Carleton University Canada's 
Capital University
 

Graduate Calendar Archives: 2005 / 2006

The University

Carleton University is a contemporary, enterprising university situated in Canada's capital. Undergraduate and graduate programs are offered in the disciplines of arts, social sciences, engineering and design, and science and through many professional Schools and Institutes. Specialized research is carried out in more than 90 organized research centres. With over 20,000 full-time and part-time students from the National Capital Region, from across the country, and from more than 100 countries around the world, Carleton has acquired a reputation that is world-wide.

Founded in 1942 as a non-denominational, private, co-educational college, Carleton initially occupied a few rented classrooms in church basements and high schools in downtown Ottawa. Full-time programs were offered in 1946 in journalism and public administration. Rapid expansion during the following years led to the development of a new campus on a large and picturesque site between the Rideau River and the historic Rideau Canal.

Carleton's location in Canada's capital has shaped its philosophy and character in a special way. Throughout its history, Carleton has explored the Canadian perspective in many fields and utilized Ottawa's unique resources to give its students an advantage that few other universities enjoy. In the pursuit of academic excellence, Carleton has played a national role in contributing to the quality of public discourse in Canada and to the advancement of our country's international relations. Looking to the future, the University is at the forefront in developing new partnerships, new programs, and new directions in teaching and research that will enable its graduates to lead in meeting the challenges of tomorrow. Forging ties with business, industry, government, and other educational institutions will ensure the most relevant education and most current leading edge research.

The first undergraduate degrees, awarded in 1946, were in journalism and in public administration, and the first graduate diploma in 1954 was in public administration. Today, the University offers graduate instruction to approximately 3,000 students, leading to the master's degree in approximately 50 fields and to the doctorate in more than 20 areas.

With outstanding scholars, challenging and imaginative programs, excellent students, libraries, laboratories, and other resources and facilities, the University can provide its students with the most current and relevant education. Graduate programs in Science and Engineering are enhanced by linking resources and expertise with the University of Ottawa to create institutes that are among the finest in the country. Students in all programs have access to the vast number of scholars working in government organizations and to the special facilities associated with these national and international institutions.

Carleton University's 34 buildings occupy a beautiful 62-hectare campus just 10 minutes drive south of Parliament Hill. A special feature of the campus is an extensive underground tunnel system, which makes the University accessible for students with mobility impairments. The University Library offers a collection of over three million items that includes books, serials, government documents, maps, newspapers, musical scores, compact discs, microforms, archives and rare books. Students access CD-ROM and Web databases for help in finding books and periodicals, and can do their research using our growing collection of e-journals. A leading-edge Web-based library catalogue system offers students exceptional access to cyberspace and print research resources.

Reading rooms and special interest resource centres, coffee shops and an Internet cafe are maintained across campus. Accommodation for approximately 2,400 students is provided in Carleton's on-campus residence buildings, including a new residence for senior undergraduate and graduate students. Cafeterias throughout the campus offer meals and snacks. The physical recreation complex houses facilities for a wide range of activities from individual fitness to varsity and intramural team competition in a number of sports. Special-interest clubs, public lectures, concerts, films, live theatre, conferences, and conventions bring many dimensions to campus life.

Recreational, cultural, and leisure-time activities to suit every taste abound in the national capital area. The National Arts Centre, the Museum of Civilization, and the National Art Gallery enlighten and entertain in both English and French. Carleton boasts the world's longest winter skating rink, the Rideau Canal, at its doorstep, and kilometres of bike paths and walking trails surround the picturesque campus along waterways and greenbelts.

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