Science Students Gain Hands-On Clinical Experience in Italy
The Faculty of Science, Engineering and Architecture is highlighting the impact of experiential lear...
Aug. 20, 2026
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Recommended Technology for Online Learning
The Information Technology department has put together a short list of recommended computing (hardware and software) resources to provide the best possible experience while learning online.
Technology Checklist
☑ Bandwidth and Internet Requirements
- Minimum download speed of 25 Mbps
- Minimum upload speed of 5 Mbps
- For households sharing a network, 100+ Mbps is ideal
You can test your current speed using Google Speed Test.
☑ Computing Requirements
Chromebooks, iPads, and Android tablets/handheld devices are not recommended as primary devices because they cannot run full desktop applications or specialized automated exam proctoring software.
- Operating System: Windows 11 (64-bit) or macOS (14 Sonoma / 15 Sequoia or newer).
Please note that Windows 10 is no longer supported by Microsoft and will not be supported by IT. You will need to update your device to Window 11 to be able to connect and receive support from the Information Technology department.
- Processor (CPU): Intel Core i5 / i7 (12th Gen or newer), AMD Ryzen 5 / 7 (5000 series or newer), or Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, or M4 chip).
- Memory (RAM): 16 GB is highly recommended for smooth multitasking. 8 GB is the bare minimum, but may sluggish.
- Storage: 256 GB or 512 GB Solid State Drive (SSD). Avoid older mechanical hard drives (HDDs) as they severely slow down system performance.
☑ Webcam
- A built-in or external HD webcam (1080p preferred) for live lectures and online proctored exams.
☑ Microphone
- A microphone/headset for live lectures and online proctored exams.
☑ Anti-Virus Software
- Ensure your computer has active anti-virus software running (such as the built-in Windows Defender or macOS security settings) and keep your operating system updated with the latest security patches.
☑ Supported Browser
- Always use the latest version of Google Chrome (recommended) or other web browsers like Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge or Apple Safari. Keep an alternative browser installed as a backup troubleshooting step if a webpage fails to load.
Required Accounts
As a Laurentian student, you are automatically provided with access to the essential digital platforms, administrative tools, and productivity suites needed for both your coursework and managing your student account.
Visit my.laurentian.ca/start to complete the onboarding survey and activate your Laurentian student account. You will need your student number at this stage. Refer to your admissions letter for your student number. Once you’ve completed the survey and your account is activated, you will receive your Laurentian email address. You will need to know both your student number and email during your studies.
Student Portal (myLaurentian)
Your central hub for administrative student services, official announcements, campus resources, and university support tabs (including IT Services). This is where you will access all other student accounts.
Self-Service
The portal used to manage your program requirements, register for courses, view your transcript, check financial accounts, and pay tuition fees.
D2L Brightspace
Laurentian’s official Learning Management System. This is where you will access your course outlines, course content, complete assignments, participate in discussion boards, track your grades, and take exams.
Laurentian Student Email (Google Workspace)
All registered students are provided an official Laurentian email address hosted through Google.
- You must check this email account regularly. All official communications, course updates, instructor messages, and university notices are sent to your Laurentian email.
- Your student account grants full access to Google Workspace apps, including Google Drive, Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides for creating assignments and collaborating with classmates.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
You will be required to set up MFA on your smartphone or device to protect your account and securely log into your student accounts and portals.
Recommended Softwares
Microsoft 365 Education
Laurentian students also have access to Microsoft 365, allowing you to download desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint for free using your student credentials.
To sign up for Microsoft 365 Education please use the following link: Office 365 Education
Zoom
Used for live, synchronous lectures, study groups, and virtual office hours. We recommend downloading the dedicated Zoom desktop application rather than using the web version.
To sign up for Zoom using your student/teaching account please use the following link: Zoom Sign up
Help and Support
IT Services (Service Desk)
Help with accounts, access, troubleshooting, and software support.
Laurentian Online
Laurentian Online for Credit Programs and Courses
Laurentian Online offers the largest selection of bilingual (English and French) distance education programs in Canada.
Envision the possibilities.
Laurentian Online offers 26 degree program options and nearly 400 courses in an asynchronous online format. Our offerings provide the flexibility to complete a full program of study or complement on-campus study.
Laurentian Online provides:
- Online degree programs and courses
- College-to-online degree pathways
- Admission opportunities three times a year
- Courses are created by faculty members and national research experts, undergo rigorous peer review processes, and hold the same learning outcomes as on- campus courses.
Program Offerings
Undergraduate Programs
The following undergraduate degree programs are available fully online or through distance education. Click on the program title, followed by "Program Details" and "Degree Options" for more information on specific degree requirements.
