Program Showcase

Our Actuarial Science Specialist Program is an accredited program under the Canadian Institute of Actuaries University Accreditation Program. Our programs are also recognized as a Centre of Actuarial Excellence under the Society of Actuaries Centers of Actuarial Excellence (CAE) Program. In 2019, we received the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) University Award for “the innovative and exemplary ways” our program is preparing students for their career.

Our aim is to provide highly innovative and practically implementable models and methodologies to solve real world problems arising from insurance. In the research, we emphasize on building flexible and interpretable models, efficient estimation algorithms with computer codes, and real insurance data applications.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Students in our program have many opportunities beyond the classroom through a unique suite of practice-oriented courses, taught by seasoned industry professionals and cover all key actuarial subfields (life & annuity, P&C, pension, actuarial business communications), bringing industry practice to our students through case studies, projects, capstone, etc. Through our new professional experience program (for Specialist students only), students are provided the opportunity to complete a semester-long PE course and afterwards a full-time internship as part of the completion of their program. Students also have the opportunity to work with strong actuarial researchers, ranging from insurance claim arrival and loss modeling, micro-level stochastic claim reserving for IBNR, predictive modeling and data analytics using statistical learning tools to operational risk management. Students can also attend a variety of networking events and enter a mentorship program through the highly vibrant actuarial science student club.

WHY CHOOSE ACTUARIAL SCIENCE

• Our courses cover 100% of the learning objectives of the actuarial professional credential exams, and those courses are taught in an in-depth way that help students fully grasp the theoretical and practical aspect of the course materials
• Practice-oriented courses taught by FCIAs, FSAs, or FCAS from the profession can help students gain practical knowledge from various practice tracks and potentially improve competitiveness when applying for internship and employment
• UAP credits through the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (CIA) University Accreditation Program
• The opportunity to work with industry partners through our professional experience program (for Specialist students only), completing a semester-long PE course and afterwards a full-time internship
• Strong actuarial researchers, ranging from insurance claim arrival and loss modeling, micro-level stochastic claim reserving for IBNR, predictive modeling and data analytics using statistical learning tools to operational risk management

OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

• Participation in actuarial case competitions. Various competitions are hosted by different parties: SOA, CIA, insurance firms, and from this year, our department. Mentors and judges are from the industry.
• A mentorship program through the actuarial student club. Many of the mentors are from the industry.
• The opportunity to work with industry partners through our professional experience program (for Specialist students only), completing a semester-long PE course and afterwards a full-time internship.
• Working with strong actuarial researchers, ranging from insurance claim arrival and loss modeling, micro-level stochastic claim reserving for IBNR, predictive modeling and data analytics using statistical learning tools to operational risk management.
• Practice-oriented courses taught by FCIAs, FSAs, or FCAS from the profession can help students gain practical knowledge from various practice tracks and potentially improve competitiveness when applying for internship and employment.

AFTER GRADUATING FROM ACTUARIAL SCIENCE

• Become an actuary who works for insurance companies or greater financial sector, consulting firms, government agencies (such as OSFI).
• Attend graduate school in actuarial science, finance, statistics or other related fields
• Contribute to microinsurance programs offered by the United Nations or other international and regional organizations
• Enterprise risk managers

GOOD TO KNOW

• We have very strong connections with the industry.
• Our unique practice-oriented courses are designed and taught by Fellows (FSA, FCAS, FCIA) working in the industry. We meet with our professional instructors frequently to discuss course content and further course development. Those instructors also bring industry practice to our students through case studies, projects, capstone, etc.
• We have an insurance industrial board. We meet annually to discuss the direction of the program.
• Our professors and their research group work on collaborative research projects with industry partners.
• We have many industry partners for our new PE program.
• We run a highly popular mentorship program through actuarial student club. Many of the mentors are from the industry.
• Many of our students participate in actuarial case competitions (various competitions are hosted by different parties: SOA, CIA, insurance firms, and from this year, our department). Mentors and judges are from the industry.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

• If you have any questions regarding our Actuarial Science program, please contact, ug.actsci@utoronto.ca.
• Department of Statistical Sciences website

The Centre for the Study of the United States (CSUS) offers a vibrant, interdisciplinary, undergraduate program in American Studies. Dedicated exclusively to American politics, culture, and society, the Centre hosts Canada’s largest concentration of U.S.-focused scholars. As a result, American Studies students have access to an extensive range of courses, in both the humanities and the social sciences, including core American Studies classes, as well as a wide range of American themed classes in affiliated departments.

With all of the benefits of a boutique program at a world class university, the American Studies program features outstanding faculty, small classes, topical courses, as well as an annual undergraduate journal.

In addition to the major program in American Studies, a minor option is also available. As a double major or minor, the American Studies Program is a particularly stimulating match with other disciplines, including International Relations, English, Political Science, Geography, and History.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

CSUS offers many events and workshops on a variety of topics, inviting guest speakers such as faculty from universities both within and outside of Canada, film directors, artists and more. Students also have the opportunity to present some of their high-quality independent research to a broader audience in the Undergraduate Journal of American Studies, which is an entirely student led and edited journal.

WHY CHOOSE AMERICAN STUDIES

• Small and interdisciplinary classes
• New and topical courses every year
• Complements a number of disciplines, making it a great double major or minor option

OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

• Undergraduate Journal of American Studies
• Undergraduate Society of American Studies (USAS)

Benefits of a Degree in American Studies

• Preparation for Graduate Studies in disciplines such as International Relations, English, Political Science, Geography, and History
• Careers in public policy

GOOD TO KNOW

The Centre for the Study of the United States represents the largest collection of U.S.-focused scholars in Canada, as well as the greatest concentration of U.S. expertise in Canada’s history. With over 60 faculty affiliates, we have an unprecedented strength in U.S. expertise and in American Studies, both institutionally and nationally.

CSUS and American Studies bridge the social sciences and the humanities in three major areas of activity: undergraduate teaching, research, and programming for the University community and beyond.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

• Centre for the Study of the United States Website
• Twitter
• Instagram
• Email: csus@utoronto.ca
• Contact Name: Sophie Bourret-Klein, Events and Program Coordinator

Anthropology Major and Minor (General) – Students in these programs will have the opportunity to experience the full breadth of anthropological scholarship on the human past, human evolution, and human languages, societies and cultures. While offering a broad introduction to the discipline as a whole, the programs also encourage students to develop expertise in fields of anthropological scholarship that transcend subdisciplinary boundaries.

Anthropology (Society, Culture and Language) Specialist and Major – Students in these programs will have a comprehensive introduction to anthropological approaches to studying society, culture, and language. Students begin by taking courses that introduce them to core concepts and to anthropological research on issues of importance in the world today. In their upper years, students take a core course focusing on anthropological theory. Specialists take additional courses in methods and the critical reading of ethnography, along with one of several area courses focusing on a particular region of the world.

