Early Start Credits

The Early Start Credits (ESC) program provides an exciting opportunity for Grade 12 students registered in New Brunswick’s Anglophone high schools to select from a range of challenging courses and earn post-secondary credits in their final year of high school. ECS will provide a post-secondary experience online with classmates from a variety of places, with a variety of backgrounds, and sharing a variety of academic interests. Funding to offset the cost of the program is available to students in financial need. 

 “Choosing to take two university classes while in 12th grade was undoubtedly the best decision I made while in high school. It allowed me to have a gradual transition into my post-secondary studies, begin to forge connections with professors, and explore disciplines I am passionate about.”
- Ashley Thornton, BA ’22, Francis M. McLaughlin Scholarship Recipient 

"The Early Start Credit Program was a great opportunity to experience a university class. It was challenging and helpful to participate in a STU Human Rights course. I found the experience to be welcoming and I would recommend it for any high school student interested in liberal arts."

- Lucy Nobes Lee, Fredericton High School, Class of 2022

 “It was a great experience that helped me get a first taste of what to expect when I attend university. It also helped me clarify my interest in economics - if I would not have taken the introductory course, I probably would not be studying this discipline. Ultimately, it gave me an opportunity to take on a new challenge from which I have learned a lot and that I am still grateful for today. I highly recommend taking part in it; you will not regret it.”
– Patrice Cammarano, BA ’22, Francis M. McLaughlin Scholarship Recipient

"Opportunities such as these allow you to not only be challenged academically, but to also be rewarded for hard work. I had a wonderful professor and the staff at STU were very kind, accommodating, and truly made this experience what it was. I think that if anyone ever has the chance to take the Early Start Credit Program at STU, they should."

- Owen Green, Hartland Community School, Class of 2022

 “Taking a university course in high school prepared me for my future university career, and it led me to fall in love with the small, yet beautiful, St. Thomas University. I learned so much about the subject area and myself! I took an introduction to gerontology course in my final year of high school. Now, I am majoring in gerontology and am the President of the Gerontology Society! Every decision you make opens up a world of possibilities; that is why taking the course was one of the best decisions I have made.”
- Robyn MacCara, BA ’24, President’s Scholarship Recipient 

2024-2025 Course Offerings

First Semester

• Courses start September 3, 2025 and end December 9, 2025.  
• Exams take place from December 11 through December 18, 2025. 

Courses offered in the Early Start Credit program are asynchronous, online options, meaning that students can work away at the course material at times convenient to them throughout the week.

Semester 1 (September to December)

COPP 1013: Introduction to Communications

This course introduces students to the history and evolution of the communications profession, with particular emphasis on communications in the public policy sphere, from the pioneers who sold ideas on behalf of their clients, to the modern world of two-way communications with the public through the internet and social media tools. The course will explore how this evolution is changing the way governments, politicians, non-governmental organizations, citizens groups and corporations interact with the public.

GERO 1023: Aging in Canada

This course examines the experiences of growing older in Canada. This includes a review of Canada's healthcare, pension systems and other social structures and policies which directly impact older adults in Canadian society.

NATI 1006: Introduction to Native Studies

The course will examine precontact history; the influences of colonialism and primitive accumulation/capitalism in the postcontact era; and contemporary issues - while emphasizing a historical and materialist perspective. Please note that this is a full-year course, meaning students must be registered in it and complete coursework for it throughout both the fall and winter semesters in order to receive credit.

PHIL 1013: What is Philosophy? (Historical Introduction I)

To do philosophy is to reflect critically on our underlying beliefs (e.g., about reality, knowledge, freedom, responsibility) and to modify whatever doesn't stand up to scrutiny.  Whether we realize it or not, the very way we think is shaped by past thinkers -- which is why studying philosophy's history is a crucial part of doing philosophy.  In this course, we will focus on Ancient and Medieval thinkers as we strive to evaluate our views critically.

PSYC 1013: Introduction to Psychology I

This course will introduce a variety of topics within psychology. Topics to be covered include research methods, history of psychology, brain and behaviour, sensation and perception, learning, memory, and cognition.

