Choosing Your Bachelor's Degree Program at Carleton University in 6 Steps

Check out this step-by-step guide to choosing the right bachelor’s degree program at Carleton.

Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada’s capital, is an excellent choice for international students who want to explore their academic interests while gaining valuable career experience. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to choosing the right bachelor’s degree program at Carleton:

Step 1: Understand your interests

Choosing a program starts with understanding what subjects and activities you enjoy, both in and out of the classroom. Maybe you're passionate about social justice, environmental science, or technology. Start by considering which subjects you feel most engaged with — the ones that make you curious or excited. This can be a powerful guide to finding a program where you’ll thrive academically and personally.

Step 2: Explore Carleton’s flexible degree options

Carleton offers over 26 degree programs, each with a variety of majors, minors, and concentrations to let you customize your education. Double majors and minors allow you to combine multiple interests — for example, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Business, or pairing Engineering with electives in Communication and Media.

Step 3: Gain hands-on work experience

Building work experience while studying can be key to a successful career. Carleton is known for its strong focus on hands-on learning and offers several ways for students to gain practical skills:

• Co-op programs: Get paid, real-world experience in your field. Many students secure jobs after graduation with the same companies they interned with, thanks to the networking and experience gained in co-ops.
  

  Carleton University is proud to have the 3rd largest Co-op program in Ontario.

• Internships and research placements: Students in various fields can work with professors on research projects or with local organizations, building their resumés while studying.
• Field work and capstone projects: These are often available in the final years of programs, especially in design and engineering. Capstone projects allow students to showcase their skills to potential employers and the community.

Step 4: Plan your application

Applying to Carleton as an international student is straightforward. Here are the main application steps:

• Choose your application route: Apply directly through Carleton 360 if you’re applying only to Carleton, or through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) if you’re applying to multiple Ontario universities.
• Submit required documents: This typically includes academic transcripts and, if applicable, language proficiency test scores. Carleton accepts a range of language tests, including IELTS and Duolingo.
• Watch for program-specific requirements: Some programs, like design and nursing, have additional application steps and early deadlines, so be sure to plan ahead.

Step 5: Take advantage of Carleton’s support and resources

Carleton provides many resources to help you choose the right program and succeed in your studies. You can:

• Explore programs: Carleton’s website offers detailed program information and a career quiz to help guide you based on your interests.
• Take a virtual campus tour: Get a feel for Carleton’s beautiful riverside campus with virtual tours.
• Connect with current international students: Learn directly from current Carleton students about their experiences in your program of interest.

Step 6: Maximize the capital advantage

Located in Ottawa, Carleton is surrounded by opportunities for work and internships in technology, politics, health sciences, and international relations, given Ottawa's role as Canada’s capital. This provides unique access to industry connections that enhance Carleton’s academic programs.

Ready to learn more?

Carleton makes it easy to apply, and the admissions team is there to support you throughout the process. Check the Carleton website for upcoming events and application deadlines. We look forward to seeing you at Carleton, where you’ll have the chance to challenge yourself, gain career-ready experience, and make lifelong memories!