Anthropology (Evolutionary) – The Anthropology Major (Evolutionary) begins with a core set of courses providing a foundation in biology in the first and second years of study. In the upper years, the Department of Anthropology offers courses in four areas: primate origins and ecology, palaeoanthropology, human variation, and human health.

Environmental Anthropology Minor – Environmental Anthropology Minor is offered in collaboration with the School of the Environment. Students will acquire a body of environmental knowledge in any of the sub-disciplinary fields in Anthropology.

Medical Anthropology Minor – Medical Anthropology is a subfield within Anthropology that draws on both socio-cultural and evolutionary/biological anthropology to examine the causal factors, subjective experiences, and shared or contested meanings of health and illness around the world.

WHY CHOOSE ANTHROPOLOGY?

• Anthropology examines the complexity and diversity of human experience, past and present, through evolutionary, archaeological, social, cultural, and linguistic perspectives. As such, Anthropology is a truly interdisciplinary venture that spans the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
• We have 10 programs options ranging from Specialist, Major and Minor in all of our sub-fields.
• Field courses – One unique feature of our programs is the opportunity to engage in hands- on field research – our field courses range from participating in an archaeological dig in Archaeology to ethnographic field work in Social Cultural Anthropology.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

• Ethnographic oriented courses which include research projects (ANT380H, ANT473H)
• Participate in research opportunities with faculty members
• Join the Anthropology Student Association which organizes events, maintains the Anthropology Undergraduate Journal and administers a Peer Mentoring Program

AFTER GRADUATING FROM ANTHROPOLOGY

A training in anthropology prepares students to think clearly and critically; to engage with a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and world views; and to reach ethically sound decisions. Programs available within the Department of Anthropology provide excellent preparation for careers in business, or public service and the non-profit sector, especially in areas where international and human diversity issues are important.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Visit the Department of Anthropology website

If you have any questions, please contact

Josie Alaimo
Undergraduate Administrator
josie.alaimo@utoronto.ca

The Specialist, Major and Minor programs in Archaeology aim to provide students with an education in archaeology that meets the highest academic standards and allows them to develop their capacities to think clearly and critically, take account of a wide range of perspectives, make sound judgments, and contribute constructively to society.

The Archaeology Specialist program is a comprehensive program intended to give students the set of tools and breadth of background that they will require to pursue graduate studies in the field of archaeology or careers that involve understanding past civilizations and their material cultures. The program is designed to accommodate students with interests in diverse fields of specialization (e.g., Classical archaeology, Iroquoian archaeology and Palaeolithic archaeology).

WHY CHOOSE ARCHAEOLOGY?

• Interdisciplinary program with courses from Anthropology, Art History, Classics, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Geography, History, Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations
• Opportunities for archaeological digs in diverse locations
• Range of specializations from plant and animal bones to artifacts and different regions

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

• Opportunities for archaeological digs in diverse locations
• Participate in research opportunities with faculty members
• Join the Anthropology Student Association which organizes events, maintains the Anthropology Undergraduate Journal and administers a Peer Mentoring Program

AFTER GRADUATING FROM ARCHAEOLOGY

The Archaeology Specialist program is a comprehensive program intended to give students the set of tools and breadth of background that they will require to pursue graduate studies in the field of archaeology or careers that involve understanding past civilizations and their material cultures. The program is designed to accommodate students with interests in diverse fields of specialization (e.g., Classical archaeology, Iroquoian archaeology and Palaeolithic archaeology).

For more information

Visit the Anthropology Department website

If you have any questions, please contact

Josie Alaimo
Undergraduate Administrator
josie.alaimo@utoronto.ca

The St. George Art History Department provides students with the ability to examine, reflect upon, and write about visual representations. It is often claimed that the experience of contemporary culture is one in which the visual has eclipsed the other senses, meaning that the skills associated with the history of art have become indispensable to navigating our present world. As an art history student, you will learn to think critically, creatively and objectively; write clearly and effectively across genres; develop creative solutions to unique situations; and understand, interpret and communicate cultural differences. 

The range of course offerings in the Department is extraordinary. At its essence, the program examines the transmission of ideas by means of visual images and architectural forms, conceived and expressed by individuals or by whole societies and civilizations. Art History students will explore the history of art and architecture of Europe, North America, and South and East Asia, spanning all periods of the human past from cave paintings to the contemporary art scene. 

The Art History Department offers a wide range of opportunities for experiential learning and professional development. Through its close relationship with the ROM, several seminars are taught each year by the professional curators who care for and study these objects at the museum. Likewise, we have several internship and fellowship programs which provide unique experiences at the ROM, AGO, Aga Khan and Art Museum on campus. The Department also supports many of its students through numerous awards and scholarships, not to mention the Art History Writing Lab offering one-on-one tutoring. Advanced students will also be able to work with faculty on research projects as well as enrol in study abroad programs and other research excursions. 

We recommend joining the History of Art Students’ Association (HASA) to get connected with a lively and diverse community of students. HASA facilitates information sessions, workshops and feedback sessions, in addition to organizing an annual symposium and journal where students can present and publish their work. Another great way to get involved with the arts on campus is through Hart House, which offers programming and facilities ranging from the academic to the artistic/cultural to the athletic, notably through the Hart House Art Committee. 

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

• Art History seminars offered by curators at the ROM and internships at local galleries and museums, both of which provide students with unique hands-on experience of the collection.
• Diverse programs and opportunities for study abroad, research excursions, and working with Art History faculty on their ongoing research projects.
• Getting involved with the vibrant community of the arts on campus and in downtown Toronto through the Art History Students’ Association (HASA). 
• Presenting your work at the annual Art History conference and getting it published in the student journal, both organized by HASA 

WHY CHOOSE ART HISTORY

• A passion for the arts as well as fascination with other cultures and history
• Acquiring skills in visual literacy, critical thinking and communication
• Training for careers in the arts, education, publication and beyond
• The lively student community and the creative, supportive and diverse faculty in the Art History department

AFTER GRADUATING FROM ART HISTORY

Many Art History students have pursued careers in commercial or public art galleries or museums with distinction. In combination with further training, the possibilities include primary and secondary teaching, placement in libraries and archives, positions in art galleries and museums, or art therapy, but the degree open doors to an array of other careers as well.

With an Honours BA, possible careers include journalism and publishing (particularly if combined with an English program), commercial galleries, and auction houses. While some graduates of the Department have developed very successful careers as consultants, corporate and freelance curators, and dealers, curatorial positions and those in preservation and conservation typically require at least an MA degree. A teaching and research position in higher education requires a PhD, which can be earned after a minimum of four years of study beyond the MA. The BA program is also a pathway to graduate programs in related fields at the University of Toronto, such as the Master of Museum Studies in the Faculty of Information Sciences, and the programs in architecture, urban design, and curatorial studies in the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design.

