Saint Mary's

Take at least one 1000-level RELS course.

Explore SMU’s diverse course offerings, while completing the Basic Arts Requirements.

Develop fundamental knowledge in literacy and critical judgement to serve you through the rest of your academic career.

Visit the Religious Studies Department webpage for more information regarding Undergraduate programs and opportunities.

Explore your options for majors and minors by attending the Programs Day across faculties in February.

Register for classes as soon as registration opens. Classes fill early!

Visit your Academic Advisor or Program Advisor to be sure you have the right courses.

Gather information on Co-operative Education opportunities.

Apply the critical thinking process. Construct and sustain a critical argument, select organizing evidence that supports or contradicts an argument, and analyze diverse evidence.

Develop collaboration and teamwork skills, combining independent thought and group interaction.

Construct an understanding of existential concerns as they pertain to religion by cultivating empathy.

Understand the international, multi-racial, historical, and religious perspectives that shape society.

Interpret human imagination and experience, in relation to creativity and innovation.

Analyze structures and systems of social life.

Improve your writing and thinking skills at the Writing Centre and Academic Communications. Get expert feedback and incorporate it into your work.

Develop research skills by navigating online databases and the stacks at the Patrick Power Library. Take a virtual tour in English, French, Mandarin, or Arabic.

Build a résumé at a Résumé Seminar, to prepare for internships, scholarships, and summer jobs.

Start your Co-Curricular Record. Document your acquired skills from on- and off-campus activities and volunteer.

Attend Welcome Week. Make friends. Meet classmates, faculty, and advisors at academic orientation. Attend a session about the Saint Mary’s culture of safety and respect.

Introduce yourself to your professors during office hours.

Join LEAP—a learning community to help you transition and adjust to SMU.

Visit the Societies Fair. Explore student societies, including those culturally-based, before deciding which to join.

Trya program where international students practice speaking English.

Stay Active. Explore SMUfit, campus sports, exercise, and recreation opportunities.

Apply for a scholarship. There are more than 260 available!

Need help with time management, organizational, or presentation skills? Book an Academic & Life Skills Coaching session.

Learn to budget your money. Attend a Financial Literacy workshop or get advice from Financial Aid and Awards.

Check-in with Career Services to start discussing your career goals, related to your program. Experiment with different classes to see what you like.

When facing a personal crisis, get help from the Counselling Centre.

Consider courses with global themes for your electives.

Need a job? Create a HireSMU account to find available jobs.

Not from Halifax? all our cultural opportunities and have fun.

Keep current with local events. Read Pride in Your Shared Neighbourhood newsletter.

Travel while studying after 1st year. Investigate travel options beyond Canada at International Activities.

Obtain or update your passport in preparation for possible international travel.

Before you land in SMU from another country, browse Services for International Students available support.

Attend International Night—an annual banquet showcasing SMU’s many cultures.

Complete the 2nd year required RELS courses.

Thinking of changing majors or minors? Attend Programs Day for help.

Visit your Academic Advisor or Program Advisor to be sure you have the right courses to declare your major this year.

Develop your skeptical mind by critically analyzing diverse theories.

Investigate and contrast ideologies with rigour and logic.

Learn to critically read and engage religious texts.

Learn to critically engage with concepts such as secularism, orthodoxy, and multiculturalism.

Upgrade your writing with at the Writing Centre or through online resources.

Learn advanced researching techniques at the Library.

Update your Co-Curricular Record to keep track of your accomplishments and set new goals.

Apply your classroom learning and improve soft skills by joining some student societies. Join or start a Religious Studies Society.

Participate in intramurals. Demonstrate your team skills and character to future employers and admissions officers.

Browse the Scholarship List. Match the criteria to your cover letter info. Apply between February and May.

Need more academic support? Contact Personal Counselling or Academic & Life Skills Coaching.

Seek Career Counselling. Explore the core competencies of your major, and career possibilities related to your strengths, interests, and values.

Discover ways to give back to your community, from local to global. Come to the Volunteer Fair held every September, or speak to a Career and Employment Coach at Career Services.

Get involved with activities outside of your major and minor. Companies like well-rounded candidates.

Attend the annual Religious Studies student party.

