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Graduate Calendar 2008-2009

The University

Carleton University is unique within the Ontario university system for several reasons. It was founded in 1942 through a community movement, initiated by the YMCA, to provide non-sectarian education for the thousands of men and women who came to Ottawa in support of the war effort. Because of these roots, Carleton has, throughout its history, attempted to meet the needs of the community by making its programs and resources widely available through innovative technologies and life-long learning opportunities.

Carleton' location in Canada's capital is also an important factor in its development and mission. The University's philosophy and character have been shaped by the public life of Canada and by the resources of the national capital area. The first courses ever offered were in public administration and journalism, linking Carleton's program of instruction to the federal civil service and the national press gallery. Later, the development of programs in such areas as political science and economics, social work and sociology, Canadian studies and international affairs, mathematics and statistics, reinforced the reciprocity between the University and national institutions located in Ottawa.

Carleton's location and national focus also have had a significant impact on the development of programs in the arts and humanities. The proximity to national libraries, archives, galleries, museums, and embassies ensures excellent research facilities and access to important resources for the study of Canada, especially in such areas as history, art history, film studies, music, English, and French.

The availability of government scientists and research laboratories and the high concentration of high technology firms offer educational opportunities in social sciences, science and engineering unequalled in Canada. By joining forces with the University of Ottawa in offering joint graduate programs in the engineering and science disciplines, Carleton has created centres and institutes of national and international significance that link to the national facilities located in the area.

Although Carleton originated as a University with special ties to national institutions, it quickly developed strong international links and today enjoys academic partnerships and joint research projects with more than 80 institutions in 28 countries.

The dynamic, pioneering spirit that gave birth to Carleton more than 60 years ago is still very much alive at the University. Today, Carleton University is a major research and teaching institution that offers outstanding programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in the major disciplines of the arts and social sciences, business, engineering and design, public affairs, and science.

As Canada's Capital University, Carleton's aim is to prepare students to prosper in a global society and to contribute and to lead as citizens of Canada and the world.