The College offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the fields of public policy, international studies, and political management.

The College was established in 1999 and is named for the late Arthur Kroeger, a senior Canadian public servant and former Chancellor of Carleton University.

As the Canadian government became increasingly focused on reintegrating veterans into civilian life toward the end of World War II, a need arose to meet the needs of an expanding federal public service.

[4] Initial coursework covered a broad spectrum of disciplines, including public finance, statistics, political science, and organizational management.

A fundraising steering committee, led by prominent Toronto businessman George Anderson, embarked on an ambitious campaign to raise $1.5 million to support the College’s activities, including an endowment fund, visiting fellowships, and leadership conferences to enhance student experience [8]The College's namesake, Arthur Kroeger, was a reputed public servant who held a number of senior positions within the Canadian public service prior to his appointment as Chancellor of Carleton University in 1993.

The College formally opened on October 2, 1999 with a reception attended by then-leading figures in Canadian public affairs, including former NDP leader Ed Broadbent, journalist Trina McQueen, and former Clerk of the Privy Council Gordon Robertson.

In their fourth year, students must complete a semester-long (0.5 credit) Capstone Seminar, in addition to an Honours Research Essay (HRE) in order to graduate.

[18] This change was prompted by a growing desire among students for a more personalized learning experience better suited toward their career needs and research interests within the program.

Carleton's location in Ottawa ideal for allowing students to access opportunities within the Government of Canada, non-profit organizations, research firms, and consulting groups.

[20] With the work-study schedule for B.PAPM, graduating with the co-op designation can take an additional 1-3 semesters to complete the program, dependent on course requirements and the number of work terms.

Since 2012, six PAPM students have been awarded the prestigious Killam Undergraduate Fellowship by Fulbright Canada for academic exchange in the United States.

The Bachelor of Global and International Studies (BGInS) is a specialized, interdisciplinary four-year program, offering both general and honours degree options.

This component of the degree offers students immersive learning in diverse global settings, exposing them to cross-cultural perspectives across different academic disciplines.

Students receive experiential learning through a ten-week practicum in political offices, consulting firms, and non-governmental organizations within the National Capital Region.

[37] The agreement was later rewritten to clarify that the five-person steering committee does not have the power to "approve" hiring and curriculum decisions and instead only provides advice.