Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Politics and Governance

at Toronto Metropolitan University Canada

The computer revolution has created vast industries and countless jobs that employ professionals educated in electrical and computer engineering, computer science and information technology- all closely related disciplines involving the understanding and design of computers and computational processes. Computer profession specialties constitute a continuum. At one pole is computer science, which is primarily concerned with theory, design and implementation of software- the product being a computer program. At the other pole is computer engineering, primarily concerned with firmware (the micro-code that controls processors), hardware (the processors themselves, as well as entire computers), software (system-level and user/application-level) and interfacing systems (both at hardware and software level) that will allow computer systems to communicate with the outside world as well as with each other. It is not possible, however, to draw a clear line between the two disciplines; many practitioners function to at least some extent as both computer engineers and computer scientists. Computer Engineers distinguish themselves with their versatile set of skills: they can design and build computers, interface them with the outside world and make them talk to each other, develop firmware and also create system-level and user/application-level software.

The Department of Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering offers highly structured programs that emphasize not only the theoretical fundamentals but also the practical aspects of the engineering profession. The first-year courses will provide the students with grounding in engineering science fundamentals such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science and the theory of electric circuits. The second year of the program introduces discrete mathematics, data structures and engineering algorithms, and electrical engineering core subjects such as analog and digital electronic circuits and systems. In the third year, students will further study computer architecture, microcomputer systems, object-oriented analysis and design, digital electronics, communication systems and control theory.

In the final year of the program, students will take courses in data communications, digital systems engineering, real-time operating systems, VLSI design and numerical techniques. The fourth year curriculum also allows students further specialization in a variety of subject areas through an extensive technical electives list. During this final year of the program all students must complete a mandatory group design project. The key objective of the Design Project is to encourage students to plan, design and implement their project while developing the skills to make key decisions independently.

Software Engineering Option
Students entering the 5th semester will have a choice as to whether they would like to continue on the regular Computer Engineering curriculum or to enroll in the Software Engineering option. Students in this option will gain training in software engineering concepts through a set of seven software focused and intensive courses spread over 3rd and 4th year.

The Department of Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering also offers graduate degree programs in Electrical and Computer Engineering. These graduate degree programs allow students to pursue advanced studies and independent research in the areas of signal processing and communications, computer systems engineering, and power engineering.

Throughout their studies, Ryerson Computer Science students are provided with a solid foundation in and exposure to many areas of computer science, at both the systems and applications levels. Students learn to become versatile in many development methodologies and technologies. In the later years of their studies, they can opt to deepen their knowledge of a particular sub-discipline of computer science or continue broadening their knowledge of the entire field. An optional thesis in fourth year also provides high­ performing students with the opportunity to work on a capstone project or research thesis.

The skills acquired by Ryerson Computer Science students make them desirable in the computing industry. In addition to pursuing graduate studies, our graduates are employed as software engineers, IT specialists, developers, software architects, communications and network specialists, system and database administrators, or security consultants.

Co­-operative
The Department of Computer Science also offers an optional co-­op program for full-time program students, which provides graduates with up to 20 months of career-related work experience integrated into their academic program. The optional co-op extends the program from four years to five.

Students wishing to be considered for this program enrol first in the Computer Science program and then apply for admission into co-­op during the third semester of their studies. Applications are submitted to the Computer Science Department. To be admitted into the co-­op program, students must have a CLEAR Standing and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 at the end of the Fall semester of their second year semester, or receive departmental approval. To stay in the co-­op program, students must maintain a CLEAR Standing and minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00, or receive departmental approval.

Canada is safer and healthier than ever before, thanks in large part to public health and safety professionals. Ryerson graduates working in this progressive field help prevent injury and illness by anticipating, evaluating and controlling physical, biological, chemical and other hazards in the community. Drawing on their specialized knowledge, they help develop and implement initiatives that improve health, safety, and well-being in a range of settings that are accessed by the public.

Why Public Health and Safety at Ryerson?

• Public Health and Safety at Ryerson is the original and longest running program of its kind in the country.
• Our curriculum integrates a strong foundation in public health and safety with relevant courses in the sciences, risk assessment, built environment, health policy, environmental health, law, epidemiology and disease control. A balanced education prepares you to become the well-rounded and highly skilled professional that industry demands.
• You’ll have access to outstanding learning opportunities in the classroom and in the workplace. Qualified students can apply to gain important real-world experience through paid co-operative education opportunities.
• Plus, we support your success with:
  • Workplace visits
  • Opportunities for laboratory testing and analysis
  • Presentations and seminars
  • Independent research project

Co-op
The School of Occupational and Public Health offers Co-operative options in both Occupational Health and Safety and Public Health and Safety, which provides graduating students with 20 months of work experience integrated into their academic studies.