GOOD TO KNOW

Toronto’s downtown core is teeming with opportunities to enhance your experience of art history with visits to galleries and museums, such as the world-class Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) and Gardiner Museum right by campus, or the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) and Aga Khan Museum nearby – to name a few. You might also participate in annual art events such as Art Toronto, CONTACT Photography Festival, Nuit Blanche, or the Toronto International Film Festival.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Visit the Department of Art History website.

Housed at the Asian Institute in the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, the Dr. David Chu Program in Contemporary Asian Studies (CAS) examines the linkages between Asia’s history and culture, its emergence on the global stage, and its future in the global arena through a multidisciplinary lens informed by humanities and social science perspectives. CAS students gain empirical and critical knowledge of East, Southeast, and South Asia through a comparative exploration of contemporary issues. We offer a major and minor in Contemporary Asian Studies (CAS) and a minor in South Asian Studies (SAS) with a wide range of courses taught by leading faculty from across the Faculty of Arts & Science.

The strengths of the CAS program are its interdisciplinarity, its pan-Asian focus, and its critical theoretical approach, as well as its opportunities for global and experiential learning. Students are exposed to Asian histories, cultures, geographies, religions, economies, and political systems, and develop a sophisticated perspective on modernity, colonial legacies, and development. Through coverage of broad themes such as youth cultures, gender, nationalism, globalization, class, labour, and migration, students learn how to recognize connections, similarities, and linkages across nations, the region, and a rapidly transforming and interconnected world.

As Asia becomes an increasingly powerful source of global wealth and influence, and also faces a vast array of complex challenges, our program equips the next generation of global citizens with fluency and competence in navigating the region. Through a consideration of twenty-first century challenges such as climate change, income inequality, resource conflicts, religious tensions, rapid urbanization, and large-scale migration, the program provides students with practical and analytical skills needed to begin addressing these complex issues.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

At the Asian Institute we believe that the learning that takes place outside of the classroom is a key component of the undergraduate experience. We therefore offer a wide range of opportunities with funding, mentorship, and support for students to conduct hands-on field work and travel to Asia for study, International Course Modules, and independent research. Students also have ample opportunities to get involved, join a community, and gain leadership experience in extra-curriculars such as the Contemporary Asian Studies Student Union (CASSU), Synergy: The Journal of Contemporary Asian Studies, and the Asian Institute Mentorship Program (AIM).

WHY CHOOSE ASIAN STUDIES

• Uniquely interdisciplinary and supportive learning environment with an emphasis on small class sizes, respectful discussion and exchange of ideas, essay writing support, community engagement, and hands-on research.
• Inspiring professors who are experts in their field and challenge students’ existing perspectives.
• A desire to learn more about a dynamic, rapidly evolving region that is home to more than half of the world’s population and crucial to understanding pressing global issues.
• Research, travel, and scholarship opportunities such as the Richard Charles Lee Insights through Asia Challenge, Richard Charles Lee Asian Pathways Research Lab, International Course Modules, summer abroad courses, exchange opportunities, and funded independent research opportunities (scholarships such as the David Chu Scholarships in Asia-Pacific Studies).
• Extra-curricular opportunities and sense of community through the Contemporary Asian Studies Student Union and Synergy: The Journal of Contemporary Asian Studies

OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

• Richard Charles Lee Insights through Asia Challenge (ITAC). ITAC is a funded interdisciplinary student research traineeship at the Asian Institute that supports students to conduct impactful original research. We invite students to propose compelling research projects anchored in digital research methods that connect with the Asian Institute’s broader mission of convening cross-regional, interdisciplinary research that offers insights into critical issues at stake in Asia. Through the course of the traineeship (February to August), awarded individuals/teams participate in workshops convened by the Asian Institute on research methods and ethics. Participants also contribute to a wider interdisciplinary peer network through monthly feedback sessions on in-progress work. Student projects are self-guided with the support of fellow ITAC peers as well as faculty and advisors at the Asian Institute. The traineeship culminates with a public showcase of awardees’ research contributions.
• Richard Charles Lee Asian Pathways Research Lab (RCL-APRL). The Lab is a hub for student experiential learning at the Asian Institute. In their future careers, our students will navigate a knowledge economy shaped by globalization that requires fluency across cultural, business, social, and political spheres. In order to develop this fluency, the RCL-APRL convenes dynamic research creation and knowledge mobilization activities and offers support and mentorship to a thriving range of student initiatives.
• Synergy: The Journal of Contemporary Asian Studies. Synergy is an academic journal with a regional focus on East, Southeast, and South Asia founded by undergraduate students at the Asian Institute. Synergy Journal is envisioned as a platform for the celebration of Asia in both its collectivist historical past and its current geopolitical cooperation within the region. Synergy Journal publishes online content throughout the year which it selectively compiles into a print publication at the end of each academic year. The journal advertises positions on its editorial team each year as well as opportunities to submit articles for publication.
• Contemporary Asian Studies Student Union. Also known as CASSU, this is the formal course union representing CAS students as part of the Arts & Science Student Union. Each year, CASSU holds elections for roles on its executive team and hosts social, academic and professional development events, including the Global Careers through Asia Conference (co-organized with the Asian Institute), which brings together Asian Institute alumni and experts working in a range of industries to talk about their career trajectories and how to plan for a career in a world that is no longer rooted in the west.
• Asian Institute Mentorship Program (AIM). Students can take part in a mentorship program where they are paired up with a graduate of the Asian Institute with related interests. This is a great opportunity to form a social and professional connection with someone who shares your academic background but has gained professional experience and can share what they have learned in their career journey. This program helps students gain confidence in developing their networking and professional communication skills and identify and work towards goals for future academic and professional success.

AFTER GRADUATING FROM ASIAN STUDIES

The career opportunities, industries, and post-graduate programs open to students who graduate with a Contemporary Asian Studies or South Asian Studies degree are endless, because the skills and knowledge students develop in our programs are incredibly relevant and versatile. Students gain a solid foundation in critical thinking, research methodologies, and writing that can be applied in virtually any field. Furthermore, with Asia’s growing prominence on the world stage, having a deep knowledge of the region is an asset in any industry. Here are just a few examples of the fields our graduates have gone into:

• Academic research and teaching
• Public policy
• Global affairs
• Business, marketing, consulting
• Journalism, film, media, arts

GOOD TO KNOW

Our programs are housed at the Asian Institute in the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, a world-class hub of interdisciplinary research and teaching on Asia and global affairs at the University of Toronto. Studying at the Asian Institute and Munk School connects you with a one-of-a-kind interdisciplinary network of faculty who are leading experts and provides incredible access to resources to bridge the gap between classroom learning and making an impact in the real world. By joining our programs, you’re joining a welcoming and supportive community that you can call home within the University of Toronto. We look forward to hearing from you!

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

To learn more about Asian Studies visit the Asian Institute website.

For complete program requirements and course descriptions, please refer to the Faculty of Arts & Science calendar.

