Welcome from the Associate Dean

Welcome to Continuing and Distance Studies, gateway to online studies in the Faculty of Arts and Science at Queen’s University.

In 1888, Queen's University began offering extension courses, becoming the first Canadian university to do so. Today, more than a century later, Continuing and Distance Studies continues to lead by offering online courses and programs distinguished by their quality.

For us, quality means providing you with a learning experience that challenges and stimulates you, while meeting your needs in an environment that’s supportive, accessible and flexible. We believe that interaction lies at the heart of quality learning. In our courses you will get to know your instructors and teaching assistants through real-time, synchronous online tutorials and webinars. Your course materials are developed using best practices for online learning, incorporating multi-media features like videos and podcasts, as well as interactive components such as problem sets and self-assessment quizzes to help you direct your own learning. Through online group work and discussion forums you will interact with peers from across the world in a virtual community of learners.

What interests you? You can learn about human behaviour in our Psychology and Sociology courses, about the intersection between the digital world and society in our Film and Media courses, or gain critical perspectives on the past through subjects such as English, Classics and History. If sciences are your passion you will be inspired by our newly developed courses in Calculus, Biology and Organic Chemistry. Or you can open the door for future studies through our basic medical science courses in subjects like Physiology and Anatomy.

Whether you’re embarking on a degree or certificate program, enhancing your studies to advance yourself in your workplace, taking courses to transfer to your degree at another institution, or simply taking courses out of interest, we invite you to explore your options and to join the Queen’s community of excellence.

Brenda Ravenscroft, Ph.D.
Associate Dean (Studies), Faculty of Arts and Science