Bachelor of Arts in Human Rights and Social Justice

at Carleton University Canada

In this program, students will analyze responses to questions about identity, history, and the basis of political and ethical commitments that have been posed by the world’s major religions. The study of religion nurtures in students a respect for the complex identities of others, their histories, and their cultures. You can study the history and literature of Christianity, Islam and Judaism; examine Asian religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism; follow the rise and fall of religious leaders and movements; or explore common themes in a variety of religious traditions, such as the environment, the role of women, or death and the afterlife. A degree in Religion will equip you for many career opportunities in our increasingly multicultural world, where religious beliefs play a significant role in human affairs and continue to affect local and global events.

Biology in the 21st century is among the most diverse and exciting of the sciences. Many of the challenges we face as a society, from climate change to the development of novel health therapies, involve biological solutions. As a Carleton Biology student, you will gain broad experience through core science courses and options that suit your individual interests and needs.

Psychologists study the mechanisms that underlie our thoughts, emotions and behaviours. They examine a diverse range of topics, such as how we think and learn, how we interact with others and how we can promote healthy development and wellness. This is accomplished by conducting research so that the knowledge gained can help us to better understand the human mind, enhance well-being and performance, and generate additional research questions.

Virtually anything one builds that moves or converts energy has a mechanical component, making mechanical engineering among the most versatile of all disciplines. Our program emphasizes the development of analytical, computational and hands-on skills in design, dynamics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, materials, control systems and robotics. Elective courses in energy conversion and power generation, manufacturing and production processes, aerodynamics and flight mechanics, vehicle engineering, biomedical engineering, and computational methods are available. A concentration in Integrated Manufacturing is offered.

The Environmental Science program brings together the study of biology, chemistry, earth sciences and geography to enable its graduates to address complex and multidisciplinary environmental and conservation problems. Through lecture and seminar courses, hands-on laboratory work and field camps, students become proficient in topics such as water resource management, fish and wildlife ecology, ecological restoration, sustainable resource extraction, environmental monitoring, and environmental policy. In the upper years, students take courses in chosen areas of study and hone their skills in preparing research and thesis projects, working in teams and individually on current problems facing environmental science.

Mathematics and statistics are driving forces behind many of today’s advancements in medicine, economics and business, and science and technology. As a Bachelor of Mathematics student you can choose from a broad range of program options according to your interests and career goals. The solid mathematical knowledge and skills you acquire at Carleton will give you a competitive edge in a wide variety of careers and prepare you to contribute to the next generation of innovations.

The General program in Statistics provides you with the background you will need to work as a methodologist in a variety of statistics-related fields. 

Where better to study politics than the nation’s capital? Our location in Ottawa provides you with numerous chances to see politics not only nationally but internationally. You will examine such topics of study as international relations, transitions to democracy, parties and elections, globalization and social movements, and the culture and ideas of politics.

International or local exchanges are an exciting possibility during your third year, and you may also choose to undertake an internship of your choosing, with permission of the undergraduate supervisor. In fourth year, an internship with the Washington Center is an option for consideration.

How do people interact with nature, and how does this impact the environment? How do societies transform nature? The environment consists of a complex set of human and natural systems of which people are an important, and sometimes dominant, element. Decisions made by individuals, institutions, governments, industries and other actors have the ability to impact the environment in both direct and indirect ways, with consequences for future generations. Understanding the costs and benefits of development and conservation, as well as the underlying values and ethical guidelines for good environmental practice are critical for informed environmental decision-making. It is critical, to both the present and future state of the environment, that dialogue and policy are precautionary, evidence-based, thoughtful and inclusive.

The Environmental Studies program at Carleton University prepares students to be informed, skilled individuals who can participate effectively in the resolution of environmental problems and in the larger environmental debates critical to our future. The program is interdisciplinary and flexible, so that students can focus on the conservation of natural systems, natural resource management, environmental organizations and institutions, sustainable economies, environmental education and activism, or research.

Linguistics is the scientific study of one of the most fundamental aspects of being human: using language to communicate. Linguists explore a range of fascinating areas, including how language is represented and processed in the brain, the psychology of language, clinical applications of linguistics in treating language disorders and delays, how children acquire language, and the biological and evolutionary aspects of language.

Cognitive science involves the study of cognition, perception, and emotion from a wide range of perspectives. Despite the many different methodologies they use, cognitive scientists are united in their interest in the mind—and the brain.

Researchers in our program (students and faculty members) study the mind by combining the methods and theories of five disciplines: psychology, philosophy, linguistics, neuroscience and computer science. This interdisciplinary approach allows unique insights into human understanding, thought, perception, language and emotion.

The Bachelor of Cognitive Science is offered as an Honours program with either a thesis or coursework option, and as a three year degree.