UCalgary students at main campus

Teaching and learning

We cultivate teaching excellence by integrating research into how we teach and how students learn. 

Our academic priorities

Our intensive research environment gives us a major advantage – the new knowledge we create helps shape program content and gives students the opportunity for hands-on, experiential learning grounded in research.

 

Talent attraction, development and retention

Universities are distinguished by the talent they attract and retain, whether undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff. We compete globally for talent at all levels, and work to continually revitalize and re-energize our talent pool.

Teaching and research integration

Our teaching and learning is research-informed, research active and goal-oriented because we are committed to ensuring that our students have a positive and engaging student experience.

Interdisciplinary

At UCalgary, students, staff, and faculty can not only advance their disciplinary expertise, but also experience the rewards of collaborating across fields to either solve important problems or create new artistic expressions.

Leadership

We encourage a culture where each individual can live up to his or her potential to influence our actions, strive for excellence, and support the growth of others. We're creating the next generation of leaders who will become fully integrated within their communities, show the way with their ethical actions, and inspire others to be champions.

Connection with community

We work with our communities to discover new ideas, create new art and cultural expressions, and translate new knowledge into innovative applications that benefit our community and the university.

Internationalization

We strive to make our university a global intellectual hub where our students, staff, and faculty create new discoveries, ideas, and applications that have global impact, and where we promote diversity of thought, culture, and respect for alternatives. Calgary is a global community and we prepare our graduates to work in a globalized world.

Learn more about our international activity

Sustainability

We make sustainability a common theme across our curriculum, research, built environments, open spaces, and our daily operational and business practices. We have developed sustainable practices and seek new ways of applying them within our campus and beyond.

Learn more about our sustainability strategy (PDF)

Innovative learning spaces

We know that inspired learning happens when great teaching is delivered in innovative learning spaces. Here are some examples of spaces on our campuses that are designed to stimulate learning:

Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning

Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning

The first building in Canada dedicated solely to improving post-secondary teaching and learning.

Energy Environment Experiential Learning Building

Energy Environment Experiential Learning Building

One of the largest LEED Platinum laboratories in North America.

Taylor Family Digital Library

Taylor Family Digital Library

The most technologically advanced library in North America.

Innovative programs

With an eye on the changing needs of the world around us, we create programs that combine student interest with our academic strengths and societal and economic needs. 

 

Dance-Kinesiology degree

The combined BA Dance/BKin degree is the first of its kind in Canada. The innovative program allows students to focus on the intersections of dance and science, preparing them for graduate work in a variety of fields. The combined degree is designed to educate a new generation of students who will be equipped to provide leadership and support for active living through dance to people of all ages and abilities.

Learn more

 

Law and Society program

Law and Society is the study of how legal and social systems are interconnected, how people live, and how law is woven into communities. This program gives an understanding of what happens when legal innovations and institutions succeed, and what the outcomes are when they fail. 

Learn more

 

Global Energy Executive MBA

The Global Energy Executive MBA program aims to transform the global energy industry by preparing the next generation of leaders for its complex and evolving challenges.

Learn more

 

International Energy Lawyers program

This is a joint JD (Juris Doctor) program with the University of Houston Law Center that allows students to earn both Canadian and American law degrees in four years. Upon program completion, students are able to apply for admission to the bars in both Canada and the U.S. With skills and knowledge in energy law, students emerge highly employable across North America.

Learn more

 

Sustainable Energy Development degree (SEDV)

A combined offering through the Haskayne School of BusinessSchulich School of Engineering and  the Faculties of  Law and Environmental Design, SEDV is an unprecedented program designed for professionals and students who are seeking a broad-based and comprehensive education in sustainable energy.

Learn more