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| Ryerson Home > Current Students > Academic Calendars > Full-Time Undergraduate Calendar |
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 UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM CALENDAR 2002-2003 |
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AN INTRODUCTION TO RYERSON UNIVERSITYSince its creation in 1948, Ryerson has evolved considerably in assuming its current role in the Ontario post-secondary education system. Throughout its 53 year history, Ryerson has maintained its commitment to the provision of professionally relevant education of high quality, an approach which combines the traditional university focus on theory with an unparalleled career-oriented emphasis on professional practice and application. As a consequence, Ryerson has become a full member of the Council of Ontario Universities, the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada and the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
More recently, Ryerson's 30 years of experience in providing degree-level education led to the Ryerson University Statute Law Amendment Act which was proclaimed into law effective June 14, 1993. Through the Act, Ryerson was awarded full university status by the Ontario government. Perhaps the most significant aspect of this change is Ryerson's new formal mandate to carry out research. The School of Graduate Studies was established July, 1999. Ryerson's graduate programs are designed to include a high degree of interaction among faculty members and graduate students and to have a strong component of scholarship that will include research, creativity, innovation, inquiry, critical analysis and synthesis.
Ryerson launched its first three graduate programs in Fall 2000: Communication and Culture (MA and PhD), a joint program with York University; Environmental Applied Science and Management (MASc); and Spatial Analysis (MSA), a joint program with the University of Toronto. Five more programs received the approval of the Ontario Council on Graduate Studies in Fall 2001. The following four lead to either an MASc or an MEng: Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. Computer Networks (leads to an MEng only).
Ryerson offers a wide variety of undergraduate programs through its faculties of Arts, Business, Communication & Design, Community Services, and Engineering and Applied Science. Degree programs offered include: Bachelor of Arts; Bachelor of Applied Arts; Bachelor of Architectural Science; Bachelor of Commerce; Bachelor of Interior Design; Bachelor of Fine Arts; Bachelor of Health Administration; Bachelor of Science; Bachelor of Applied Science; Bachelor of Health Sciences; Bachelor of Engineering; Bachelor of Journalism; Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Social Work; Bachelor of Technology and Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning. Close to 40 different degree programs are available within these areas, many of which offer specializations within the individual program.
Ryerson curriculum is characterized by a unique mix of professional, professionally-related and liberal studies course work. In professional and professionally-related courses, theory and practice are viewed as partners in the learning process. Classroom lecture material is continually translated into practice-through regular, formal contact with business and industry, laboratory work, field trips, off-campus project work, and actual experience in the professional community.
Liberal studies courses, which are an integral part of all Ryerson programs, are designed to enhance students' capacity to understand the social and cultural environment in which they will function, both as professionals and as educated citizens. Small class sizes enhance the learning process by maximizing student contact with faculty. With an education of this scope and rigour, graduates are uniquely adaptable to challenges and opportunities in their professional field.
Ryerson is also committed to providing continuing education opportunities which reflect the social, cultural and professional needs of the wider community. The Division of Continuing Education extends educational opportunities to adults who wish to continue their education or upgrade their professional skills on a part-time basis. The programming strengths of the Division are reflected in its 67 certificate programs and more than 1,000 courses, seminars and workshops offered yearly in a diverse range of subject areas. Last year more than 36,000 adults chose to continue their learning through the continuing education offerings of the University. Courses, seminars and workshops are taught by faculty members from the 38 schools and departments within Ryerson, as well as many from Toronto's business, cultural and academic communities who bring professional experience and teaching expertise to the classroom.
Many of the courses offered are degree credit and May be used for advanced standing/transfer credit, if admission is secured, to part- or full-time degree programs. Many of the courses for part-time degree programs are also offered through the Division of Continuing Education.
The people, expertise, services and facilities which are at the heart of Ryerson's commitments to excellence and the community are among the finest in Canada. These resources are extended beyond campus boundaries through constant liaison with the community at large.
Professional relevance is the essence of Ryerson. It characterizes the people, the curriculum and the facilities which serve the interests of Ryerson's some 40,000 full-and part-time students. It is this special combination which has earned Ryerson the reputation for excellence it enjoys today.
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