What are the deadlines to apply to MDS Graduate Programs?
If space remains in the program, domestic applications received after the deadline may be considered until August. Because of the timeline to have a study permit issued, we are unable to consider international applications after the deadline.
February 1 is the Funding Deadline for Fall entry.
What are the minimum requirements for admission to the MA?
The minimum requirement for admission into the M.A. program is an undergraduate Bachelor of Arts Honours degree (i.e. a four-year undergraduate degree program) in a humanities or social science discipline or interdisciplinary program with a B+ average or higher in the last two years of coursework.
Previous coursework, volunteer or work experience in Migration and Diaspora Studies is an asset. Students who have four-year degrees in other fields but have relevant experience working the area of migration and diaspora studies may also be considered (if unsure, please contact the Program Director at mds@carleton.ca).
What are the minimum requirements for admission to the Graduate Diploma?
The Graduate Diploma is offered in two forms, as a stand-alone direct-entry credential (Type 3) and as a concurrent credential (Type 2) that is taken to complement another Carleton graduate program (MA or PhD).
Graduate Diploma (Type 2, Concurrent):
Students applying to the concurrent Graduate Program (Type 2) must be enrolled in a Carleton master’s or doctoral program. Students applying to another Carleton graduate program should apply to add the diploma after they have been accepted to their main program.
Graduate Diploma (Type 3, Direct Entry):
Students must have completed a 4-year undergraduate university degree.
What is an accelerated pathway?
An accelerated pathway is a “flexible and individualized” plan of graduate study for students who are in their third year of their undergraduate degree. For most pathways, graduate courses completed in your 4th year can count for both your undergraduate and your graduate degree.
*Please note that participation in a graduate pathway does not guarantee your admission into the graduate program, but if you are admitted, your advanced standing will reduce your credit load in graduate studies and may shorten your time to completion. If you are interested, please consult both with your undergraduate advisor and the Migration and Diaspora Studies Program Director, ideally before you commence your third year of studies.
The accelerated pathway to the Master of Migration and Diaspora Studies is open to any Carleton undergraduate student in a humanities, social science discipline or interdisciplinary program. Students commencing their third-year of study in an undergraduate program should consult with both their academic supervisor and the Migration and Diaspora Studies Program Director to determine if the accelerated pathway is appropriate for them and to confirm their selection of courses.
To be eligible, students must complete at least 0.5 credits in MGDS courses at the 5000-level with a grade of B+ or higher and have a minimum overall CGPA of 10.5. Students may receive advanced standing with transfer of credit of up to 1.0 credit in MGDS courses which can reduce their time to completion of the MA.
What funding is available?
All applicants to the MDS MA program who apply for full-time studies will be automatically considered for admissions funding, in the form of Teaching Assistantships and scholarships. Part-time MA students are not eligible for admissions funding. There are also possibilities for Research Assistantships through individual faculty member’s research projects. Funding is competitive. Please note that funding for international students is extremely limited.
You may also apply for external funding. See Carleton’s external awards webpage here. External scholarships include the Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS) and the Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS, administered through SSHRC). Review Carleton’s webpages for the OGS and SSHRC awards. Note that deadlines are early!
Applicants to the stand-alone Graduate Diploma are not eligible for admissions funding and most external grants. Concurrent students electing the graduate diploma as a complement to another MA or PhD program would have access to funding through their main graduate program.
For more information on financial support for your degree including government programs such as OSAP, please see: here.
If my first language is not English, how can I demonstrate my language proficiency?
Please review the following information on English Proficiency from Carleton Graduate Studies:
How do I apply?
- Visit Carleton’s Graduate Admissions page Apply online
- Login to Carleton 360 – current Carleton university students can use their existing Carleton login and passwords; Students from other universities or who have graduated will need to create a login and password
- Find the program – on New Program Search enter in keyword MDS or search in Department scroll bar for “Kroeger College (Public Affairs)”
- Click on the relevant program to start an application
What Documents are required to apply to the MA?