If you have questions, please contact:

Katherine MacIvor
Program Advisor and Communications Officer, Asian Institute
ai.asianstudies@utoronto.ca

The Biochemistry Specialist Program is academically oriented and designed to provide students with a fundamental understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of the discipline. The program offers training in problem solving specifically using a molecular approach. Biochemistry specialists will gain experience in critical thinking and the skills to evaluate scientific rationale.

The Biochemistry Major Program provides undergraduate students with a fundamental educational experience in biochemistry that will complement and extend their experience in another discipline in Science or the Arts and Humanities.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Students will make connections and foster life-long relationships through networking within the department’s community of faculty, graduate students, staff, their peers and alumni. Learn more about undergraduate student life.

The BCH Specialists and BCH Majors will have opportunities to participate in research project courses during the year and summer sessions: BCH374Y (research project), BCH473Y (advance research project), BCH372Y (summer project course) and BCH472Y (advanced summer project course). Students also have the option of enrolling in  ROP299 and ROP399 (Research Opportunity Program) during the year or summer sessions.

During the summer session, students can participate in the Summer Student Research Program (SSRP) for stipend.

Students may join the Biochemistry Undergraduate Student Society (BUSS) which hosts events throughout the year.

WHY CHOOSE BIOCHEMISTRY

• The programs use an innovative and research-driven approach to teaching, and undergraduates become scientifically literate, ethically responsible and engaged.
• Undergraduates can participate in shadowing programs (spending a day with a BCH graduate student – in the lab, attending meetings, seminars etc.) scheduled twice a year during Fall Reading week and February Reading week.
• Undergraduates experience a sense of community with close interactions with faculty.
• Faculty and staff provide an open and supportive environment for undergraduates to enhance their academic success.

OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

• Twice a year, during the Fall Reading week and February Reading week, the department offers a Shadowing program. Undergraduate students have an opportunity to shadow a graduate student as they perform their experiments and daily tasks. The program aims to give students a glimpse into the research environment and to answer questions they may have about the graduate student experience.
• BCH Specialist students are assigned a faculty mentor for each year of study.
• Students may join the Biochemistry Undergraduate Student Society (BUSS) which hosts events throughout the year.

AFTER GRADUATING FROM BIOCHEMISTRY

Biochemistry careers offer many possibilities — basic or applied research, hands-on lab work, teaching or administration in public or private sector industries. There are jobs available for all levels of academic training, and the demand for biochemists continues to grow. Many graduates begin their careers as lab technicians or assistant researchers to master skills and get experience.

The many and diverse applications of biochemistry include pharmacology, genetics, immunology, bioinformatics, environmental science, forensics, toxicological studies and food science. The career options are nearly endless, and still unfolding, as new applications for this exciting field of study continue to evolve.

• Analytical chemist
• Biomedical scientist
• Healthcare scientist, clinical biochemistry
• Clinical research associate
• Forensic scientist
• Research scientist (life sciences)
• Scientific laboratory technician
• Toxicologist
• Biological Consultant
• Science writer
• Health and safety inspector
• Medical Illustrator
• Quality Assurance
• Research institutes (eg. Cancer)
• Universities
• Government departments
• Pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food, cosmetic, water and agricultural companies
• Public health laboratories
• Chemical and petroleum industries
• Environmental pollution agencies

Biochemists often have the opportunity to work in teams on research projects (where they report to a supervisor), or they are assigned individual tasks in modern, well-equipped labs. Biochemists who opt for the teaching route, whether at the high school or university level, put in hours outside the classroom to be well prepared for their students. As with any career in science, biochemists who want to stay current on developments in the field will subscribe to a variety of online or print journals and attend conferences and seminars.

Many industries are scrambling to incorporate biotechnology into their research, development and marketing strategies in order to be more competitive. Likewise, public and private healthcare agencies and pharmaceutical companies are utilizing advances in scientific and technical knowledge in their pursuit of more effective therapies and treatments. Environmental safety is also a growing public and private concern. Growth will come from increased demand for medical research and development and the increased move towards environmental preservation. This is all good news for biochemists.

GOOD TO KNOW

The Faculty of Arts & Science Academic Calendar provides detailed information on program requirements.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Students can email questions to Jennifer Haughton at: biochemistry.undergrad@utoronto.ca

The Book and Media Studies program is an interdisciplinary and historical investigation of the role of printing, books, reading and electronic and digital media in cultures past and present. Its topics include: manuscript and book production, internet publishing, book illustrations, advertising, censorship, reading and entertainment alongside the development of mass media — the advent of radio and the emergence of television, global telecommunications, social media, and the internet.

The new Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP) stream is available to students entering their second year of study in Fall 2022 and enrolled in the Book and Media Studies Major.

WHY CHOOSE BOOK AND MEDIA STUDIES

• Media is everywhere and the program helps students understand and be critical about media outlets and social media dynamics.
• Great Profs!
• It offers a significant perspective on how literacy and all media forms affect individuals and society.
• For students interested in working in media, this program offers a deeper understanding of the field, including communication, media and advertising.

OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

Book and Media Studies Student Association (@bmssa_uoft on Instagram)
BMSSA holds academic and professional development events, advocates for new courses and advancements to the program, as well as provides social opportunities for students to connect with the Book & Media Studies community.

The Foolscap
The Foolscap is the official Book & Media Studies program academic journal. This journal is an annual interdisciplinary undergraduate publication, which is written and edited entirely by BMS students. Its goal is to encapsulate the core tenets of BMS by delivering exemplary academic essays and creative pieces to the student body.

Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP) & Internship Course (BMS386H1)
The program combines 12-20 months of paid work experience with specialized professional development training. Please see the ASIP webpage for more information.

Book & Media Studies Majors who are not in the ASIP stream have the opportunity to find their own internship related to their BMS program and earn course credit.

USMC Research Colloquium
Open to BMS students, and other students enrolled in an SMC sponsored program, this colloquium is an excellent opportunity for undergraduates and early-career graduate students to share their research in a supportive public forum.

AFTER GRADUATING FROM BOOK AND MEDIA STUDIES

Students often take jobs in media and communications, publishing, editing, marketing, and graduate programs in information and library science. The program also introduces students to topics in the Book History and Print Culture Graduate program at the U of T.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Visit the Book and Media Studies website. For more information about the program, including queries about enrollment and completion, contact Natalie at smc.programs@utoronto.ca.

Animal Physiology will give students an opportunity to explore a broad array of species living in diverse habitats to emphasize the commonality and differences amongst species. In the first and second years of the program, students take courses that provide them with a solid foundation in the basic sciences, animal physiology, and cell and molecular biology. In the upper years, the Department of Cell & Systems Biology offers a range of advanced lectures, seminars, and laboratory courses designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the breadth of animal physiology.

Bioinformatics and Computational Biology is an interdepartmental, interdisciplinary Program of Study that balances computer-science and life-science courses towards that goal. It provides a balance between computer science, mathematics and statistics, and biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology and genetics. The genomic and post-genomic era brings opportunities for new insight into all aspects of biology and medicine, based on the computational analysis of very large datasets in a biological context.