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Criminology (3-year Concentration) (Admissions Paused)
- Equity, Diversity and Human Rights (3-year Concentration, 4-year Major) (Admissions Paused)
- Gerontology (3-year Concentration, 4-year Major, 4-year Specialization)
- History (3-year Concentration, 4-year Major)
- Interdisciplinary Studies (4-year Major, only with subject areas available completely online) (Admissions Paused)
- Psychology (3-year Concentration, 4-year Major, and 4-year Honours Specialization with non-thesis)
- Sociology (3-year Concentration)
You may also complete a General BA (3-year) with two (2) minors. For further information regarding minors please see below.
Other undergraduate degree programs:
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) (4-year as a 2+2.5 format)*
- Bachelor of Forensic Identification Degree (3-year, may require on-site practicum attendance)
Offered exclusively to Forensic Identification Officers - Bachelor of Indigenous Social Work (4-year)
- Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Science (3-year)**
- offering continuations in:
- BIOLOGY (BIOL 1000; BIOL 1700; BIOL 2011; BIOL 2110; BIOL 2701; BIOL 2757; BIOL 2806)
- CHEMISTRY (CHMI 1031; CHMI 1032; CHMI 2031; CHMI 2041; CHMI 2220; CHMI 3031)
- GEOLOGY (GEOL 1021; GEOL 1022; GEOL 2021; GEOL 2022; GEOL 2046; GEOL 3312; GEOL 3811)
- PHYSICS (PHYS 1211; PHYS 1212; PHYS 1905; PHYS 2606; PHYS 2616; PHYS 3306; PHYS 3616)
- offering continuations in:
*The 4-year online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree will be delivered in a 2+2.5 format.
**The 3-year online degree is a terminal degree which does not allow you to transfer directly into the 4-year Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Science. The 4-year degree is only available on-campus and requires 1st and 2nd year courses that are not covered by the 3-year online degree. Interested in the 4-year degree? Refer to the on-campus page here for more information
Statement of Professional Learning
- Cardiac Care on the Web
- Fingerprint Detection and Analysis*
- Fire Scene Management and Investigation*
Offered exclusively to Fire Investigators
*These for credit professional development opportunities require on-site practicums
Graduate Programs
Support Services for Online and Distance Learners
The Student Success Centre
The Student Success Centre offers a variety of academic supports to help students transition to university and succeed during their studies.
- Student Success Advising
Academic advisors help students better understand their goals, their academic plans, and guide students as they make important decisions about their future. - Academic Writing Support
Academic Writing assistance is available to all Laurentian students who would like some extra help to improve their writing skills. - Student Success Tutoring
Learning Assistance provides students with resources and opportunities to improve their ability to learn at a university level.
Laurentian Online
Understanding the distinct needs of online learners, our team provides support and guidance to our student community to help them achieve their academic goals. Self-register for the A1-Orientation for Online Learners available on our learning management system.
Laurentian University Services and Supports
The J.N. Desmarais Library offers a variety of services for online and distance learners. For example, any library material that is not available to you electronically, can be ordered through OMNI, whether the material is located in Laurentian's own collections - or elsewhere.
Interested in our Programs?
Laurentian Online FAQ
Recommended Technology for Online Learning
View the Recommended Technology for Online Learning webpage.
How much time should I spend on one class every week?
A three-credit course is offered over one semester. You should set aside 7-10 hours a week per course to read, work on assignments, do research, participate in online discussions, watch videos, and study for tests.
How do I access my online/distance education course?
Laurentian Online uses the learning management system Desire2Learn (D2L).
You will have access to your course(s) on the first day of term.
Are textbooks included?
All the material for your online course(s), except for the required textbook(s), can be found online.
You may order the required text(s) and case packages from the online Bookstore.
Are there weekly class times?
Laurentian Online courses are geared towards asynchronous learning.
Meaning there are no scheduled weekly class meetings; however, course professors may choose to schedule a videoconference once or more during the semester.
Do I have a specific time frame in which I must complete a course?
You must complete a course within its assigned academic semester.
How many semesters are offered each year?
Courses are delivered in four terms annually: fall (F), fall/winter (FW), winter (W) and spring (SP).
You can consult the Important Dates calendar to learn the “start” and “end” dates of each semester.
Will I have to come on campus?
You will not be required to come on campus to complete an online/distance course.
Will I have to write a final exam?
Your course may contain a final in-person exam. Note that every effort will be made to provide an examination location that is within 100 km for students residing in Canada. However, you will be required to find an invigilator for your invigilated exam if:
- You are located more than 100km from one of our listed test centres; or
- You are registered with Accessibility Services and writing outside of Sudbury, or
- You are writing your exam outside of Canada
If you selected an exam centre, the exam location address, room information, and allowable examination room materials will be provided to you seven days before the examination period.
Can online students apply for financial assistance?
Yes, Online students can apply for financial assistance.
Grants, awards, bursaries, and loans are available to part-time and full-time students who qualify.
What services are available to online learners?
There are many services available to online learners.
Online learners can benefit from Accessibility Services, Academic Advising, Library, Counseling, Indigenous Student Affairs as well as many more.
How much is tuition?
