At a time where breakthroughs happen at the speed of a software update, it’s the science students who are increasingly steering the future. These are the types of talents wired for problem‑solving — and right now, the world has no shortage of problems that need their help. Whether it’s finding insights from Big Data, harnessing better ways to use AI, decoding diseases, or protecting the world from cybercrimes, it’s the science graduates who are striving to improve our world.
At Carleton University’s Faculty of Science, you can earn the undergraduate and graduate degrees that prepare you to do just that – and so much more. Here are five reasons why a science education at Carleton is so impactful.
1. Learning and living with sustainability in mind
Carleton University’s campus is all about sustainability, natural beauty, and student well-being. Situated along the Rideau River and Rideau Canal, the campus is surrounded by expansive green spaces where you can relax and connect with nature. Even with this peaceful setting, the campus remains just minutes from downtown Ottawa, close to government offices and major industries.
Prasham, a Bachelor of Computer Science student, appreciates both the greenery and the friendly community. He finds that the calm, scenic environment makes it easy to focus on his studies. “Living and studying here has been a wonderful experience, thanks to the supportive community and beautiful surroundings,” he says. “The vibrant campus life, with various clubs and events, has added a dynamic aspect to my university experience, making it truly enriching.
2. High-quality undergraduate and graduate degrees
The Faculty of Science offers a wide range of high-quality undergraduate and graduate programmes, from Chemistry to Earth Sciences and Neuroscience. In Fall 2025, Carleton introduced two new undergraduate programmes, Data Science and Cybersecurity, to provide more options for those seeking a future in the world of data analysis, programming, and cybersecurity.
At the same time, the accelerated honours Nursing programme was launched, with specialisations in Mental Health and Neuroscience, as well as Nursing Data Science. Carleton’s Nursing programme also became the first in the world to include Registered Nurse Prescribing. This allows graduates to enter the workforce with the ability to prescribe medications within the RN scope.
At the graduate level, Carleton has expanded its program offerings with the introduction of the MSc in Clinical Trials and Regulatory Affairs, which strengthens the skills of healthcare professionals and scientists in navigating regulations and leading research. The university has also approved a new Master’s program in Critical Minerals, reflecting growing global demand in this sector. For those looking to excel or innovate in the biotech industry, the MSc in Biotechnology remains a strong option.
3. A community that cares and inspires
Here, small class sizes allow you to truly connect with peers and professors. “Something I noticed from the beginning was that the faculty was very approachable and also how driven my peers were,” says Minuka, who completed both undergraduate and graduate studies in Biology with a specialisation in Data Science at Carleton. “Everyone was so friendly, and I could start a casual conversation with anyone. I always felt comfortable speaking with professors and asking questions when I needed support.”
With the opening of a new residence in fall 2025, Carleton is expanding on its long-standing guarantee of residence for all first-year undergraduate students. The new building increases overall capacity, providing more options and space for varsity athletes and upper-year students, while continuing to support a smooth transition into campus life from day one.
Carleton’s Science Student Success Centre (SSSC) further strengthens this support network for all undergraduate students in the Faculty of Science. Here, staff, faculty, and student mentors provide one-on-one guidance, small group sessions, workshops, and resources designed to support your academic and personal success.
Carleton University’s Faculty of Science is where great ideas flourish and future scientists get their start, with ample support and many global opportunities. Source: Carleton University
4. State-of-the-art facilities
At Carleton, learning comes to life in cutting-edge facilities. The Clinical Skills and Simulation Centre at Kanata Tech Park lets nursing students practise health assessments and clinical skills safely using manikins, virtual reality, and trained actors. The Superlab makes chemistry a hands-on affair, with well-designed spaces for experiments, teamwork, and close guidance from faculty.
In the Health Science Building, students in both Neuroscience and Health Sciences students work with the same advanced equipment used by scientists worldwide. In fact, the new building was designed to encourage collaboration and interaction. Together, these facilities offer practical and engaging learning environments where students gain skills and experience that prepare them for real-world challenges.
5. Career opportunities for graduates
Carleton opens doors to career opportunities from the very start. You’ll gain crucial experience through labs, simulation environments, co-op placements, and research projects, which build confidence and develop practical skills. The Co-operative Education programme enhances this with work terms lasting 4, 8, 12, or 16 months, allowing you to apply your knowledge directly in professional settings.
With Ottawa known as Silicon Valley North and the Kanata tech park hosting around 540 companies, you’ll have the ideal base to explore careers in federal government and national organisations. The city’s healthcare network — including CHEO, The Ottawa Hospital, Queensway-Carleton, and l’Hôpital Montfort also offers a wide range of co-op, internship, and volunteer opportunities for students interested in careers in health.
Learn more about Carleton University’s Faculty of Science.
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