- Transcript(s) —- All post-secondary transcripts are required.
- Letters of Reference (2 required) — These should be submitted by former professors or qualified persons at your place of employment.
- Statement of Intent (1 required) –Your statement should outline your academic background, relevant volunteer or professional experience, and interest in the MA program. The program statement should indicate potential research topics or areas that you are interested in exploring.
- CV/Resumé (1 required) — Your c.v. or resume should highlight your background and experience.
- Language Proficiency (ESL Test Scores) – If required.
- Carleton360 will ask you to choose Coursework, Research Essay, or Thesis option – This is just for information and is not binding. You will make your choice of pathway after admission in consultation with the Program Director.
What documents are required to apply to the concurrent Graduate Diploma (Type 2)?
The Type 2 Graduate Diploma is intended for current Carleton graduate students enrolled in another Carleton Masters or Ph.D. program. It is designed to complement your primary degree and provide you with an additional credential.
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- Transcripts — All post-secondary transcripts are required.
- Letters of Reference (at least 1 required) — Letter of support from the student’s supervisor or if no supervisor has been assigned, a faculty member in the home program.
- Statement of Interest — A 1-2 page statement of interest from the applicant outlining the reasons for wishing to enroll in the Migration and Diaspora Studies Graduate Diploma program. Your statement should outline your background, experience, and interest in the program.
- CV/Resumé (1 required) — Your c.v. or resume should highlight your background and experience.
- Evidence of English Language Proficiency (ESL Test Scores). If required – for details, please see English Proficiency Requirements
What documents are required to apply to the direct-entry Graduate Diploma (Type 3)?
- Transcript(s) — All post-secondary transcripts are required.
- Letters of Reference (1 required) — An academic letter of recommendation. In addition, students with relevant professional or practical experience may submit a letter from their supervisor/employer.
- Statement of Intent (1 required) — A 1-2 page statement of interest from the applicant outlining the reasons for wishing to enrol in the Graduate Diploma in Migration and Diaspora Studies program. Your statement should outline your background, experience, and interest in the program.
- CV/Résumé (1 required) — Your resume should highlight your background and experience.
- Language Proficiency (ESL Test Scores) (if applicable)
What should I include in my letter of interest?
A letter of interest should include information regarding your area, thematic and research interests, what drew you to Migration and Diaspora Studies, and your previous engagement with the topic, both in terms of academic experience as well as other spheres such as work and travel.
After you are accepted:
How will I know if I am accepted?
You will receive an electronic offer from the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
How do I go about registering for my courses?
Registration information and instructions can be found at Registrar’s Office: Registration.
What are the program requirements? What courses do I have to take?
Official program requirements are published in the Graduate Calendar.
For the MA, you will also find a description of requirements at Program Requirements and Pathways MA in Migration and Diaspora Studies
For Graduate Diplomas you will also find a description of requirements at Graduate Diploma in Migration and Diaspora Studies
When will I find out about my TA position?
If you are assigned a TA-ship in your offer of admission, over the summer you will be asked to enter your course preferences in Carleton Central (please note that you should wait until the public class schedule for Fall/Winter courses are available before entering your preferences). Usually TA assignments are finalized just before the beginning of term.
Does everyone get a TA-ship?
No, the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Post-Doctoral Affairs determine how many TA positions are available in each department based on need. MDS then allocates these positions to selected incoming students, based on GPA and other qualifications.
I did not receive a TA-ship in my admissions offer. Is it still possible for me to apply to be a TA?
Yes, if you did not receive a TA-ship in your admissions package or if you have extended your degree time and no longer have TA-ship available, you may apply as an “Out-of-Priority TA” for a given term. Once TA allocations are made, if there are still need, students will be chosen from the Out-Of-Priority TA List. For more information, please see https://gradstudents.carleton.ca/teaching-assistants/ and scroll down to where it discusses out-of-priority TAs. The Out-Of-Priority TA application from is available in the student tab of Carleton Central.