Cell and Molecular Biology research is one the most demanding fields in science, requiring the integration of multiple subject areas, experimental skill and creative thinking. The Cell and Molecular Biology Program fosters growth in these areas. Our students gain an understanding of cell and molecular biology, and leave the program equipped to tackle fundamental cell biology questions themselves.

Genome Biology is a highly interdisciplinary field, encompassing concepts and practices from such diverse fields as Cell and Molecular Biology, Evolutionary Genetics, and Computer Science. Students in the Genome Biology program will receive a uniquely broad training in these concepts and practices, with a key focus on conceptual training in molecular biology, bioinformatics and evolutionary genetics, and practical training in both computational and wet-lab genomics research.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

The Department of Cell and Systems Biology offers a range of lectures, seminars, and laboratory courses. In addition, students can take part in different research areas. For more information about research opportunities, visit the Cell & Systems Biology website.

Students enrolled in a BCB, BIO or CSB course are automatically a member of the Cell and Systems Biology Student Union (CSBSU). Students who are enrolled in the BCB program also have access to the Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Student Union (BCBSU). These communities are a great way to get to know other students, get involved with the department and network with graduate students and faculty.

WHY CHOOSE CELL AND SYSTEMS BIOLOGY

• CSB embraces new methodologies and state-of-the art technologies. Its researchers use a wide range of cutting-edge tools to study the fundamental biological mechanisms that govern interactions at all levels of complexity, ranging from molecules to communities. CSB has particular expertise in high-throughput genomics, chemical biology, imaging, computational, and physiological approaches.
• CSB offers a range of undergraduate courses that include advanced lectures, seminars and laboratory courses that provide in-depth knowledge in different areas of study. This diverse course offering allows students to customize their educational experience to match their personal interests. There are lab courses offered in all years of study. In addition, many fourth-year courses are discussion-based, which gives students an opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of specific research areas by analyzing research.
• CSB also offers a number of research project courses in second, third and fourth year, which take students into active labs to pursue their own research. Students gain valuable practical experience that prepares them for graduate studies.

OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

• Along with the research project courses, there are awards and scholarships that provide students with an opportunity to do research in a professor’s lab and receive some funding for doing so. These include the NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRAs), the CSB Awards and the University of Toronto Excellence Awards (UTEAs).
• CSB, in collaboration with the Centre for International Experience (CIE) and U of T’s partner institutions abroad, offer an independent research course for CSB students. Through the CSB397Y0, students can gain international research experience while they complete a U of T credit towards their degree. Students may conduct research in labs in locations such as Singapore, Germany and Hong Kong.
• Through the CSBSU and BCBSU, students have access to different networking opportunities, research seminars and professional development events led by other students, graduate students and faculty.
• Students can take part in the Backpack to Briefcase (b2B) program, which gives them opportunities to speak with alumni and learn about their career paths through networking events and mentorship.

AFTER GRADUATING FROM CELL AND SYSTEMS BIOLOGY

CSB graduates will have unique skill sets that will prepare them for many different employment opportunities and further education in graduate programs.

There is a broad range of career opportunities for individuals with a BSc degree in Cell and Systems Biology. Employment may be found in the public and private sectors in areas such as basic, applied, and clinical research, biotechnology, education, sales, consulting, publishing, and information technology.

In addition to occupations in the areas listed above, students who go on to complete graduate degrees may find employment as professors and/or lead researchers in universities, government, research institutes and industry. Occupations also include those associated with bioinformatics, high-throughput technologies, pharmaceutical discovery, testing, and regulation, and patent law.

A BSc degree in Cell and Systems biology will also form a strong foundation for individuals who choose to pursue a professional degree in areas such as medicine, dentistry, nursing and other health sciences, veterinary medicine, forensic sciences, business administration, and law.

Graduates of the BCB program typically pursue graduate studies in any of the participating departments: Computer Science, Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, or Molecular Genetics. Their professional careers may span a wide range of opportunities, including academic research, clinical medicine, drug development, agrotechnology or even patent law. The unique concentration of scientists in the field, a thriving landscape of graduate and postgraduate research, the Collaborative Graduate Specialization in Bioinformatics and Genome Biology, and numerous advanced research opportunities offer many opportunities for BCB graduates to advance their own academic career.

GOOD TO KNOW

The Cell and Molecular Biology Major and Specialist programs have the option of a disciplinary focus in one of three areas: Molecular Networks of the Cell, Plant Genomics and Biotechnology, and Stem Cells and Developmental Biology. Each focus organizes restricted numbers of high-achieving students with interest in one of three major areas of cell and molecular biology that match major research topics in our department. Students complete a subset of related program courses and participate in a learning community for the focus. The learning community is led by a CSB faculty member with guest faculty. It provides community-building, professional development and enriched academics/projects with an emphasis on research.

Students can refer to the following videos about CSB and our programs:

• Cell and Systems Biology Student Union Video
• Disciplinary Focuses Video
• Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Student Union Video
• Profiling Opportunities: Pathways to the Future

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

We look forward to welcoming you into one of our programs. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about our programs. Visit the Cell & Systems Biology website or e-mail undergrad.csb@utoronto.ca.

The Celtic Studies Program introduces students to a wide variety of undergraduate courses on the languages, literature, history, music, folklore, art and archaeology of the peoples of Ireland, Scotland and Wales. We examine Celtic identities in the modern as well as the ancient and medieval world and explore the transmission of these traditions to Canada and the United States.

WHY CHOOSE CELTIC STUDIES

• A genuine interest in Celtic history, heritage, stories, struggle and identity.
• The program attracts visiting professors from Ireland and organizes conferences with international scholars.
• Summer scholarships for students to study language and history across the Atlantic.
• The variety courses it offers: ancient to modern history, language, culture, literature and even music. The focus can be exactly what you make it. You never run out of things to learn.
• Intimate program with small courses so you get to know your profs and fellow students.

OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

• The Celtic Studies Course Union aims to unite students enrolled in the Celtic Studies program and classes. The union provides a social environment for students with common interests through free lectures and events like music sessions, movie nights, dances and professor/student socials.
• Garm Lu is a Canadian Celtic Arts Journal published by the Celtic Studies Course Union. It showcases Canadian-Celtic works, ranging from papers to poems and photos and has been in print since 1986.
• USMC Research Colloquium. Open to Celtic students, and other students enrolled in an SMC sponsored program, this colloquium is an excellent opportunity for undergraduates and early-career graduate students to share their research in a supportive public forum.
• Independent Studies and Research Courses. These courses allow students explore their own Celtic interests under the academic supervision of a professor, or participate in research for course credit.

