Student Experience

Katelynn Craig, Quispamsis, NB

Master of Science in Engineering (Mechanical Engineering), UNB Fredericton

With the opportunity to do graduate work at a world-class institution, why would I not choose UNB?

As an undergraduate, my initial motivation to attend UNB rested in the fact that it was close to home; as I progressed through my degree, I began to see the opportunities provided by the small school atmosphere and world-class instruction. When the time came to consider graduate school, UNB was a natural first choice. The Institute of Biomedical Engineering is a world leader in upper limb prosthetics and houses a passionate and engaged faculty and staff, making it the ideal place to further my education.

There was no need to leave home; I recognized that the world is in my backyard.

Mark McLaughlin, California Settlement, NB

PhD (candidate) in History, UNB Fredericton:

I grew up in New Brunswick, but I lived out of the province from 2002 to 2006. One of the reasons I decided to attend UNB Fredericton for my doctoral studies was the chance to return to my home province, plus the opportunity to be close to my family after living away for a few years. Also, I had completed my Bachelor of Arts in history at UNB Fredericton, so I was fully aware of what the university had to offer.

The history department here is one of the best in the country, and it is considered by many to be one of the most collegial. I like the fact that I’m not just a student number, and that all of the staff and faculty know me by my first name. I have a close relationship with my doctoral supervisor, which I would not have if I was at a much larger university elsewhere in the country.

UNB Fredericton also has a great grad student community that is centered around the Alden Knowlan House (the grad house). It is a fantastic place to relax on a late Friday afternoon after a long week of work.

Finally, I’ve always found the School of Graduate Studies to be easy to work with and very attentive to my needs as a doctoral candidate.

Jennifer Woodland, New Waterford, NS

PhD (candidate) in Psychology, UNB Saint John:

I chose to pursue graduate studies at the University of New Brunswick, Saint John because of its ability to provide students with valuable research experience within and outside of their area of focus. Upon arrival, I was immediately immersed in research projects with passionate, supportive, and encouraging faculty members.

The ability for prospective students to conduct research in a stimulating atmosphere provides them with a competitive edge compared to larger institutions where such opportunities are sometimes scarce. UNB Saint John helped me acquire research skills and experience by allowing me to develop and test my own research questions in my area of interest.

Completing my undergraduate degree in Psychology at a small institution allowed me to see the value and benefit in studying in a place where there are many opportunities to become involved – not only in specific departments, but also university wide.