Telecommunications engineers play an integral role in developing the world as we know it. They are the architects of cloud computing, satellites, smart phones, internet applications, social networking technologies, wireless systems, and integrated voice, data and video communications.
Telecommunications experts have engineered the ever-present interconnectivity of our devices, permitting our everyday lives to be enhanced by the internet of everything. They are responsible for designing, building and operating the robust telecommunications and related distributed information systems that have permeated our culture and determined the future of business and entertainment.
The Carleton Advantage
Our Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degree program in Communications Engineering offers:
- Integrated studies in the principles and practice of telecommunications and related computer technologies
- The development of strong problem-solving skills through hands-on laboratories and design work
- Lecturers who are telecommunications experts from the university, industry and government
- Excellent scholarships for high-standing students
- Carleton Univesity was ranked 44th in the world in telecommunications engineering according to ShanghaiRanking in 2022
Our Laboratory and Research Facilities
As a Communications Engineering student at Carleton, you will have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities sponsored by Texas Instruments and TELUS for design work that emphasizes problem-solving skills and hands-on experience. In addition, you will benefit from Carleton’s close association with laboratories of the federal Communications Research Centre, the National Research Council Canada and many technology companies located in the national capital, such as Nokia, Ericsson, Juniper and Ciena.
Your Co-op Opportunities
As a student in the Communications Engineering program you will have the opportunity to apply to the Co-operative Education Program. Co-op integrates degree-related, paid work terms into your degree program. A minimum of four work terms are required to obtain the Co-op designation on your degree.
We are proud of the fact that the Communications Engineering program consistently achieves very high Co-op success rates. Our program is closely associated with the telecommunications industry, much of which is concentrated in the Ottawa area, giving students valuable work experience and contacts that will benefit them in the future.
The pattern of work and study terms for the co-op option is shown in the following table.
| Calendar Year | Fall | Winter | Summer |
| 1 | study term 1 | study term 2 | |
| 2 | study term 3 | study term 4 | work term |
| 3 | study term 5 | study term 6 | work term |
| 4 | work term | work term | work term |
| 5 | study term 7 | study term 8 |
Choosing the Right Program
The BEng program in Communications Engineering is fully accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board. When you graduate from the program, you will meet the educational requirements for registration as a professional engineer.
While studying telecommunications engineering at Carleton, you will gain a broad foundation in the basics of mathematics, physical sciences, and engineering sciences and technology. You will also develop a strong background in real-time computer systems through the study of communications theory and practice, design and analysis of telecommunications components, systems, software, applications, and regulatory and social issues.
The program provides you with the flexibility required to practice in a world of rapidly changing technology, alongside the specific knowledge and skills that are highly valued by employers in the telecommunications and information industries. You will also have the option of pursuing further studies and continuing education, including graduate studies, in several areas.
Course Structure
The courses of a typical Communications program are shown below.
Note: As study terms and courses offered may vary, please refer to the Carleton University Undergraduate Calendar for specific program requirements.
Your Future Opportunities
As a graduate of the communications engineering program, you will be well equipped for a myriad of positions that are in high demand. Within the telecommunications industry, you can find yourself in research and development, manufacturing, installation, operational maintenance, protocols and new services testing.
For the computer industry, you will have the tools to engineer telecommunications products, distributed computer networks and multimedia systems, as well as the knowledge to interface them with telecommunications facilities. Telecommunications engineers are also essential to the financial, transportation, hospitality and defence industries, government research and development laboratories, regulatory and licensing agencies, standards organizations and telecommunications service providers.
Admission Requirements
For admission to the Communications Engineering program, you must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, including a minimum of six 4U/M courses.
Your six courses must include four prerequisite courses:
- Advanced Functions
- Chemistry
- Physics
- One of the following:
- Calculus and Vectors (strongly recommended for applicants to all engineering programs)
- Biology
- Earth and Space Science
Although it is not an admission requirement, at least one 4U course in either English or French is recommended. Equivalent courses may be substituted at the appropriate 4U level.
Since the number of qualified applicants may be greater than the number of available spaces, cut-off averages and required marks may vary.
If you are from outside Ontario, or outside Canada, please visit Carleton’s Undergraduate Admissions website for details on your specific program’s requirements.