Application Deadlines
Applications for admission to graduate programs may be submitted at any time. However, applicants who wish to increase their chances for an offer of admission with financial support must apply no later than January 31st of the fall entry year. Please note that there is very little funding available for international students.
International Applicants: Due to the limited space available for admission to the MA or PHD programs for international applicants, please note that those with a GPA below 11.5 should take that information into consideration before submitting an application.
Admission Requirements
Applications are assessed based on: (1) The applicant’s Grade Point Average (GPA); (2) Letters of Reference; and (3) Statement of Intent. Offers are typically sent out by mid-March.
How is my GPA Calculated?
The GPA is calculated using the applicant’s last 10 credits—normally the last 20 courses completed, based on most courses being one semester or 0.5 credits. Credits completed outside the degree will also be counted: the last 10 credits are identified simply by going back in chronological order. In some cases the GPA will be calculated using only PSCI courses or courses closely related to PSCI.
Find out more about Carleton’s Grade Point System.
MA Program
For admission to the MA program an applicant must hold a four-year Honours BA. The minimum requirement for consideration for the MA program is a GPA of 9.0.
Required documents – MA Political Science
- Transcripts. All transcripts are to be uploaded electronically along with your application. ONLY if you are offered admission into the MA program will you be required to mail in the original and official hard copies of your transcripts.
- TWO referee appraisal forms. Appraisal forms are automatically generated to the referees, whom you named in your online application form. They will be sent an email with a link and instructions on how to complete and upload their assessment.
- Statement of Intent. This is usually a 1-2 page document, 12 pt font, single spaced. You may wish to indicate your research interests, or include a proposal research question (optional). Include what you wish to accomplish from obtaining an MA degree in Political Science at Carleton University and how the department can aid you in your future goals.
PhD Program
For admission to the PhD program an applicant must hold an MA, normally an MA in Political Science. The minimum requirement for consideration for the PhD program is a GPA of 10.0.
Required documents – PhD Political Science
- Transcripts. All transcripts are to be uploaded electronically along with your application. ONLY if you are offered admission into the PHD program will you be required to mail in the original and official hard copies of your transcripts.
- THREE referee appraisal forms. Appraisal forms are automatically generated to the referees, whom you named in your online application form. They will be sent an email with a link and instructions on how to complete and upload their assessment.
- Statement of Intent. This is usually a 2 page document, 12pt font, single spaced. It should indicate your research interests, including proposed research question, hypothesis and the gap in the literature you will address. Include one or more possible thesis supervisors (ideally you will contact these people in advance).
Note: We do not require a CV or writing sample of any kind. If you wish to have certain academic achievements noted, such as; awards, scholarships, publications etc., please use the statement of intent to indicate these achievements.
Proficiency in English
Proficiency in English is necessary to pursue graduate studies at Carleton University. All applicants whose first language is not English must satisfy this requirement in one of the following ways:
- To present an official overall score of 70 on the Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Assessment; or
- To present an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 580 on the paper-based test (PBT), or an overall score of 86 on the internet-based test (IBT) with a minimum score in each component of: writing-22; speaking-22; reading-20; and listening-20; or
- To present an official overall International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each band score; or
- To present an official overall Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 60, with a minimum of 60 in each band; or
- To have completed ESLA 1900 or ESLA 1905 at Carleton University with a final grade of B- or higher; or
- To present official certification (transcripts) to indicate that they have completed an undergraduate or graduate degree within the past three years in a university in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom or any other country in which the primary language is English, and where the language of instruction in the relevant educational institution was exclusively English.