Students in either Occupational Health and Safety or Public Health and Safety who have successfully completed the first year of their option and who wish to enrol in the co-op program must apply through this School for admission to the co-operative program during their third semester (Fall of second year). Enrolment in the co-operative program is strictly limited. Admission will be based on a student's grade point average (minimum GPA 2.50).

The School cannot guarantee work term employment, but Ryerson's Office of Co-operative Education has experienced placement officers who will work with the School's Co-op Co-ordinator to prospect for employers and make every effort to identify suitable positions, as well as assisting students with their own search for program-related jobs. The co-op program enables students to earn prevailing wages for the level of responsibility and contribution of the jobs they perform and thus finance at least part of their university education, as well as gaining marketable experience and contacts for career employment.

The Business Technology Management (BTM) program provides students with the analytical and problem solving capacities to develop business solutions that leverage Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Our graduates help drive business strategies using ICT solutions, making the program a leading contributor to Canada’s ICT economy. 

The School also offers an optional co-op program which provides graduates with 20 months of work experience integrated into their academic program. Students wishing to be considered for this program must apply for admission into the co-op option after the second semester of the program. Admission into the co-op program is based on the following three items:

• An expected CGPA of 2.80 (or higher), subject to competition
• Evidence of superior oral and written communication skills
• A Resume/CV and interview

Students begin work terms upon completion of second year of the program and the co-op program extends the BTM program to five years from four. The School cannot guarantee work term jobs, but the Business Career Hub (BCH) will prospect for employers and make every effort to locate suitable positions, as well as be available to advise students on their search for program-related jobs. The co-op program enables students to earn prevailing wages for the level of responsibility and contribution of the jobs they perform and thus finance at least part of their university education.

Students will learn to evaluate and analyze political decisions, administrative practice, and policies that emerge from a variety of sources, and to evaluate them on a range of criteria, including empirical, theoretical and ethical bases. The program offers a number of professional electives drawn from five traditional sub fields of Political Science: Canadian, Comparative, Global, Policy, and Theory. Students may choose depth in a small number of thematic categories, or choose breadth by sampling in several such categories.

Curriculum Information
Politics and Governance draws on the theories, methods and practices of a broad range of Social Sciences and Humanities disciplines. The Politics and Governance program thus builds on a first year that is common to eight other programs in the Faculty of Arts (i.e., Criminology, English, Environment and Urban Sustainability, Geographic Analysis, History, Language and Intercultural Relations, Philosophy, Psychology and Sociology), with specialized study in Politics and Governance in the following years.

Semesters One and Two: Students are introduced to Politics and Governance through a 'survey course' which provides a broad overview of what might be expected in the subject area. Students also take one additional core course that explores Canada's political landscape through the lens of political culture and citizen participation. In addition to these two Politics and Governance courses, students must complete two courses teaching key skills in Critical Thinking and Academic Writing and Research. Finally, students select two or three courses from other social science disciplines (course prefixes CRM, ECN, EUS, GEO, PSY, SOC, SSH); two or three courses from humanities disciplines (course prefixes ACS, ENG, FRE, PHL, SPN); and one course from outside the Faculty of Arts.

Semesters Three and Four: In second year, students are required to complete the introductory course in each of five sub-fields, exploring the actors and institutions of Canadian government, the emerging institutions and practices of global governance, controversial policy topics, western political thought, and comparative politics. In addition, students will delve into the qualitative and quantitative research methods necessary to study politics and governance effectively.

Semesters Five through Eight: In the upper years, students complete the remaining two introductory courses (Nonprofit/Voluntary Sector, Social Identity and Citizenship), and then pursue the study of political and governance issues in greater depth. Students may choose to focus upon courses within one or two of the thematic categories subfields or to sample broadly from several such categories. Either way, it will be possible to explore such topics as provincial politics; race and ethnicity; human rights (both within Canada and in a Global context); economic, education, environmental, foreign, and social policy; the governance of urban areas (both in Canada and elsewhere); political thought; voters, elections, and parties; and Indigenous Governance and Justice. In addition to program courses, students choose courses from a broad range of disciplines that complement their professional studies and broaden their career preparation. These include courses in Accounting, Child and Youth Care, Communication, Criminology, Disability Studies, Economics, English, Entrepreneurship and Strategy, Finance, Food Security, French, Geography, Human Resource Management, Business Technology Management, Law, nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Management, Organizational Leadership, Sociology, Spanish, Psychology, Urban Planning, and sciences such as Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics.

The Department of Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering offers highly structured programs that emphasize not only the theoretical fundamentals but also the practical aspects of the engineering profession.

