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Discover the Arts and Social Sciences

Land Acknowledgement

Carleton University acknowledges the location of its campus on the traditional, unceded territories of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg nation. In doing so, Carleton acknowledges it has a responsibility to the Algonquin people and a responsibility to adhere to Algonquin cultural protocols.

Welcome to a Community That Makes a Difference

Begin your transformative academic journey with the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, where you can tailor your university experience to reflect what matters most to you.

With over 30 undergraduate programs, we encourage collaboration and exploration across diverse fields, addressing contemporary issues like social justice, mental health, decolonization, and sustainability while embracing the power of creative expression.

Our programs blend impactful classroom learning with practical, hands-on experiences, connecting you with inspiring professors, driven peers, and accomplished alumni. Guided by our commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, we ensure that all voices are valued and every student is empowered to achieve their goals.

Located in Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, Carleton University’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences provides unmatched access to government institutions, museums, NGOs, and a thriving tech sector—paving the way for your future success.

Our Faculty at a Glance

4,995 undergraduate students

in 2025-2026

330+ faculty and instructors

31 undergraduate programs

Ranked #1 in SSHRC Grants

2025 Maclean’s comprehensive university ranking

10 programs available with Co-op options

65K+ alumni worldwide

Opportunities for You

History Professor Marc Saurette and first year students explore the medieval world through games in a hands-on First Year Seminar (FYSM) called Gaming the Middle Ages.

First-Year Seminars (FYSM)

As an Arts and Social Sciences student, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a First-Year Seminar (FYSM), designed to explore captivating topics in out-of-the-box ways.

Madawaska Field Work Course

Experiential Learning

Arts and Social Sciences students gain invaluable real-world experience through co-op programs, practicums, field courses, community partnerships, in-class experiential learning, and international travel opportunities.

Carleton University Art Gallery (CUAG) is located on the north side of campus and houses the University’s art collection and exciting exhibitions throughout the year. CUAG fosters inclusive opportunities for art-based learning, and mentors emerging cultural workers. Tours, workshops, guest talks and collaborative assignments are just some of the ways Carleton students engage with CUAG. (Pictured: Co-curators of the exhibition Norval Morrisseau: Medicine Currents, Danielle Printup and Professor Carmen Robertson, seated in front of Morrisseau’s work at CUAG in 2023.) cuag.ca

Signature Spaces

Our faculty is home to several unique spaces designed for arts, performance, and community-gathering events, including the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre in downtown Ottawa and the Carleton University Art Gallery located right on campus.

The Advanced Cognitive Engineering Laboratory (ACE Lab),
under the direction of Cognitive Science and Psychology Professor
Chris Herdman, aims to discover fundamental principles of human
perception and cognition and to apply these principles to the
design, implementation and evaluation of advanced human-machine
systems, like semi-autonomous vehicles. Herdman's team (which
includes undergraduate-level researchers) uses driving and flight
simulators and other virtual reality systems to study cognitive health
and safety. carleton.ca/ace

Student Research

Through initiatives like the Carleton University Research Opportunity Program, the Students as Partners Program, and independent fourth-year research projects, students can explore new frontiers and shape their academic journeys.

News and Stories

“Ban this Book” course equips students to fight back against censorship

While we live in an age of information with fast facts and explainer videos just a tap away, certain histories and stories are becoming harder …

Childhood and Youth Studies student Glenisha Austin-Clarke interviewed about her practicum experience

Childhood and Youth Studies student Glenisha Austin-Clarke got the unique opportunity to complete her practicum at her alma mater Elmwood School – who were so delighted to …

Seven FASS faculty and CIs receive 2026 Carleton Achievement Awards

Please join us in congratulating the recipients of the annual Achievement Awards, which are presented in recognition of the research and teaching distinction of Carleton’s …

Upcoming Events

Illustration of CDCC by Colin

Jan 30

Arts and Social Sciences Fair

  • 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
  • Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre , Ottawa , ON