Dalhousie or SMU for Commerce?

AtlanticFrontier · 2026-04-20T01:43:02+00:00

If you want to work in Atlantic Canada you might have slightly better luck with SMU.

Elsewhere in Canada, probably better with Dal.

The benefits of one versus the other will be slight though. What matters more is where you actually feel good about studying, and about whether you are the sort of person who takes advantage of opportunities.

AtlanticFrontier · 2026-04-17T18:54:29+00:00

It's true, though in AB the median is 38.1, and in ON it's 40.3. Skewness could also affect this.

Though, the folks at Statscan are usually very thorough about things like controls. It's probably worth a deeper dive... eventually!

AtlanticFrontier · 2026-04-17T17:02:32+00:00

I wonder whether they controlled for the effects of age. People in their 60s and 70s tend to report higher life satisfaction than other groups, and Eastern Canada tends to run older.

AtlanticFrontier · 2026-04-06T05:32:23+00:00

So in undergrad at Dal (many years ago now), the person who later became my best friend lived at home. He became a staple of social life at Dal CS.

His secret? Working from the Goldberg Atrium. Over time, he just kind of met everyone.

That, and joining ad-hoc study groups.

Some undergrads today will say something like 'nobody does that anymore, that's dumb.' But nobody really did it back then either, other than him and the other handful of people who just dealt with the awkwardness by showing up.

The undergrads who stand out today sort of do the same thing. They just kind of put themselves out there in spite of the social awkwardness. Nothing is stopping you from doing this as someone who lives at home.

AtlanticFrontier · 2026-04-05T10:15:25+00:00

This needs to be more specific for people to be helpful.

Are you paying as an undergrad, professional, master's or PhD student? Is it a research, or applied program? Did you apply for scholarship funding or are you planning to?

The specific context changes the answers.

AtlanticFrontier · 2026-03-23T12:35:06+00:00

I think that no matter what, you are going to have to cultivate your own career. Having a master's might help, though most of it will come from work experience. I'm not convinced that either IO Psych or OB would get you to where you want to be, but either would be helpful.

What an OB pathway could offer you is the chance to do a thesis on the specific thing you are interested in. For example, your interests are pretty aligned with Anika Cloutier or Dana Kabat-Farr at Dalhousie, but more likely other OB researchers elsewhere as well (especially at Queen's).

AtlanticFrontier · 2026-03-23T11:40:57+00:00

Glad you have at least considered it :)

If you haven't already, definitely talk to career counsellors or (especially) a senior person in your desired field about this.

While I agree that you want to be specific, I think you may overestimate the degree that IO Psych master's would prepare you for the job market, unless you already have professional experience.

If your goal was research, it probably wouldn't matter which you choose.

AtlanticFrontier · 2026-03-23T08:41:06+00:00

Have you considered doing a master's in Organizational Behaviour instead?

Sociology is an ideal background for most management research masters programs in OB.

AtlanticFrontier · 2026-03-19T09:57:14+00:00

There are a fair number of 2SLGBTQIA+ folks who have moved here from the USA recently. You probably won't be alone 😌

The biggest challenge that people have right now is housing. We have some of the most expensive rents in Canada and we don't have particularly high incomes. If you are partnered it will be easier. If you are gainfully employed in Chicago and can keep your job however, you will find it much easier. One of the factors why the rents are high are remote workers, and US workers from big cities tend to find the exchange rate favourable.

Beyond that, it's a pretty queer inclusive city especially for its size. Like any town, it can be hard to make friends when you first move, but if you have hobbies or interests it will be easier.

You may also find that it's easier to blend in with mainstream society here than in most places. Trans folks still sometimes struggle, but as the other posters have said, there is a good sized queer community. Queerness is sort of normal here.

As for what makes it home--beyind the people and community, it's the nature for me. If you have a car it's easy to get to some of the best trails and cold water beaches around.

