Academic Programs

An education means so much more than just sharing knowledge – it means creating opportunities for hands-on learning to help you realize your potential. It means graduating with a strong sense of self, curiosity, and an ability to think critically and communicate your ideas.

Whether you choose to start a career, pursue graduate or post-graduate studies, go on to do research, or any number of possibilities life holds for you, we promise your studies at Bishop’s will prepare you. Tens of thousands of Gaiters around the globe would agree.

The Academic Experience at Bishop’s

Our programs of study are designed to encourage intellectual curiosity and nurture a life-long commitment to learning.

• We offer small classes that leave plenty of room for lively discussions and debates
• We foster an intimate academic environment in which faculty and students can learn together, both inside and outside the classroom
• We encourage students to build breadth and depth through interdisciplinary study and we equip them to explore and solve complex problems
• We build pedagogical and extra-curricular activities to help you determine your passions and interests
• We offer an academic experience that will prepare you academically, personally, and professionally
• We complement the learning that happens inside the classroom with internships, co-op programs, practica, and study abroad opportunities

Our unique approach makes for an undergraduate experience that is second to none. It’s part of the reason why Bishop’s students consistently rate their university experience as being amongst the most satisfying and engaging in Canada.

…Bishop’s isn’t a school where you float alone through your degree, but a school where you are continuously inspired and supported by each and every person around you.  Being a Gaiter is being part of a family.

-Kate Halliday

Changing Majors, Adding a Concentration or Minor

Over 50% of all Bishop’s students graduate with more than one concentration. Double majors, double honours, minors, concentrations… so many options! Mix and match to take your academic, personal and professional success to the next level. Pursue a major in mathematics and a minor in music. Or study business while exploring your passion in musical theatre.

Here, we encourage exploration, another reason many students change majors during their time here as they discover their true passion. Explore our academic departments and courses to chart your own path!

Undergraduate Studies

For undergraduate studies, our academic resources are organized into five faculties and schools: the Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Faculty of Social Sciences, the Williams School of Business, and the School of Education.

Faculty of Humanities

The humanities are a broad academic field encompassing the critical analysis and interpretation of human culture, ideas, values, and expressions. Investigating the ways that people make meaning of the world, humanities disciplines explore the full tapestry — past, present, and future — of history, literature, language, philosophy, religion, art, and other cultural forms. Courses in the humanities foster critical thinking, creativity, effective communication, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the human condition.

Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

The natural sciences focus on the empirical study of the natural world and its phenomena. They aim to understand the physical and biological aspects of the universe through systematic observation, experimentation, and analysis while employing rigorous scientific methods to uncover and explain natural processes, laws, and principles. The evidence and principles discovered form the basis for technological advancements, medical breakthroughs, and environmental conversation efforts. Scientists in these disciplines seek to expand our knowledge and address real-world challenges while promoting critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deep appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.

Faculty of Social Sciences

The social sciences are a branch of academic disciplines that study various aspects of human society and social relationships to comprehend human behaviour, social interactions, societal structures, and the broader social, cultural, economic, and political dynamics that shape individuals and communities. The disciplines within often overlap and intersect, as they collectively seek to grasp the complexities of society, inform policy-making, contribute to social change, and offer frameworks for addressing social issues. To understand the social sciences is to understand the future.

School of Education

In the School of Education, we emphasize teaching as an intellectual pursuit, and as a career that includes a great deal of social responsibility. If you have ever wanted to educate and inspire others, then this is the place for you.

Williams School of Business

Studying in the Williams School of Business (WSB) offers you practical, hands-on business experience. We’re about more than just textbooks and lectures in the WSB – here, you’ll solve real-life problems and see first-hand how the world of business works. Ready to get down to business? If so, we’re ready for you.

Graduate Studies

Bishop’s offers a selection of graduate programs designed to give students the opportunity to further their academic and professional development while benefiting from the intimate setting of our small, liberal education institution.

Through theoretical learning and research-based practice, Bishop’s offers you the opportunity to strengthen leadership and critical reflection skills and prepare you for a successful career.

Come and complete a masters alongside professors who are leaders in their field, such as our Canadian Research Chairs, complement your knowledge with a micro-program in climate change.