Based on several factors, your university fees consist of tuition, incidental and administrative fees.
The Fees and Financing section of our website will provide you with the information to help you organize and prepare your finances.
How do I pay my fees?
You can use one of the following methods to pay your tuition fees:
- Internet banking
- Telephone banking
- Interac® debit card
- In person at the bank
Paying your tuition fees online is the easiest and fastest way. You can pay your tuition fees online if your financial institution is on the following list: CIBC Bank, Bank of Montreal, National Bank, Royal Bank, Scotiabank, Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD), Caisses Desjardins, or Credit Union.
The only way to pay your fees by credit card would be through a third-party service provider.
Click here for further information regarding payment methods.
What do I need to know about Online Learning?
In an online course, everything you need is found on the D2L Brightspace platform except for your textbooks and/or select reading packages, which you will need to purchase from the Laurentian Bookstore. The benefits of online courses are that they are more interactive and contain built-in communication features, such as the discussion board. You can therefore connect with other students and your instructor easily.
All Laurentian Online courses are completed via a learning management system. Depending on the course, you may be required to work independently or with a group. Working online does have its challenges, but it also comes with many benefits. The majority of the Laurentian Online courses are delivered in an asynchronous format, meaning students have the flexibility to read, do coursework, and go online at their convenience rather than be at a specific place at a designated time. Assignments, however, will have set deadline dates throughout the semester.
Questions to ask yourself in order to become a successful online learner
- Do I have the time and support required to successfully complete my online distance education course?
- Do I have the support of my family and employer?
- Do I have 15-20 hours a week to read, work on assignments, do research, participate in online discussions, watch videos, and study for tests?
- Do I have a designated space that I intend to do my coursework and readings throughout my course(s)?
- Can I arrange time off on weekends or evenings to attend my final exam or work on a major assignment?
Contact Us
Laurentian Online
Centre for Teaching and Continuing Learning
online@laurentian.ca
J.N. Desmarais Library, 2nd Floor
935 Ramsey Lake Road
Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6
Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6
Department of Domestic Recruitment
Institutional Partnership
Laurentian University, through Laurentian Online, is proud to be an official Institutional Partner with the Canadian Digital Learning Research Association (CDLRA). This partnership directly supports national-level research that helps post-secondary institutions understand digital learning trends and make evidence-based decisions regarding technology.
Online Courses
2026-27 Fall/Winter - Laurentian Online Course Offerings
Below are the online courses in English being offered during the Fall, Fall/Winter and Winter sessions.
Please click here for the Fall/Winter list of online courses available in French.
Note: Textbooks for your online courses may be purchased from the Laurentian University bookstore. In order to avoid delays, when possible we do recommend you select the electronic version of the course materials.
2026 Spring - Laurentian Online Course Offerings
Below is the list of the online courses in English, being offered during the Spring 2026 session.
Please click here for the 2026 Spring online courses available in French.
Note: Textbooks for your online courses may be purchased from the Laurentian University bookstore. In order to avoid delays, when possible we do recommend you select the electronic version of the course materials.
Good luck with your studies!
Your online course will be available the first day of the term. All the material for courses (except required and suggested textbooks, which are listed in the calendar descriptions below) can be found online on the learning platform D2L.
Laurentian Online courses are designed to help you maximize your chances for success. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your online/distance education course(s), please do not hesitate to email our team at online@laurentian.ca.
Already a student? Ready to register?
Not sure what course to take? Need academic advising?
Not yet a student?
Laurentian Online
J.N. Desmarais Library, 2nd Floor
935 Ramsey Lake Road
Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6
935 Ramsey Lake Road
Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6
Admission Applications
Undergraduate Degree Programs and Certificates
Apply to an undergraduate online distance education degree program as a full-time student (taking 9 or more credits per semester) through the Ontario University’s Application Centre (OUAC).
Please note all students applying for the BBA program must apply via OUAC.
Apply to study part time (taking less than 9 credits per semester) or just one course through a simple application process at the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC). Applications from students with a Letter of Permission or for a Non-degree program should also follow the same part-time application process.
Graduate Degree Programs
To apply for the MBA program delivered online, follow the instructions on the Master of Business Administration webpage under the tab “Requirements”.
Professional Learning
- Cardiac Care on the Web
Proof of your registration as a Registered Nurse with a College of Nurses from a Canadian province is necessary. - Fingerprint Detection and Analysis*
- Fire Scene Management and Investigation*
Offered exclusively to Fire Investigators
* potential applicants for both * programs can email admissions@laurentian.ca to request additional information
For all Professional Learning opportunities, submit your application to our part-time studies form on the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre website. Apply here and submit all required documentation to admissions@laurentian.ca.
Students studying on a Letter of Permission
Studying in Canada? You can take a course at Laurentian on a Letter of permission. We simply require that you supply us with a Letter of Permission from your host institution and that you complete the following form to sign up for a course.
Interested in our Programs?
Questions about fees?
Already a student? Ready to register?