Ryerson University, privately endowed institution of higher learning in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It was founded in 1948 as the Ryerson Institute of Technology, named after the educator Egerton Ryerson (1803–82). In 1963–64 the school’s name changed to Ryerson Polytechnic Institute, and in 2002 it changed to Ryerson University. It has faculties of engineering and applied science, arts (including the humanities and social sciences), applied arts, business, community services, and continuing education. It is primarily a four-year baccalaureate institution.