Second Semester

• Courses start January 6, 2026 and end April 13, 2026. 
• Exams take place from April 15, 2026 through April 23, 2026. 

Courses offered in the Early Start Credit program are asynchronous, online options, meaning that students can work away at the course material at times convenient to them throughout the week.

Semester 2 (January to April)

ANTH 1013: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology

This is an introduction to the study of contemporary cultures and languages and to the methods of ethnographic fieldwork.

ECON 1013: Introduction to Economics (Micro)

This course examines the behaviour of consumers and producers in a market economy. Among the issues discussed will be environmental protection, wealth and poverty, and the extent of corporate power.

HMRT 1003: Introduction to Human Rights

This course introduces students to the study of human rights by investigating the question What are human rights? The course will proceed primarily through a number of examples and case studies. Students will also be given an overview of the basic instruments, institutions, and ideas relevant to human rights.

PHIL 1023: What is Philosophy? (Historical Introduction II)

To do philosophy is to reflect critically on our underlying beliefs (e.g., about reality, knowledge, freedom, responsibility) and to modify whatever doesn't stand up to scrutiny. Whether we realize it or not, the very way we think is shaped by past thinkers -- which is why studying philosophy's history is a crucial part of doing philosophy.  In this course, we will focus on Modern and Contemporary thinkers as we strive to evaluate our views critically.  This course has no prerequisite.

PSYC 1023: Introduction to Psychology II

This course introduces a variety of topics within psychology. Topics to be covered include research methods, developmental psychology, intelligence and creativity, personality, abnormal behaviour and therapy, social psychology, and applied topics. This course has no prerequisite.

Admission Requirements

Applicants will be required to meet the following minimum admission requirements for admission to the Early Start Credits program: 

• Be currently enrolled in the final year of a high school program at an Anglophone high school within the province of New Brunswick; 
• Be on track to complete their 17 required credits for graduation; 
• Have an 80% or higher on English 112 or English 111; and 
• Have an 80% or higher on a grade-11 level, academic history or social studies course.

When final grades are not available for the aforementioned courses at time of application, the decision will be made by the Director of Admissions based on the applicant’s overall academic record. Fulfilling these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.  
 
Students must also be able to provide a letter of support from their high school in order to qualify for admission to the Early Start Credits program. 

Application Process

To be considered for admission to the program, students must submit:

• an application for admission at STU.ca/esc-apply as non-degree, part-time students. Students are asked to note their intention to participate in the Early Start Credits program in their application for admission;
• a non-refundable $40 CAD application fee; and
• a high school transcript.

Students must apply and submit supporting documents by August 31, 2025 for first semester courses and by November 30, 2025 for second semester courses.

Registration Process 

Admitted students will be able to register on a first-come, first-served basis as part-time students in designated courses with the assistance of an admissions team member. 
 
Prior to the start of classes students will participate in an orientation to ensure they are well-informed and well-equipped for success in their studies.  
 
Payment will be due by September 13, 2025 for first semester courses and by January 17, 2026 for second semester courses.

 
Fees: The cost (per three credit hour course) is $864 for the 2024-2025 academic year. Fees for the 2025-2026 academic year will be announced in May. Please note that depending on the course taken, there may be additional materials (e.g. textbooks, course supplies) and associated costs for which the student is responsible.  Additional information about funding post-secondary education can be found here.
 
Please note: Funding is available for students in financial need.  If you are interested in the program, but require support to pursue this opportunity, please contact admissions@stu.ca.

Support for Student Success

Throughout their participation in the program, students will have access to an admissions team member who can help to support them and direct them to resources — including tutoring, time management assistance, notetaking and motivation coaching, library services, and more — available to them as STU students at no additional cost. 

Credit 

Students who complete their coursework with a passing grade will receive university-level credit for the coursework completed.  This credit may be applied towards future studies at St. Thomas University, and it may be eligible for transfer credit to other post-secondary institutions.

Contact Us

For more information about this option, contact your high school guidance counsellor.  You may also free to contact our Admissions Office, as we would be happy to provide further information and answer any questions you may have. 
 
Email: admissions@stu.ca  
Phone: 506-452-0532  
Toll-free: 1-877-788-4443