Complementary Studies Electives
On this page you’ll find the most up-to-date list of Complementary Studies Electives options for the current or upcoming term(s).
Engineering students are advised to wait until lists are posted before selecting an elective. Elective options vary term to term. The list(s) of elective options are subject to change as we review course outlines to verify that they meet all CSE requirements. If a course on the list becomes ineligible, any B.Eng. students registered in that course will be notified via email before the registration deadline.
CLICK HERE: Complementary Studies Elective course options for Summer 2026 term (updated March 18, 2026)
Effective 24SU term, to be acceptable for inclusion in your degree, a complementary studies elective (CSE) must meet the following requirements:
- has 3 hours of lecture per week (can include up to 1 hour tutorial/discussion time);
- subject matter that deals with the humanities and social sciences;
- includes an assessment of written material;
- is not a “language learning” course;
- the course must have a synchronous component.
Note: courses completed prior to 24SU term will not be reconsidered for inclusion under these CSE guidelines.
Enrolment in courses on this list is subject to departmental approval, as there may be additional requirements that B.Eng. students do not meet. Click the course title for prerequisite information and a course description or visit https://calendar.carleton.ca/undergrad/courses/.
Note: If you are unable to register, you may contact the department offering the course through Carleton Central’s Registration Override Request form to request access.
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If none of the courses on the approved Complementary Studies Electives list above fit your timetable and you would like to take a different course that meets the same requirements, you may submit an Alternate Complementary Studies Elective Request to be reviewed by the Associate Dean.
Note: Any complementary studies elective must meet all of the five (5) requirements listed above.
Please contact the Academic Support Office at EngAcadSupport@carleton.ca for the form and detailed instructions.
Note: You must submit a current course outline for the course you wish to take and be able to demonstrate that none of the acceptable courses fit your timetable. Course outlines can be found on the website of the department offering the course, or by emailing the department directly.