AFTER GRADUATING FROM CELTIC STUDIES

The Celtic Studies program is a good preparation for a career in education, journalism, arts and entertainment, or communications. Many of our students proceed to graduate work in the fields of history, mediaeval studies, literature, archaeology, folklore and library science.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Visit the Celtic Studies website. For more information about the program, including queries about enrolment and completion, contact Natalie at smc.programs@utoronto.ca.

Christians claim that the Gospel has the power to transform not only individual lives but whole societies. The Christianity and Culture Program offers students an opportunity to explore this bold claim through critical, academic studies of how the Christian faith has shaped — and been shaped by — the institutions, artistic expressions and intellectual achievements of Western and world cultures. Courses provide a comprehensive and humanistic approach to Christian experience, past and present. By focusing on students’ personal engagement with primary sources, the Program fosters scholarly exchange, intellectual community and a shared search for meaning.

Individual courses focus on art, literature, science, philosophy, theology, ritual, law and social and institutional history. The program addresses the broad range of Christian experience, with a particular emphasis on the Catholic tradition.

WHY CHOOSE CHRISTIANITY AND CULTURE

• To explore how faith interacts with the secular world.
• The flexibility in the program. You can take courses that interest in you science, poetry, music, education and more.
• To meet others who are interested in learning about Christianity and its relationship with art, science and other subjects.
• Small class sizes and great instructors!
• To learn the story of the Catholic faith and heritage in an academic context.

OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

• C&C Social Club. A social club for students, faculty, staff and alumni associated with the program, which sponsors a range of enjoyable events, including a popular weekly social hour, that encourage members to consider the place of Christianity in cultures past and present. It hosts lectures, discussion, films, and cultural outings. @christianityandculture on Instagram
• Christianity and the Arts Lecture. The Christianity and the Arts Lecture is an annual public lecture by a scholar or practitioner in the field of Christianity and literature, music, poetry.
• Independent Studies and Research Courses. These courses allow students to explore their own interests in Christianity and Culture under the academic supervision of a professor, or participate in research for course credit.
• USMC Research Colloquium. Open to C&C students, and other students enrolled in an SMC sponsored program, this colloquium is an excellent opportunity for undergraduates and early-career graduate students to share their research in a supportive public forum.

AFTER GRADUATING FROM CHRISTIANITY AND CULTURE

Christianity and Culture is a good preparation for a career in education, journalism, arts and entertainment, or communications. Many of our students proceed to graduate work in theology and religious studies. For students anticipating teaching careers in Ontario Catholic schools, certain of the Christianity and Culture courses have been judged by the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association as providing equivalent standing in ministry courses required for permanent teachers’ contracts.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Visit the Christianity and Culture website. For more information about the program, including queries about enrolment and completion, contact Natalie at smc.programs@utoronto.ca.

Cinema Studies has been taught at the University of Toronto for over 40 years and we offer a wide range of courses that touch upon all aspects of the medium.

The Cinema Studies Institute is home to one of the largest undergraduate film programs in Canada, but the classroom experience remains intimate. All large classes feature small-group tutorials in addition to lectures. Upper-level courses are restricted in size to maximize student-instructor interaction.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

A vibrant student culture is promoted by the activities of the Cinema Studies Student Union (CINSSU), and the variety of exciting events that take place at Innis Town Hall and across the City of Toronto. With its impressive range of specialist film festivals, repetory cinemas, and the celebrated programming of TIFF Cinematheque, Toronto offers a unique environment of sophisticated film culture that complements the extensive library holdings within the University of Toronto Library system and its Media Commons.

WHY CHOOSE CINEMA STUDIES

• Students love watching films.
• Students love reading about film.
• Students love film critique and analysis.

OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

• Cinema Studies Student Union (CINSSU) – The Cinema Studies Student Union represents the voice of undergraduate students enrolled in the Cinema Studies program at the University of Toronto while promoting and celebrating cinema across the campus through a variety of screenings, events and academic journals. Run entirely by dedicated undergraduate students who volunteer their time, CINSSU is the centre of cinema on campus.
• Screenwriting at Victoria College – Screenwriting at Victoria College aims to provide a high-quality learning environment for students who are interested in learning the art and craft of writing scripts for movies. By learning from Oscar-winning screenplays and reputable screenwriting books, students will learn the fundamental principles and techniques in screenwriting, ultimately preparing them to pursue screenwriting as a future profession.
• The Association of Moving Image Archivists at U of T – Non-profit professional association established to advance moving image archiving.
• Hart House Film Board – They provide equipment loans in the areas of cameras, sound and lighting, and maintain professional editing facilities.
• Hopeful Romantics Society – A safe space to connect people through the analysis of both current and past romantic comedy films.

AFTER GRADUATING FROM CINEMA STUDIES

The Cinema Studies Institute emphasizes the study of cinema by focusing on film history, film theory and film analysis, which form the foundation for a career in film academia. The Institute does not offer a course in production, though many of our students have found our program useful in preparing them for a career in the film and entertainment industry. Cinema Studies alumni have gone on to careers as filmmakers, screenwriters, film programmers and Arts and Culture writers.

You can read about how our graduates have used their degree in Cinema Studies to find careers in the film industry in the following articles:

• CSI Alumni Zalika Reid-Benta, Chandler Levack, Phil Leers return for panel discussion
• CSI Alumni Diana Sanchez, Karam Masri and JP Larocque return for panel discussion
• CSI Alumni reveal how they got from here to there
• Alumni return to share Careers after Cinema Studies

GOOD TO KNOW

Cinema Studies students do watch many films, but they view them analytically and apply what they learn to sustained essay writing. For that reason, developed writing skills are essential to achieving success in Cinema Studies courses.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Visit the Cinema Studies website or contact Denise Ing at cinema.studies@utoronto.ca.

Classics is the study of the civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome. This includes their literature, religion, mythology, history, philosophy and art, and also their physical settings, their interactions with surrounding societies, and their influence on later cultures to the present day. The scope of the discipline is vast both in space (not just the territories of the modern states of Greece and Italy but most of western Europe, the Middle East and north Africa) and time (a period of at least two thousand years, from the start of the Bronze Age in Europe in the second millennium B.C. to the early Middle Ages).

Classics at the University of Toronto is not just ‘looking at the past’ but engaging with issues of compelling and enduring relevance, including: gender and sexuality; the nature of freedom and the basis of political power and legitimacy; how relationships should and do work between parents and children; whether democracy is compatible with imperialism; what it means to be in love; how people cope with the fear of death; and when, if ever, it is right to go to war.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

• The Classics Students’ Union (CLASSU) is the academic course union representing full-time undergraduate students in the Department of Classics. CLASSU runs a variety of services and events throughout the year. For more information, visit http://classu.sa.utoronto.ca/ .
• Plebeian is an annual journal published by the Classics Students’ Union. The papers published in each volume have been presented at Undergraduate Conferences here at the University of Toronto.
• Independent Studies are advanced courses that provide an opportunity for students to do an independent study under the supervision of an individual instructor.

