Lakehead University

About Lakehead University

Lakehead University, established in 1965, is a comprehensive university with campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ontario, Canada. The Thunder Bay campus is situated on approximately 1,120 acres, while the Orillia campus is smaller, located in an urban setting. Lakehead University is publicly funded and accredited by the provincial government of Ontario, operating under the Lakehead University Act, 1965. As a degree-granting institution, it offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. The university is structured into several faculties and schools, each overseeing specific academic areas. These include the Faculty of Business Administration, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Natural Resources Management, Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, and the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law. This organizational structure facilitates specialized instruction and research within distinct academic fields. Key programs and departments at Lakehead University encompass a broad spectrum of academic interests. The Faculty of Business Administration offers programs such as Bachelor of Administration (HBA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), and various diploma and certificate options, focusing on areas like accounting, finance, human resources, and marketing. The Faculty of Education provides Bachelor of Education (BEd) and Master of Education (MEd) degrees, preparing students for careers in teaching and educational leadership, with specialties in primary/junior, junior/intermediate, and intermediate/senior divisions. Engineering programs are a significant component of Lakehead University's offerings, with the Faculty of Engineering providing Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degrees in disciplines such as Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, and Water Resources Engineering. These programs often incorporate co-operative education options, allowing students to gain practical experience through work placements. Graduate studies in engineering include Master of Science in Engineering (MScEng) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs. The Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences encompasses a range of health-related disciplines. Programs include Nursing, Kinesiology, Psychology, and Social Work. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program prepares students for professional nursing practice. Kinesiology focuses on the study of human movement, offering Bachelor of Kinesiology (BKin) degrees. Psychology programs lead to Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) degrees, with options for specialization and graduate studies at the Master's and Doctoral levels. Social Work programs offer Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees, preparing students for careers in social services. The Bora Laskin Faculty of Law, established in 2013, offers a Juris Doctor (JD) program. This faculty emphasizes an integrated practice curriculum and a focus on Aboriginal and Indigenous law, as well as natural resources and environmental law, reflecting the regional context of Northern Ontario. The program aims to prepare graduates for legal practice in various settings, including rural and remote communities. The Faculty of Natural Resources Management provides programs in Forestry and Environmental Management. The Bachelor of Science in Forestry (BScF) and Bachelor of Environmental Management (BEM) degrees address the sustainable management of natural resources, including forest ecosystems, wildlife, and water resources. These programs often incorporate fieldwork and experiential learning opportunities. Graduate studies include Master of Science in Forestry (MScF) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Forest Sciences. The Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies offers a wide array of programs in the natural sciences and environmental disciplines. Departments within this faculty include Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Geography and the Environment, Mathematical Sciences, and Physics. Students can pursue Bachelor of Science (BSc) degrees in various specializations, such as Biochemistry, Environmental Science, Geology, and Nanoscience. Graduate programs include Master of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees across these scientific fields, supporting advanced research. The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities provides programs in disciplines such as Anthropology, Criminology, English, French, History, Indigenous Learning, Interdisciplinary Studies, Music, Northern Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, and Visual Arts. Students can pursue Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees in these areas, with options for specialization and interdisciplinary studies. Master of Arts (MA) programs are available in select disciplines, offering opportunities for advanced scholarly work. Lakehead University's academic strengths include its focus on interdisciplinary studies, particularly in areas related to Northern environments, Indigenous peoples, and natural resource management. The university has research centres and institutes that support specialized inquiry, such as the Centre for Northern Studies, the Enhancing the Social Determinants of Health and Well-being Research Centre, and the Paleo-DNA Laboratory. These facilities contribute to research outputs and provide opportunities for student involvement in research projects. The university also emphasizes experiential learning, integrating co-op placements, internships, and fieldwork into many of its programs to provide practical experience. The Orillia campus, while smaller, offers a distinct academic environment with a focus on interdisciplinary studies, environmental sustainability, and community engagement. Programs offered at the Orillia campus include Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc), Bachelor of Arts (BA) in disciplines such as Criminology, English, History, and Political Science, and Bachelor of Environmental Management (BEM). The Orillia campus often attracts students interested in a more intimate campus setting and programs with a strong local and regional focus. Lakehead University maintains affiliations with various professional bodies and organizations relevant to its academic programs, ensuring that its curricula meet professional standards where applicable. For instance, its engineering programs are accredited by Engineers Canada, and its nursing programs are approved by the College of Nurses of Ontario. This external validation contributes to the recognition and portability of its degrees. The university serves a diverse student population, including a significant proportion of Indigenous students and international students from over 70 countries. Support services are available to assist students with academic, personal, and career development. These services include academic advising, writing support, career services, health and wellness counselling, and various student clubs and organizations. Research at Lakehead University spans a range of fields, with faculty members engaged in projects funded by federal and provincial granting agencies, as well as industry partners. Key research areas align with the university's academic strengths, including environmental science, forestry, engineering, health sciences, and Indigenous studies. The university is equipped with laboratories, research facilities, and a library system to support scholarly activities. In summary, Lakehead University is a public university in Ontario, Canada, established in 1965, offering a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs across its Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses. It is structured into multiple faculties and schools, providing specialized education in areas such as business, education, engineering, health sciences, law, natural resources, science, and social sciences. The university emphasizes interdisciplinary studies, experiential learning, and research, with particular strengths in areas relevant to Northern environments, Indigenous issues, and natural resource management.