An education that prepares you for life

The Faculty of Arts is at the core of StFX’s educational mission. A Bachelor of Arts from StFX equips you with the critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills that today’s employers value most. It’s an education that transforms how you see and engage with the world.

Whether you're pursuing a full Arts degree or taking electives alongside Business or Science, our programs explore human experience through literature, philosophy, art, climate science, data, music, museums, and more. With 30 major, minor, and honours combinations, you’ll enjoy a personalized and flexible academic path.

Our faculty lead award-winning research and actively involve students in hands-on learning. From grant writing and creative performance to community engagement, publishing, and conference presentations, you’ll gain real-world experience. Graduates go on to thrive in graduate studies, education, government, media, consulting, the arts, and beyond.

Welcome to the Faculty of Arts!

Explore your options

Ways to Begin your Arts Journey

Humanities Colloquium
Explore big ideas in a small-class setting with peers who share your curiosity. This first-year cohort offers close mentorship from three professors and the option to live and learn with your classmates. Learn more about the Humanities Colloquium.

Social Justice Colloquium
Dive into topics like equity, activism, and global justice. Like the Humanities Colloquium, this program offers a tight-knit learning community and personalized support in your first year. Learn more about the Social Justice Colloquium.

Students in either colloquium can choose to live in a Living Learning Community – a residence option that brings together students in the same academic program. It’s a great way to build friendships, collaborate on coursework, and feel connected from day one.

Direct-Entry Programs
Apply directly to specialized programs in:

These programs connect your Arts education to real-world careers in justice, sustainability, healthcare, government, and the arts.

General Bachelor of Arts (Liberal Arts Model)
Not sure what to study? That’s okay! Start with a broad foundation in the liberal arts and choose your major after exploring your interests. Our academic advisors will guide you every step of the way.

Electives Overview

We ask that you take 36 credits of general electives, in which you can choose any course from the Arts programs. We also ask you to take electives that are designed to give you a bit more depth and breadth in your degree.

Fine Arts & Languages (6 credits)
Choose from creative writing, studio art (no experience needed!), music appreciation, or languages like French, Gaelic, Mi’kmaw, Spanish, German, Arabic, Greek, or Latin.

Humanities (6 credits)
Explore Art History, English, History, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Celtic or Catholic Studies.

Social Sciences (6 credits)
Dive into Anthropology, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Health, or interdisciplinary programs like Development Studies and Women & Gender Studies.

Science for Arts Students (6 credits)
Take science courses designed for Arts students – no lab required. Topics include astronomy, climate change, nutrition, coding, and environmental science. We’ll help you find the right fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I’m not sure what I want to study?

That’s completely normal – and encouraged! University is a time to explore. Our General Bachelor of Arts program gives you the flexibility to try different subjects before choosing a major. And if you change your mind after classes begin, that’s okay too. We’re here to help you find the right fit.

Can I change my program after I start?

Yes! Many students refine their interests during their first year. Our academic advisors will support you in making changes to your program if your goals evolve.

What kind of support will I have?

You’ll have access to dedicated academic advisors, small class sizes, and professors who know your name. If you join a colloquium or Living Learning Community, you’ll also benefit from close mentorship and peer support from day one.

What can I do with a Bachelor of Arts?

A BA from StFX opens doors to careers in education, law, government, media, consulting, creative industries, and more. Many of our students also go on to graduate or professional studies. Along the way, you’ll gain real-world experience through research, community engagement, and creative projects.

Can I take science courses as an Arts student?

Absolutely. We offer science electives designed specifically for Arts students – no lab required. Topics include astronomy, climate change, nutrition, coding, and more.

What if I have IB or AP credits?

You may be eligible for exemptions in areas like languages, fine arts, or science. Our advising team can help you review your credits and plan your course path.

Discover our programs

Featured Programs
Fossilized hominid skulls and jawbones on display for study in a Bachelor of Arts Anthropology program at StFX.
Anthropology
Anthropology is the study of humans. Of course, scholars working in other disciplines also study humans: sociologists study human societies; medical researchers study human bodies; philosophers study human thought. Anthropologists draw on ideas and knowledge from all of these fields and then add their own particular perspective. As a StFX Anthropology student, you will look at the social world and ask fundamental questions about the development and behaviour of human societies. 
Student sketching outdoors with others drawing in the background, representing the StFX Bachelor of Arts in Art program.
Art
About Art Visual Art is a powerful means of communicating social, political, and spiritual ideologies. Our goal in the Art Department is to teach StFX students the importance of understanding images. From the history of art, spanning centuries of artistic achievement to contemporary self-expression in the studio, StFX offers students an exciting learning environment led by art historians and professional artists. Why Study Art at StFX? StFX is unique in offering Studio Art courses to all students, regardless of previous experience. No portfolio is required. Studio Art courses are taught by
Student participating in a Service Learning project through the StFX Bachelor of Arts program, collecting produce in a rural community setting.
Service Learning
“Service Learning experiences help us to recognize the value of community and the small things that each one of us can do to help build a global community.” ” — Faculty leader, St. Francis Xavier University A Legacy Of Education Beyond The Books: Stfx Was The First University To Introduce Service Learning In Canada If you want learning opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom, Service Learning is for you. Pioneered in Canada at St. Francis Xavier University, Service Learning blends hands-on opportunities and academic study with community service, for a well-rounded approach to the
Instruments and equipment in a rehearsal space for students in the StFX Bachelor of Arts in Music program, featuring a double bass and amplifiers.
Music
About Music StFX Music is a pioneer in jazz education in Canada.  We offered the country’s first university degree in Jazz Studies in 1983.  At StFX, you’ll receive individual instruction from some of Canada’s leading music educators in studio, classroom and rehearsal environments, honing your performance and compositional skills.  Our strengths are in our teaching and course content. We provide direct face-to-face private studio lessons with faculty, and our courses teach you how to use the best resource available: you. As a Music major, you’ll have courses in music theory, composition

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