WHY CHOOSE CLASSICS

• Interdisciplinary course offerings
• Gain insight into issues of compelling and enduring relevance
• Opportunity to learn Ancient Greek and Latin languages
• Take courses of vast historical and geographic breadth

AFTER GRADUATING FROM CLASSICS

A degree in classics will prepare you for life after university at least as well as any subject in the arts and humanities. You will learn how to work efficiently, accurately and in an organized way; to master new skills and areas of knowledge quickly; and, most of all, to express yourself articulately, coherently, and persuasively. The wide range of disciplines included in a classics program also promotes an exceptional level of intellectual flexibility and adaptability, which is highly valued by employers. While some classics graduates will continue with specialist studies within the discipline to become teachers and researchers, many more go into a wide variety of other careers. Recent graduates from the University of Toronto are enjoying successful careers in communications, journalism, law, and the civil service.

GOOD TO KNOW

The Department of Classics is promoting the study of Ancient Greek and Latin by students from groups currently under-represented in the field (e.g., on the basis of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status). We are offering bursaries to cover tuition for language courses ($700 per semester course), and for those visiting from outside the Toronto area, up to an additional $1,000 per semester.

In the first summer term, starting in early May and running through June, we offer LAT 101, GRK 101, and GRK 201. In the second summer term, starting in July and running through mid-August, we offer LAT 102, GRK 102, and GRK 202.

If you are interested in applying for a bursary, please send by March 17, 2023 a cover letter as well as a copy of your university transcript (an unofficial copy is fine) to the Undergraduate Coordinator, Professor Kevin Wilkinson, at: undergrad.classics@utoronto.ca . In your cover letter please tell us what courses you plan to enrol for and why you are eager to take them. In addition, please include a few lines explaining your eligibility for this bursary and how it will help you to achieve your ambitions.

Far beyond programming, studying computer science at the University of Toronto means you will be able to explore a variety of topics, including:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Computational Linguistics and Natural Language Processing
• Computer Systems
• Computer Vision
• Game Design
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Scientific Computing
• Theory of Computation
• Web and Internet Technologies

You can pursue a Minor, Major or Specialist program in Computer Science, or a Specialist program in Data Science.

A Minor in Computer Science provides an introduction to theoretical and applied computer science as a complement to your studies in other areas, and allows you to take up to three 300+ level computer science courses.

A Major in Computer Science builds on the content of the Minor, preparing you for upper-year computer science study with options to explore a few topics more deeply. Students enrolled in the Computer Science Major can integrate their studies with another discipline.

A Specialist in Computer Science goes beyond the Major, providing a broad and deep foundation to computer science, and exposes you to a broad range of upper-year computer science topics.

Students enrolled in the Specialist can choose to complete a Focus in a particular area of computer science, such as: Artificial Intelligence, Human-Computer Interaction or the Theory of Computation, among others. See the Calendar for a full list of Focuses and their respective courses.

Data Science is a combination of statistics and computer science methodologies that enable “learning from data.” Students in the Data Science Specialist program will benefit from a range of advanced courses in Computer Science and Statistics offered by the University of Toronto, as well as from a sequence of three integrative courses designed especially for the program.

Eligibility for CS programs

Computer Science offers four programs: The CS Specialist, the CS Major, the CS Minor, and the Data Science Specialist (offered jointly with the Department of Statistical Sciences).

If you are applying from an admission stream other than CMP1, you will fall into one of two groups:

• If you started your studies at U of T this year (Fall 2022), you can apply to the CS Major, CS Minor, or Data Science Specialist.

• If you started your studies at U of T in Fall 2021 or earlier, you can apply to the CS Specialist (this year only), CS Major, CS Minor, or Data Science Specialist. Spring 2023 will be the final opportunity for students in this group to apply to the CS Specialist program.

If you have questions about which programs you’re eligible to apply for, contact cs.undergrad@utoronto.ca.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

An undergraduate program is not just about the courses you will take. Studying computer science at U of T means joining a tight-knit community of students, faculty and alumni who share common interests. 

Many of our undergraduates tell us that they feel like they are part of a cohort. They typically graduate with the same students with whom they began their program, and in the years between develop a strong network of friends and study partners. 

Many of our undergraduates work closely with a professor on a research or development project. This work allows students to delve deeply into a topic that they find fascinating. Students may produce a novel research result that leads to publication, a piece of software that is used to solve a real-world problem or a software innovation that they can contribute to an open-source project. 

The Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP) stream is a great opportunity for eligible Computer Science students to gain valuable work experience, build relevant skills and expand their professional network. This program combines 12-20 months of paid work experience with specialized professional development training. Professional development and career exploration is also available through the Technology Leadership Initiative.

The Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP) stream is a great opportunity for eligible Computer Science students to gain valuable work experience, build relevant skills and expand their professional network. This program combines 12-20 months of paid work experience with specialized professional development training. Professional development and career exploration is also available through the Technology Leadership Initiative.” (link to https://www.technologyleadershipinitiative.com/)

Our Alumni-Student Mentorship Program connects undergraduates (CS Major/ Specialist and Data Science Specialist) with supportive alumni of computer science, who are working in the field, and are willing to share their academic and career experiences with a student mentee who is preparing for their own path. 

WHY CHOOSE COMPUTER SCIENCE

Many students are drawn to computer science because of the appealing professional and academic options open to them after graduation.

Students can apply computer science ideas and skills to other fields –making computer science a great choice for students with interdisciplinary interests and for students who want to explore computational ideas in the sciences, social sciences, or humanities.

Students are excited to join a top-ranked department and work with faculty who are world leaders in their field.

Coursework, assignments, and professional work in computer science offer an opportunity to engage in creative, collaborative work that puts students on the cutting edge of technological and social change.

OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

 Our undergraduates also enjoy access to: 

• Opportunities to interact with our alumni, including panel talks, industry nights and our Alumni-Student Mentorship Program 
• Professional development, such as the Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP), undergraduate research opportunities, and Department of Computer Science events such as lectures and competitions 
• Our Innovation Lab (DCSIL), which brings together students from across Arts & Science disciplines to develop software-based innovations 
• U of T’s entrepreneurship resources, including customized accelerators and a growing network of entrepreneurship courses, programs, office space and more 
• First- and second-year learning communities help you meet classmates, develop friendships, form study groups and hone your academic and personal skills 

AFTER GRADUATING FROM COMPUTER SCIENCE

Students often choose to:  

• Work for a small startup or large tech company 
• Support the computing needs of a company, organization or government 
• Found your own company or explore other types of entrepreneurship 
• Pursue graduate studies in Computer Science, Data Science, and other fields, which allow you to go on to research and teaching work in industry or colleges and universities 
• According to U of T’s Career Navigator, employers value Computer Science graduates’ abilities to design and conduct experiments, analyze and interpret data, build systems and tools to solve problems, and collaborate and communicate effectively in teams. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Visit the Computer Science website for information about the program and program admission, or to schedule an appointment with an academic advisor in the department.

