The 10 Best Programs in Canada
A summary of Maclean's 2017 College and University Programs Guide.
For the second year in a row, Maclean's Magazine has conducted a comprehensive ranking of Canada's best programs to help you make a better, and more informed decision. The ranking covers 10 program areas, including business, engineering, medicine, nursing and computer science from universities across the country.
Below, we have put together a summary of the top five school programs in each category to help you cut through the noise. If you are interested in seeing the full top 20 rankings, you can view them at Maclean's.
The rankings are based on a combination of five indicators including program reputation, research impact and research reputation. It's not surprising that several of Canada's large research-intensive universities such as the University of Toronto, the University of Alberta, the University of British Columbia and McGill have done so well.
BIOLOGY
- 1. UBC & Toronto
- 3. McGill
- 4. Alberta
- 5. McMaster
Biology is the natural science that studies all forms of living organisms. A major in biology teaches students the foundations of cell theory, evolution, genetics, homeostasis and energy.
For the second year in a row, UBC and the University of Toronto have tied for first place in all categories as the best place to study biology in Canada.
BUSINESS
- 1. UBC & Toronto
- 3. Alberta
- 4. Western
- 5. York
Business is a broad discipline, where students can specialize in areas such as finance, marketing, information systems, human resources, economics, operations management and more. By earning a business degree, students are equipped with analytical, organizational and management skills.
The University of Toronto and UBC have tied again for first place!
COMPUTER SCIENCE
- 1. Toronto
- 2. UBC & Waterloo
- 4. Alberta
- 5. McGill
A computer science degree is a professional degree that prepares students for a number of computer-related careers, while providing a solid foundation in mathematics and science. Students can focus their interests in network administration, computer engineering, telecommunication and robotics among others.
The University of Toronto has come out as the clear winner for computer science in Canada, with UBC and the University of Waterloo tying for second place.
EDUCATION
- 1. Toronto
- 2. UBC
- 3. McGill
- 4. Calgary
- 5. Alberta
A bachelor of education is designed to prepare students for various educator roles, whether it's the well-developed skills needed to teach younger children or the subject knowledge necessary to teach students at higher levels.
The University of Toronto's education program takes the first spot across the board, followed by UBC.
ENGINEERING
- 1. Toronto
- 2. Waterloo
- 3. UBC
- 4. Alberta
- 5. McGill
Engineering is the branch of science and technology concerned with designing, building and using either engines, machines or structures. There are various areas of engineering that students can pursue, including civil, electrical, mechanical or industrial engineering.
The top 5 results haven't changed since last year, with the University of Toronto still sitting in the top spot, followed by the University of Waterloo and UBC.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
- 1. UBC
- 2. McGill
- 3. Waterloo
- 4. Toronto
- 5. Alberta
Environmental science is the study of the physical and biological facets of the environment. This includes various streams of science such as ecology, chemistry, mineralogy, geology and more. Students will learn about phenomena such as pollution, global warming and forest conservation.
UBC is the clear winner for their environmental sciences program, ranking first place in almost every category!
MATHEMATICS
- 1. Toronto
- 2. UBC
- 3. Waterloo
- 4. McGill
- 5. Alberta
Mathematics is a fundamental science program where students study numbers, structure, patterns and change. It has applications in many different academic and professional fields including research, computer science and engineering.
The University of Toronto has the number one ranking mathematics program in the country, followed closely by UBC and Waterloo. In fact, all schools are tied for program and research reputation!
MEDICINE
- 1. Toronto
- 2. UBC
- 3. McGill
- 4. McMaster
- 5. Alberta
Interested in going to medical school to become a doctor? Most areas of Canada require at least two to three years of university study before you can apply to medical school. Studying medicine will teach students the practice of diagnosis, treatment and disease prevention.
Again, the University of Toronto takes the top spot for their medicine program. McMaster University breaks through the top five bubble to sit at spot number four.
NURSING
- 1. Toronto
- 2. UBC
- 3. Alberta
- 4. McMaster
- 5. McGill
If you are looking to become a registered nurse in Canada, you must complete a degree in nursing, as well as the national licensing exam. Nursing is a healthcare profession that promotes health, prevents illness and advocates for the highest level of care for patients and their families.
The University of Toronto comes in at that top again for their program in nursing. UBC jumps up a spot from last year to sit in at number two. Surprisingly, however, the University of Alberta in spot number three actually received the highest ranking in both program and research reputation.
PSYCHOLOGY
- 1. UBC
- 2. Toronto
- 3. McGill
- 4. Waterloo
- 5. Western
Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind, its functions and its influence on individual and social behaviour. It is a multifaceted discipline where students can focus their study in areas such as human development, sports, health, clinical and cognitive processes.
UBC's psychology program has taken first spot for 2017, followed by the University of Toronto and McGill. Western University has made an appearance coming in at rank number five!