Canadian Studies
About Our Program
With Canada located just a hop, skip, and a bridge away from campus, you can wake up in Canton and be touring Canada’s capital and enjoying its cuisine in just 90 minutes. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even climb a high peak in the morning and explore Canada by nightfall.
In our program, we want you to experience Canada first hand. You’ll learn from expert professors and think critically about international relations while gaining experience through research and independent study.
Our faculty’s connections with Canadian scholars ensure you’ll hear from exceptional guest speakers as you develop a deep understanding of the country's geography, history, economy, politics, and cultures.
Learning Experiences to Prepare for Your Career
On the border of curiosity and understanding, we take full advantage of our North Country location to offer you learn-by-doing experiences in Canada.Trips to Canada
A staple of the Canadian studies program is your ability to experience Canada for yourself. You’ll have a front-row seat in the press gallery as you watch a session of Parliament, explore historical artifacts in museums, and tour the local cities.
Research
You can combine your passion for the environment with international relations by conducting research on the St. Lawrence River, the body of water that separates Canada from the U.S.
Study Abroad
Choose from more than 30 semester-long programs offered in more than 20 international locations, including Canada.
Canadian studies students have attended:
- McGill University, Montreal
- Laval University, Quebec City
- Carleton University, Ottawa
- Trent University, Ontario
Connect with Community
Among the 150+ clubs and organizations at St. Lawrence, you’ll find many that connect your passion for international relations, policy, government, and the environment including:
- Entrepreneurship Club
- Environmental Action Organization
- French Club
- Model United Nations
- Native American Student Alliance
- Public Leadership Education Network
- St. Lawrence River Alliance
- Thelomathesian Society
Why Canadian Studies at St. Lawrence
St. Lawrence is the closest U.S. liberal arts college to another country's capital.
of St. Lawrence students study off campus
21 miles between campus and the Canadian border
Outcomes Rate
Recent graduates were employed or in graduate school within 7-9 months of graduating.
More Program Information
Program Requirements & Courses
Explore Canadian studies major requirements, as well as electives and combined study options.
Complementary and Related Programs
We offer a combined studies program with either a department in the social sciences or humanities for you to pair your interest in Canadian studies with a variety of major options.
Canadian Studies Faculty
From welcoming you to St. Lawrence in the First-Year Program to trips to the capital of Canada, our faculty are with you every step of the way.
Neil Forkey, Ph.D.
Joseph Jockel, Ph. D.
Ceyda Onaran Kartal, M.S.
“Because of Canadian Studies, I gained a better understanding of Canada’s relationship with the United States and what makes Canada unique in terms of its geography, its politics, and its culture.”
Hannah Smelter
Experience Canada
Whether it's a day trip, semester, or year, you’ll experience the largest country in the Western hemisphere just on the other side of the St. Lawrence River.
A Winter Tradition
Grab your passport and ice skates and head to Ottawa for Winterlude, a month-long festival where you’ll skate on the Rideau Canal, the world’s largest ice skating rink. While you’re embracing all that winter has to offer, you’ll eat Canadian delicacies like poutine and beaver tails, check out ice sculptures, and slide down massive snow hills.
Get More Information
We’re excited to learn more about you, tell you more about our interdisciplinary academic programs, show you around our beautiful campus, and help you navigate your college search.
Apply to St. Lawrence
We’re looking for curious students who are eager to make a difference. We take a holistic approach to reviewing applications and consider all aspects of your application and what we learn about you.