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Doctorate Programs

PhD in Communication: Our faculty consider communication to be a contested concept that is shaped by different intellectual traditions, societal contexts, and historical developments. We encourage our students to embrace interdisciplinarity and expand the existing horizons of the field in their research.

PhD in Economics: The doctoral program is offered jointly by the Departments of Economics at Carleton University and the University of Ottawa. It stresses the application of economic theory to the analysis of Canadian economic policy and economic development. Eight areas of specialization are available: econometrics, economic development, economics of the environment, industrial organization, international economics, labour economics, monetary economics and public economics.

PhD in International Affairs: A leader in its field, the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs has an international reputation for providing the interdisciplinary training necessary to understand international issues and policy in a complex global environment. 

PhD in Legal Studies: Our PhD program is designed for students with advanced research interests in the interdisciplinary study of law. The Department of Law and Legal Studies at Carleton University has a long tradition of examining law within its broad social context, drawing on the tools and insights offered by different academic disciplines.

PhD in Political Science: The PhD Political Science program emphasizes the development of theoretical competence and rigorous analytical skills in the study of politics. Students choose two of the following fields: Political Theory, International Relations, Comparative Politics, Canadian Politics, and Public Policy.

PhD in Public Policy: For six decades, the School of Public Policy and Administration has been the leading centre for Canadian scholarship and graduate education in policy and administration – examining what governments do, why, and how they could do it better. The PhD is an advanced research degree – the only one of its type in Canada and one of the few in the world.

PhD in Social Work: The PhD is designed to prepare social work scholars, educators and researchers to have an in-depth understanding of social justice and human rights and underlying structural issues; to be equipped to take leadership positions in universities, colleges, and government and non-government organizations; and to be able to contribute to the development of structural social work theory and practice.

PhD with a Specialization in Political Economy (Collaborative Program): The collaborative PhD with a Specialization in Political Economy is especially designed for Carleton University doctoral students in participating programs in the Faculties of Arts and Social Science and Public Affairs who wish to enrich their training in a particular discipline or area of study by developing a political economy approach through interdisciplinary dialogue.