There are plenty of reasons. Here are the top 10:
We’re a teaching institution
There are two types of universities: research institutions and teaching institutions. In a research institution, the professors are engaged primarily in research. In a teaching institution like Capilano University, the instructors are engaged primarily in teaching. So when you attend Capilano University, you learn from someone whose main goal is to teach—someone who will take the time to figure out and remember your learning style, your needs, and your strengths. Not to mention your name.
A rare mix of the conventional and the unconventional
We offer courses you’d expect to find at any university, plus many you wouldn’t. Alongside traditional offerings such as Philosophy, English, and Physics, you’ll find uncommon gems like Wilderness Leadership, Jazz Studies, and Motion Picture Arts. This varied mix of programs gives you an exceptional choice of study and career paths, and dramatically increases the odds that you’ll get to study something that genuinely interests you.
We put the cred in credit
Capilano University gets that when everything is said and done, textbook wisdom and street smarts need to stroll in step. That when you come face to face with the work world, you have to be able to handle anything that world can throw at you. That’s why our faculty are more than instructors. They are guides. Guides by your side who can help you as you make your initial forays into the work world. Our instructors hold outstanding credentials in fields from business and music to applied behaviour analysis and tourism. Add to this their real-world connections forged from years of working in the industry, and you know that Capilano University faculty help you make the grade and make your mark.
Like minded, not high minded
There is no intellectual snobbery at Cap. We believe excellence in education is for everyone. And by everyone we mean the high school student who knows exactly what he wants to do in life. And the high school student who has absolutely no clue what he wants. We also mean the mature student who wants to expand her skill set. In fact, we mean anyone who is driven by a thirst for knowledge, is hungry for direction, or craves new skills. Whatever your motivation, we’ll help you put your mind to it.
A little class goes a long way
We keep our classes small. In fact, none of our classes has more than 35 students. That’s because as a teaching institution, our focus is on creating the best learning environment possible. An environment that enables teachers to recognize students’ individual needs, strengths, and talents. If classes become too large, our instructors’ ability to deliver top-flight instruction is compromised, and they can’t develop the relationships necessary for meaningful learning. For us, that’s just plain unacceptable. We're guessing it probably is for you as well.
We’re academia nuts
Our instructors are crazy in love with what they do, which is very good news for you. After only a few weeks in a Capilano University classroom, you’ll see how passionate professorship translates into inspired learning; how the line between what you’re learning and who you are disappears. And when that happens, when it suddenly hits you that you’re actually doing something you’re meant to do, well, you just can’t top that feeling. In fact, we can’t even describe that feeling (but we’re pretty sure there’s tingling involved).
Choices, choices, choices
You have plenty of study options at Capilano University, which is great if you’re not one-hundred percent sure what you want to study (and really, who is?). For instance, you can complete two years of arts & sciences courses and then transfer to another university, or stay with us for a full four years and earn an applied degree. If you want to fast-track your career, our certificate and diploma programs are an ideal way to get started. And don’t forget about our Continuing Education division, which offers a truly eclectic mix of courses for career and personal development.
It’s a big world in here — our international scope
If you want to go places in this world, you have to go places in this world. We appreciate that in today’s hyper-connected world, an understanding of different cultures is essential—for work and personal growth. That’s why we offer plenty of opportunities to gain international experience. We've developed partnerships with universities and colleges across the globe, so it’s easy for students to gain international experience while studying and living outside of Canada. We offer study tours and international exchanges to countries such as France, Finland, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Mexico, Japan, and Australia. For more details, see Study Abroad.
A stress-destroying campus
The Cap campus—or rather, campuses, as we have a campus in Squamish and one on the Sunshine Coast—are striking in their uncommon beauty. Lush forests, towering mountains and stunning plant life will put your mind at ease, even if it is tormented with thoughts of six looming assignment deadlines, a dwindling student loan, and a roommate who insists on eating all your leftover pizza while you sleep.
The North Shore lifestyle
Mountains that leap out of the ground and fill the sky. Trees that take your breath away. Mesmerizing ocean views. Kayaking, hiking, camping, snowboarding. Or, if nature's not your thing, you can shop at the local market. Maybe pick up a fresh salmon. Or a bottle of renowned BC wine. Perhaps you're in the mood for a trip to the city? You'll be glad to know you’re only 20 minutes away from the trendy shops and eateries of Lower Lonsdale and downtown Vancouver. (But be warned: Robson Street has been known to devour student loans in mere minutes.)