

Staff

Community Engagement and Experiential Learning

Are you looking for a unique Nipissing experience?
Are you eager to learn with and from our community members?
Interested in networking?

Take our Community Engagement Courses where students and community members learn together.

Lifting The Lid Festival of Death and Dying

Community Engagement Courses (CECs)

What’s the aim?

Our community engagement courses foster student-community engagement through integrated learning where students and community members learn together about important social, cultural, economic, and environmental issues; indigenous history and culture; conflict resolution; food and land; death and dying; and many other topics that address our planetary challenges.

As you immerse yourself in the course content of your choosing, you will have the opportunity to connect with both the course instructor and Nipissing students.

We offer the courses for credit to students and non-credit for community members.

If you are a community member and would like to know more about our courses, please click here.

If you are a student, please register through WebAdvisor.

Courses Offerings

2022 Fall/Winter CEC Offerings

Course Code Name Semester Location
GEND 1006 Gender, Power and Justice Fall onsite North Bay
GEND 1007 Sex Ed Winter onsite North Bay
GEND 2326 Pets Winter onsite North Bay
GEND 2376 Kid Media Superheroes Fall onsite North Bay
GEND 2256/RLCT 2156 Religion, Justice and Animals Fall onsite North Bay
HIST 1506 Idea of Canada Winter online
HIST 2226 Modern Europe 1780 – 1914 Winter online
HIST 3267 Food and Land Fall onsite North Bay
HIST 2336 The Vietnam War Winter onsite North Bay
HIST 3717 Russian Soviet History 1917-1991 Fall online
HIST 3136 Acting Up! Feminism Can. Hist. Winter online
RLCT 2017 Death and Immortality Fall online
RLCT 2066 Death, Dying and Spirituality Winter online
INTD 2005 Play Fall onsite North Bay
INTD 3007 Death and the Dying Planet Fall onsite North Bay

Information for Community Members

Are you interested in a unique Nipissing experience? Would you like to learn about various topics for non-credit?

We invite community members to join our Community Engagement Courses. As you immerse yourself in the course content of your choosing, you will have the opportunity to connect with both the course instructor and Nipissing students.

What will you gain from the experience?

The registration fee of $400.00 covers access to all course materials, Nipissing University library resources, as well as a certificate of completion.

There is no requirement to submit coursework, nor will you receive a grade for participating in the course.

Contact Information

If you have any questions regarding our Community Engagement Courses, please contact us at commengage@nipissingu.ca