Attend a LinkedIn photo shoot and a LinkedIn Seminar with Career Services. Put your best (and most professional) face forward!

Keep your HireSMU Account updated with accurate contact information and most recent résumés.

Consider applying for the Co-op Program at the beginning of 2nd year (30+ credits). Gain work experience over three terms.

Visit the International Activities office for a study-abroad program or an international field study course in 2nd - 4th years.

Explore options for international internships in your area of study.

Complete the 3rd year required RELS courses.

Honors students will be required to take RELS 4481, which is taught in alternate years.

Visit your Academic Advisor to be sure you’re on the right track to meet graduation requirements.

Meet your Faculty Mentor/ for help with course selection, career advice, certifications, or selecting a thesis supervisor for the Honours Program.

Thinking about graduate school? Contact Career Services for options and admission procedures, and begin planning for applications with your Faculty Mentor/.

Apply the methods and theories learned in Religious Studies to solve problems in ethically sound ways.

Hone your ability to develop and present arguments clearly and effectively.

Improve your research skills and grades by visiting the Library and using the Research-by-Appointment service for one-on-one help.

The Writing Centre offers workshops on .

Update your Co-Curricular Record.

Get to know your professors. They are excellent contacts for reference letters. Chat about your future plans in 4th year and beyond.

Attend the Research Expo. Learn from the research and crucial analysis of peers and professors. Also, showcase your own research project.

Contact your  about becoming a Teaching Assistant.

Join campus societies in your field. These provide opportunities to network with the industry and professionals.

Run for a leadership position in a campus group.

Apply for over 200 scholarship and bursary awards.

Focus on summer or internship jobs within your major or career field of interest to gain specific experience and build credentials.

Visit the Career Development Centre for help with tactical job searches, including using social media, information interview, fine-tuning your résumé and cover letter, and practicing interview skills.

Attend the in September and March. Discover career opportunities and employer expectations.

Let your networks know your major. Seek out potential employers for information and interviews.

Explore new designed to help international graduates gain experience in Nova Scotia.

Complete the 4th year required RELS courses, while transitioning to work or graduate school.

Is it too late to do an Honours degree? Speak to the  about your idea.

Complete a CAPP Degree Evaluation in Banner.

Visit the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. Discuss SMU graduate opportunities.

Contact your Academic Advisor or Faculty Mentor/ to ensure you are on track for graduation requirements and post-graduation plan.

Apply to graduate. Fill out an application for graduation form and submit to the Service Centre. Get your picture taken for the yearbook.

Apply to graduate schools or professional programs. Start early, and use your professors and the Writing Centre to review your personal statement, cover letter, and applications.

Request transcripts, if required.

Further analyze structures and systems of social life, and aspects of nature that strengthen information literacy.

Before you graduate, do a final update of your Co-Curricular Record, and request an official copy.

Visit Career Services to prepare to clearly and persuasively articulate all you have learned at Saint Mary’s (in and out of class) to an employer.

Serve as Department Student Rep. Speak to your .

Enter your best research paper for the Academic Writing Awards.

Get recognized for your involvement in the classroom and in the Saint Mary’s community. Apply for the Student Leadership Award.

Apply for other awards, including the SMUFU scholarship.

Brush up on your Financial Literacy. Receive guidance for a successful and healthy financial future, including student-loan repayment.

There are many jobs possible with your degree, in the field of Religious Studies and beyond to other types of careers. Use Career Services’ Career Counselling to discover what direction suits you and the best next steps for you to move towards it.

Plan to attend Career Services’ 4-week Job Search Seminar Series before or after graduation.

Be prepared to apply, interview, and network when school begins, to maximize your chance of receiving some job offers by May.

In addition to the , attend some career fairs specific to your program. Bring your résumé. Prepare in advance to speak with recruiters and potential employers.

Apply for the program. Meet with a Halifax professional in a field of interest.

If you are a co-op student, arrange for your final work term placement early.

Are you an international student interested in staying in Canada and receiving permanent resident status? Contact the International Centre.

Get in contact with the SMU Young Alumni Association to begin your next phase as a Santamarian.

Remember, you have access to Career Services for three years post-graduation. Use these services to help you continue to get the most out of your degree.