Journalism at Carleton: Admission Average
Carleton University · Ottawa, ON
What average do you need for Journalism at Carleton?
Journalism at Carleton University typically admits students with averages in the mid-to-high 80s, roughly 82–89%. It ranks #10 of 15 Carleton programs by admission average.
One of Canada's most respected journalism programs, close to Parliament.
How competitive is it?
Of the 3 universities we track that offer it, none ask for a higher average and 1 asks for a lower average.
As a rough guide, 89% or higher is above the typical range, 82% up to 89% is inside it, and 78% up to 82% is a reach. Cut-offs move every year, so apply to a mix of schools.
Ontario applicants are assessed on their top six Grade 12 U/M courses, including the program's prerequisites. Work out yours with the Best 6 calculator.
Journalism at other universities
- University of Regina – mid-to-high 80s
- Toronto Metropolitan University – high 70s-80s
Typical high school prerequisites
- English
- One additional U/M course
- Portfolio of writing (valued at most programs)
First-year courses
- Reporting Fundamentals
- Media Law & Ethics
- Writing for Broadcast
- Digital Journalism
- Visual Storytelling
These are typical for Journalism programs across Canada. About the Journalism degree
After a Journalism degree
Journalism usually takes 4 years.
- Journalist – $45,000 to $95,000
- TMU (Ryerson) and Carleton are the two most respected journalism programs in Canada - admission is competitive.
- Data journalism (using coding and data analysis for stories) is the fastest-growing and most employable specialisation.
- Start building a published portfolio before applying - clip books matter more than GPA in journalism.
Applying to Carleton
Carleton University is Ottawa's second major university and is known for exceptional engineering, journalism, public policy, and cybersecurity programs. Its proximity to the federal government and National Capital Region tech sector makes it a genuine advantage for co-op placements. Carleton has an outstanding tunnel system connecting virtually every building on campus - a much-appreciated practical detail in Canadian winters.
Carleton University is in Ottawa, ON, was founded in 1942 and has about 31,000 students. Domestic tuition is about $6,100 a year, co-op is available and first-year residence is guaranteed.
Deadlines: OUAC (Ontario) January 15.
- Carleton's cybersecurity programs have direct connections to the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) and RCMP.
- The co-op program places heavily in federal government, tech firms, and aerospace - an Ottawa advantage that's hard to replicate.
- Carleton's tunnel system connecting all buildings is genuinely useful in harsh Ottawa winters.
Other Carleton programs
- Aerospace Engineering – high 80s-low 90s
- Computer Science – high 80s
- Software Engineering – high 80s
- Electrical Engineering – high 80s
- Mechanical Engineering – high 80s
- Civil Engineering – high 80s
- Computer Systems Engineering – high 80s
- Public Affairs & Policy Mgmt (BPAPM) – mid-to-high 80s
- Industrial Design – high 80s + portfolio
- Architecture – high 80s + portfolio
- Psychology – mid-to-high 80s
- Political Science – mid 80s
- Law & Legal Studies (BA) – mid-to-high 80s
- Criminology & Criminal Justice – mid 80s