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
Program Requirements
Admission
M.A.Sc. Digital Media
Students entering the program will have an undergraduate degree in one of the related three primary disciplines of Technology (e.g. Computer Science/Engineering and Information Technology), Content (e.g. Arts and Humanities), and People (e.g. Psychology, Communication and Business).
All students will apply for the 5.0 credit M.A.Sc. Digital Media.
Applicants with substantial professional experience in digital media in Canada may be considered for admission to professional entry, requiring them to complete 4.0 credits, to be determined by the School of Information Technology and Graduate Studies.
Accelerated Pathway Digital Media
The accelerated pathway in the M.A.Sc. Digital Media is a flexible and individualized plan of graduate study. Students in their final year of any relevant Carleton undergrad degree with demonstrated academic excellence and aptitude for research may qualify for this option.
Students in their third or fourth year of study in the relevant degree should consult with both their Academic Advisor and the CSIT Associate Director for Graduate Studies to determine if the accelerated pathway is appropriate for them and to confirm their selection of courses for their final year of undergraduate studies.
Accelerated Pathway Requirements:
- At least 0.5 credit in one of the following courses ITEC 52XX or ITEC 5920 with a grade of B+ or higher;
- Minimum overall CGPA of A-.
Students may receive advanced standing with transfer of up to 1.0 credit, which can reduce their time to completion. Students presenting a demonstrated research ability (e.g. primary author of a research report), supported by the proposed thesis supervisor, and approved by the CSIT Associate Director for Graduate Studies, may be eligible to receive credit for ITEC 5002 [0.5 credit] Fundamentals of Information Technology Research.
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:
| Language Proficiency Test | Score |
| Canadian Academic English Language Test (CAEL, CAEL-CE) | 70 (minimum 60 in each band) |
| Duolingo English Test (DET) | Overall score of 125, with minimum 120 in each integrated sub-score |
| IELTS, IELTS Online (Academic) | 6.5 IELTS (minimum 6.0 in each band) |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) including PTE Online (Academic) | 60 overall (minimum 60 in each Communicative Skill) |
| TOEFL iBT (including iBT Home Edition) | For exams taken before January 21, 2026: 86 (20 in reading and listening; 22 in speaking and writing) For exams taken on or after January 21, 2026: 4.5 overall (minimum 5.0 in writing, 4.5 in reading, listening and speaking) |
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.
