Lakehead University

Founded 1965 | Thunder Bay, ON

Lakehead University offers a broad range of degree and diploma programs—including programs designed for Indigenous students—across 10 faculties on two campuses. The university’s focus on research and experiential learning “provides opportunities for our students, throughout their degree, for hands-on learning in labs, co-ops and placements—all of which prepare students for jobs,” says president Moira McPherson. “Over 92 per cent of our graduates are working within six months of graduating.”

The main campus—home to the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law—is located in Thunder Bay, Ont. Sightings of foxes, beavers and deer are common. At the centre of campus, man-made Lake Tamblyn offers a prime fishing spot and doubles as a skating rink during the winter. A tunnel system that connects most campus buildings comes in handy on cold winter days. Thunder Bay is somewhat isolated from big cities, but affordable flights connect it to Toronto, Winnipeg and beyond. Lakehead’s Orillia campus, a 90-minute drive north of Toronto, offers a slate of programs in almost 20 areas, including interdisciplinary studies, criminology, environmental sustainability, and media, film and communications.

Standout Programs

• Outdoor Recreation: This program offers theoretical and applied learning in a field that contributes to health, culture, economic development and an appreciation of the natural environment. Nearby rivers, lakes and trails provide lots of opportunities for hands-on field activities in nature.

• Criminology: Available at the Orillia campus, this multidisciplinary program focuses on social justice, legal institutions and forensic science; it features small classes and modern facilities.

• Computer Science: This program, with streams in business and science, gives students access to high-tech facilities, including a 3D virtual reality lab. Students learn about game programming, health informatics applications, big data, cloud computing and more. Co-op provides valuable experience.

Tuition (includes compulsory ancillary fees)

$7,244

Minimum Entering Grades

Arts: 70% · Science: 70% · Commerce: 70% · Engineering: 70%

Student Body

Undergraduates: Full-time: 5,756 · Part-time: 1,298

Graduates: Full-time: 1,306 · Part-time: 5

International Students: First-year: 7.1%

Graduate: 43.2%

Male-female Ratio: 42 to 58

Housing Facts

Residence Spaces: 1,344 (642 reserved for first-year students)

Residence Costs: Single room with meals: $11,196 to $14,634

Apartment-style: $7,571 to $7,982

Cool Courses

• Expedition Management: Learn how to manage various outdoor recreational activities that focus on group dynamics, logistics, decision-making processes and risk management.

• Game Programming: Students are introduced to game design concepts and tools and learn about game play mechanics, animation and storytelling.

Student Life on Campus

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