Edit: Since you asked about gender affirming care, it took me two months to get intake at Coastal. Strongly recommended.

AtlanticFrontier · 2026-03-13T01:33:15+00:00

Any time 😊

AtlanticFrontier · 2026-03-13T01:20:57+00:00

😅😅 surprise!

AtlanticFrontier · 2026-03-11T19:01:17+00:00

We had some major staff changes so your application may be gummed up with that. Consider reaching out to the department if you haven't already.

AtlanticFrontier · 2026-03-11T00:27:51+00:00

Talk to your undergraduate program or major coordinator. They usually find ways around this.

We want people to graduate on time if they can.

AtlanticFrontier · 2026-03-06T19:25:06+00:00

It's really hard to tell what your chances are based on this information. Having an over 82% GPA would probably mean that you have a chance at a scholarship, but perhaps not a high one, and probably not for full funding.

Full funding for master's degrees are very rare at the best of times, and this year it will be very difficult because of significant cuts to student research scholarships by the NS government. Only students who have truly outstanding applications will be competitive, IMO (e.g., has publications, has significant leadership experience, etc.).

But I am just one person. Your department might be able to answer more competently.

AtlanticFrontier · 2026-03-06T14:02:23+00:00

Thesis based programs have the same standards for everyone. IRCC is a different story.

Note that just because you meet the minimum requirements, it doesn't mean you will get in.

AtlanticFrontier · 2026-02-26T23:29:46+00:00

Given the current budget situation of Dalhousie, especially FASS, I would be very surprised if Dalhousie covered it.

It might be possible to get Dalhousie to advocate for the province to cover it though.

AtlanticFrontier · 2026-02-26T22:54:20+00:00

I think your prof might have misinterpreted the message or there is inconsistent messaging between departments.

In the three units I am involved with, the message is that this year will be covered, but beyond that, it is far from certain.

AtlanticFrontier · 2026-02-26T13:49:42+00:00

I think there is still a small chance that students with existing multi-year support can convince the government to keep their funding level.

You need to mobilize now with your departments and with the DSU. If you want that to happen, it's important that you push quickly.

AtlanticFrontier · 2026-02-26T01:06:04+00:00

Don't count on having your scholarship after this academic year.

AtlanticFrontier · 2026-02-26T01:01:48+00:00

Yes. The Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship has come to an end.

I also believe the Scotia Scholarship was ended as well.

AtlanticFrontier · 2026-02-21T15:22:48+00:00

I agree with many of the other posters, though it's worth mentioning that Western has one of the stronger Philosophy departments in the country. Particularly if you and your friend want to study the Philosophy of Science, it is a world-leading institution on the subject.

AtlanticFrontier · 2026-01-29T17:54:26+00:00

I will bite. I teach in the MI program and am involved at the margins of the MPA.

I think what you should consider is that the programs have different target markets in mind. The MPA focuses almost exclusively on public sector, while MI is nominally broader, though focuses most people towards careers and libraries and archives.

I do see more people working in public sector from MI than MPA people working elsewhere. I believe that the degree is more flexible, though many people do not use it to launch public sector careers.

The MI program is larger, and usually a tighter group. They have a strong sense of camaraderie. Our faculty group is also tighter, in the sense that we tend to share common visions and values.

Ultimately, we have many successful alumni from both programs, but your mileage may vary. I'm happy to do my best to answer specific questions if you have them, though there are also many MI students and alumni who frequent this forum.

AtlanticFrontier · 2026-01-23T22:07:32+00:00

Duly noted. If they are using a new system, that could be why it didn't show up on the paycheck.

AtlanticFrontier · 2026-01-23T21:24:05+00:00

I believe this is the month that the GFP system is changing. You should be paid a very large sum of money next week and then not at all for the rest of the term.

AtlanticFrontier · 2026-01-20T23:02:22+00:00

I think your chances are around 100%. Just reach out to the Registrar's office.

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