The first-year courses of the Electrical Engineering program will provide the students with grounding in engineering science fundamentals such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science and the theory of electric circuits. The second year of the program introduces discrete mathematics, data structures and engineering algorithms, and electrical engineering core subjects such as analog and digital electronic circuits and systems. In the third year of the Electrical Engineering program, the emphasis will shift to advanced subjects such as communication systems, electromagnetics, microcomputer systems, electrical devices and systems, and control theory. The fourth year curriculum provides a wide range of technical elective courses. Students can further specialize in Digital Hardware Design, Communication Systems, Signal Processing, Control Systems and Power Systems by selecting appropriate courses in the fourth year of the program. During this final year of the program, all students complete a mandatory group design project.

Optional Co-operative Internship Program
Third year full-time students may be eligible to enrol in the optional Co-operative Internship Program. Upon successful enrolment in the program and securing an approved co-op job, students are required to spend a period of 8-16 consecutive months in a work placement. After completing the requirements of the co-operative internship work placement, students return to the academic program to complete their final year of studies. Enrolment in the Co-operative Internship extends the program length to five years.

The Bachelor of Commerce in Retail Management prepares the next generation of leaders for professional careers in a dynamic and evolving sector of the global economy. A B.Comm in Retail provides a solid foundation in buying, merchandising, strategic planning, retail technologies, operations management, customer experience design through in-store, online, and mobile channels, global issues, brand or category management, and much more. As well, the program will prepare those students interested in postgraduate studies in this, or related areas.

Retail Management Co-Operative Program (Optional)
The School also offers an optional co-op program which provides graduates with up to 16 months of work experience integrated into their academic program. Students wishing to be considered for this program must apply for admission into the co-op option upon completion of the first year of the degree.

Admission into the co-op program is based on the following:

• Minimum CGPA of 2.80 (or higher), subject to competition
• Evidence of superior oral and written communication skills.
• An application that includes a letter & resume to be followed by an interview with the Faculty Advisor

Students commence work terms upon completion of second year of the program and the co-op program extends the Retail B.Comm program to five years from four. The School cannot guarantee work term jobs, but the Business Career Hub (BCH) and the School of Retail Management will prospect for employers and make every effort to locate suitable positions, as well as be available to advise students on their search for program-related jobs. The co-op program enables students to earn prevailing wages for the level of responsibility and contribution of the jobs they perform and thus finance at least part of their university education.

This one-of-a-kind program is designed to let you tap into your passion for music and equip you with the skills to thrive in the modern music industry. Develop your creativity and business savviness for careers in digital audio recording, live entertainment, entrepreneurship and other roles across the music industry. The program exposes you to rich and diverse experiences, including music fundamentals, studio and live production and the business of music. Located in the heart of the Canadian music industry, you will gain access to modern studios and facilities as well as exciting internship possibilities with industry stakeholders and cutting-edge startups.

Workplaces in Canada are safer than ever before, thanks in large part to occupational health and safety professionals. Ryerson graduates working in this progressive field help prevent injury and illness by anticipating, evaluating and controlling physical, biological, chemical and other hazards in workplaces. Drawing on their specialized knowledge, these professionals help develop and implement initiatives that improve health, safety and well-being in work environments across every sector.    

Why Occupational Health and Safety at Ryerson?

• Occupational Health and Safety at Ryerson is the only degree-level program of its kind in Canada.
• Our curriculum integrates a strong foundation in occupational health and safety with relevant courses in the sciences, law, epidemiology, and a range of specialist areas (e.g. occupational hygiene, ergonomics, physical agents, control measures, safety management systems, toxicology and risk assessment). A balanced education prepares you to become the well-rounded and highly skilled professional that industry demands.
• You’ll have access to outstanding learning opportunities in the classroom and in the workplace. Qualified students can apply to gain important real-world experience through paid co-operative education opportunities.
• Plus, we support your success with:
  • Workplace visits
  • Opportunities for laboratory testing and analysis
  • Presentations and seminars
  • Independent research project

Ready to become a skilled advocate and collaborator? When people can access the services and resources they need to more fully participate in society, it is often because of the efforts of social workers. Ryerson graduates promote social justice and equity by supporting individuals to meet their fundamental needs and accomplish their goals. They have a deep understanding of how gender, race, ethnic-cultural origin, class, sexual diversity, age, and physical and mental capacities shape the experiences of those who require social services.  

Why Social Work at Ryerson?

• Ryerson’s School of Social Work is a leader in progressive education for critically-engaged social work practice. We integrate anti-oppression and social justice into our teaching, with attention to marginalized populations and communities.
• We provide outstanding classroom and field learning opportunities to our students. Under the guidance of qualified field instructors, you spend a significant amount of your time with us — 840 hours — linking theory with practice in a variety of community-based, child welfare, social research, mental health and residential settings.
• Our faculty members take a collaborative and passionate approach. They continually adapt their teaching to equip you with the knowledge and experiences to pursue a meaningful career and create positive change.
• Plus — we support your success with:
  • Opportunities for leadership development
  • Undergraduate research assistant opportunities
  • Designated field placement officers
  • Undergraduate student lounge
  • Student union space