Academic Requirements

Master’s Programs

While each program has its own minimum requirements, the following will give you a guideline to determine your eligibility to submit an application.

• 4-year (honours) bachelor’s degree
• B+ or better in your major subjects
• B- or better overall

Admission

M.A.Sc.

The normal requirement for admission to the M.A.Sc. Data Science, Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence is a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, software engineering, computer systems engineering, or a related discipline with an average of at least B+.

M.C.S.

The normal requirement for admission to the M.C.S. Data Science, Analytics and Artificial Intelligence is an honours bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent with an average of at least B+. An equivalent degree would include at least twelve computer science half-credits, two of which must be at the 4000-level, and eight half-credits in mathematics, one of which must be at the 3000- or 4000-level.

M.Eng.

The normal requirement for admission to the M.Eng. Data Science and Analytics is a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, software engineering, computer systems engineering, or a related discipline with an average of at least B+.

M.I.T.

The normal requirement for admission to the M.I.T. Data Science, Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence is an undergraduate degree in information technology, computer science, computer systems engineering, electrical engineering, arts, humanities, psychology, communication, and business, or a related discipline with an average of at least B+. Intermediate programming and data science (statistics, data analysis, or related) courses are expected.

M.Sc.

The normal requirement for admission to the M.Sc. Data Science, Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence is an honours bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics or the equivalent, with an average of B+ or higher in the honours subject and B- or higher overall.

Accelerated Pathway

The Accelerated Pathway in the DSAAI master’s program offers a flexible and individualized plan of graduate study. It is intended for students in the Bachelor of Data Science (B.D.S.) Honours program who have demonstrated academic excellence and aptitude for research.

Students in their third year of the B.D.S. Honours program should consult with both the B.D.S. Undergraduate Advisor and the DSAAI Graduate Director to determine if the Accelerated Pathway is appropriate for them and to confirm course selection for their final year of undergraduate study.

Students who are eligible for the Accelerated Pathway are encouraged to take DATA 5000 and DATA 5001, or up to 1.0 credit in graduate-level COMP, MATH, or STAT courses listed under DSAAI Approved Electives.

Students who subsequently apply to the DSAAI master’s program may receive up to 1.0 credit of advanced standing for 5000-level courses completed during the B.D.S., provided a grade of B+ or higher was earned. This advanced standing reduces the number of required courses in the DSAAI program and may shorten the time to completion.

Requirements for Eligibility for the Accelerated Pathway

1. Third-year standing in the B.D.S. (Honours) program, with completion of required courses at the 3000-level and below.

2. A major GPA of at least 10.0.

Language Requirements

The language of instruction at Carleton University is English. For admission into Carleton’s graduate programs, you will need to demonstrate that your knowledge and use of English are strong enough for graduate studies at an English-language university.

If your first language is not English, you can demonstrate your language proficiency by:

• presenting one of the official Language Proficiency (ESL) test scores as defined in the table below;
• showing that you have completed ESLA 1900 or ESLA 1905 at Carleton University with a final grade of B- or higher; or
• presenting official certification (transcripts) that you have completed an undergraduate or graduate degree at a university in any country in which the primary language is English, where the language of instruction in the relevant educational institution was English, and the language of instruction in their most recently completed undergraduate or graduate degree was English.

Applicants who present their most recent degree and transcripts from a Canadian institution are exempt from language proficiency requirements, unless otherwise required by an individual program.

Note: Letters from your universities stating the medium of instruction is English are not acceptable.

Minimum Language Proficiency (ESL) test score requirement:

IELTS One-Skill Retake is accepted

TOEFL MyBest Scores is accepted

Please note that some graduate programs may require a higher level of understanding of the English language and will have higher ESL requirements. It is your responsibility to review and meet the minimum requirements of the program to which you are applying. Graduate Studies reserves the right to require further documentation or additional testing if they feel it necessary to demonstrate the required level of English language proficiency.

Carleton University is committed to ensuring that all students have fair access to English Language testing, including those students who require accommodations to complete the test. All tests accepted by Graduate Studies offer accommodations to students who require it, including but not limited to students with disabilities, and nursing mothers. Please note that arranging accommodations for an ESL test may take up to six weeks.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.