37 PhD programmes offered by the university

Our Linguistics (Applied) and Discourse Studies PhD program is housed in the School of Linguistics and Languages Studies (SLaLS) at Carleton University. 

More than ever before, information technology specialists need a deeper understanding of their field. We offer a phd degree in Information Technology at the Carleton University. 

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. 

Students in the Ethics and Public Affairs (EPAF) PhD program at Carleton University will gain a comprehensive understanding of options for solving particular public issues in many different areas.

This Mechanical Engineering program is offered through the Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering which combines the research strengths and resources of Carleton University and the University of Ottawa.

Are you interested in how people or computers think? Carleton University offers a stand-alone doctoral program in Cognitive Science. 

Welcome to Carleton’s School of Social Work PhD Program.  This Social Work program at Carleton University provides you with an opportunity to advance your research and teaching skills while digging more deeply into a topic that interests you.  Through writing a dissertation, you can make an original contribution to social work knowledge.

The substantive focus of the PhD Sociology program at Carleton University is the organization and development of contemporary societies, both in a comparative context and with particular reference to Canadian society. 

This program at Carleton University is offered through the Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering which combines the research strengths and resources of Carleton and the University of Ottawa. 

In the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Carleton University we offer programs of study and research in physical and human geography leading to the degrees of Master of Science, Master of Arts, and Doctor of Philosophy.

The Data Science, Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence (DSAAI) master’s and PhD programs at Carleton University are a natural extension of the popular Collaborative Specialization in Data Science that was launched in 2015 which is offered jointly by several departments.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Health Sciences at Carleton University provides in-depth, advanced learning and hands-on, interdisciplinary research in health sciences in new, state-of-the-art facilities.

Carleton University’s graduate programs in Psychology train students to use the scientific method to study mind and behaviour.

Our innovative PhD History program at Carleton University combines traditional academic strengths in historical theory, historiography and primary research. 

Our Legal Studies PhD program at Carleton University is designed for students with advanced research interests in the interdisciplinary study of law.

The PhD Political Science program at Carleton University 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. 

Building on the essential research and critical thinking skills learned at the master’s level, our Communication PhD graduates at Carleton University form the next generation of communication scholars as well as holding senior positions in government and cultural agencies. 

Carleton University’s PhD English program recognizes the shaping power of cultural context for understanding the production of literature. 

Our Environmental Engineering program at Carleton University is focused on innovative research geared towards developing new technologies and practices that ensure we have clean air to breath, clean water to drink, clean soil to grow our crops and clean energy to sustain our society. 

You can pursue a PhD in Biology at the Carleton University or also specialize in chemical or environmental toxicology.