Contact Information:

Telephone: 416-978-6360 or 416-946-8870

Email: cs.undergrad@utoronto.ca

The program in Creative Expression and Society features two components: workshop-style courses allow students to develop skills in creative expression and communication, particularly creative writing, while other courses encourage students to analyze the relationship between creative arts and society.

Students choose from among courses focused on fiction, non-fiction, poetry and/or creative expression through music and visual media. Students in this program will also select from courses that explore topics including social innovation; ethics and accountability; the arts and public opinion; reception and interpretation; and censorship and criticism. Students in the Creative Expression and Society Minor will develop their creative skills while studying the interaction between social conditions and creative expression.

WHY CHOOSE Creative Expression and Society

• Small Program size
• Workshop-style courses
• Strong emphasis on skills development in fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and creative expression through aural and visual media

AFTER GRADUATING FROM Creative Expression and Society

• Media and Communications
• Arts Administration and Marketing
• Writing, Journalism and Publishing

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Visit the Victoria College website or contact:

Professor Adam Sol
Program Coordinator
a.sol@utoronto.ca

Wanda Thorne
Academic Programs Liaison Officer (Acting)
vic.academics@utoronto.ca

Critical Studies in Equity and Solidarity (CSES) offers students an interdisciplinary approach to social justice theories and practices in a variety of local and global contexts. Areas of emphasis include disability studies, global food equity and social advocacy. In addition to core courses, students are required to take equity courses from other programs and departments across the University.

A background in Critical Studies in Equity and Solidarity is good preparation for many academic endeavours and careers in such areas as community services, education, international development, law, human rights advocacy, and social work.

There are no first-year prerequisites for the CSES program. You may wish to include courses from programs such as sociology, anthropology, history, political science or women’s studies in your selection of first-year courses to provide maximum flexibility in course selection in higher years.

The CSES program is sponsored by New College. However, you do not have to be a New College Student to enrol in this program; college-sponsored programs are open to all students in the Faculty of Arts & Science. There are no first-year course prerequisites for the CSES Program. All students who have completed 4.0 full course equivalents are welcome to enroll in the Program.

The Equity Studies Student Union (ESSU) is a vibrant and active student group whose members work throughout the year to provide extra-curricular events. The ESSU can be reached by emailing uoft.essu@gmail.com.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Students in CSES have shared various experiences they have beyond the classroom that have been transformative for them:

• Work on faculty research projects through work study, the Jackman Humanities Scholars in Residence Program, and other opportunities through which they develop excellent research skills.
• Some courses have a community engaged component through which students have been able to interact and work on course assignments alongside local organizations, communities, social movements, and influential individuals.
• Some courses have experiential learning approaches which enables students to learn in engaging ways and connect theory with practice.
• There are ample opportunities for students to network with community organizations, and people through the Work for Change Conference, ESSU program activities, class projects, and faculty run projects such as the undergraduate journal Knots and the Youth and Activism Initiative.
• Exchange programs to Ghana and Belize have provided students with opportunities to learn in other geographic contexts through support by the CSES and New College.

WHY CHOOSE CRITICAL STUDIES IN EQUITY AND SOLIDARITY

• Community – the program has a tremendous sense of community
• Rigorous curriculum
• Engaging faculty members
• Social justice approaches taught in all classes
• Socially aware students
• Opportunities for involvement in many extracurricular activities

AFTER GRADUATING FROM CRITICAL STUDIES IN EQUITY AND SOLIDARITY

• Social service agencies
• Government agencies
• Equity and Inclusion offices in a variety of sectors
• Academia
• Post-graduate programs (in social science, humanities, education)
• Law
• Human rights organizations
• International development
• Public health
• Refugee and migration resettlement agencies

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

• Program Director Professor Shahrzad Mojab (shahrzad.mojab@utoronto.ca)
• Program Administrator (nc.undergradadmin@utoronto.ca)
• Visit the Critical Studies in Equity and Solidarity website

DIASPORA & TRANSNATIONAL STUDIES MAJOR

Completion Requirements:
(7 full courses or their equivalent, including at least two 300+ series courses)

• DTS200Y1
• DTS300H1
• 4.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) from Group A and B courses, with at least two FCEs from each group. Coverage must include at least two diasporic communities or regions, to be identified in consultation with the program advisor.
• Two DTS 400-level courses

DIASPORA & TRANSNATIONAL STUDIES MINOR

Completion Requirements:
(4 full courses or their equivalent, including at least one 300+ series course)

• DTS200Y1
• DTS300H1
• 2 full-course equivalents (FCEs) from Group A and B courses, with at least one FCE from each group.
• One DTS 400-level course

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

The DTS program offers numerous opportunities for networking and career advising, and supports DTS students in pursuing research opportunities. Each year the Centre hosts exceptional international scholars for public talks and conferences, self-consciously curating the cutting edge of diaspora and transnational studies. In addition, the Centre organizes a series of Backpack to Briefcase (b2B) events, with DTS alumni, during which DTS students have the opportunity to connect and network with DTS alumni.

A student note:

“The most meaningful part of the DTS program for me was the community that I built outside of the classroom. The Faculty have all been so accessible and willing to support our success and I’ve loved having the freedom to walk into the CDTS office and know that there is a space for me. The student body have so much initiative, and as President of the DTSU for two-years, have been excited to watch all their ideas come to fruition, about socials, our magazine, creating DTSU swag, etc.

I also think that DTS blends the classroom and out-of-classroom experiences. I’ve had many opportunities to bring family conversations, including with my grandmother, into the classroom and into my research. Right now, I’m writing an essay on the cookbook she taught me how to use growing up. That blended experience has been so important.”

WHY CHOOSE DIASPORA AND TRANSNATIONAL STUDIES

Diverse Program Options
Established in 2005, the DTS program is comparative and interdisciplinary, drawing from the social sciences, history and the arts. In addition to its 9 courses, the DTS program offers a wide selection of 100+ courses across other departments, giving students the opportunity to learn about a range of diasporic communities as well as key debates in the field. The DTS program offers small class sizes, which typically range from 20 students, in 400 level courses, to about 100, in its introductory course, DTS2oo.

Where Can the DTS Program Take You?
Over 300 alumni have found employment in the government (Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration; Ministry of Children and Youth Services), project management, legal services, administration (U of T), academia, hospitality (travel industry), performing arts (Cirque Du Soleil; Drake), or have successfully pursued graduate studies.

Need that Breadth Requirement 5?
The DTS program helps you fulfill Breadth Requirement 5 (The Physical and Mathematical Universes) with the DTS300 Qualitative and Quantitative course, which focuses on research design and training in methods from history, geography, anthropology, literary and cultural studies, and other disciplines appropriate to DTS. The course prepares students to undertake primary research required in senior seminars. This course fills up fast!

A student note:
“DTS empowers students to bring their life experiences into the classroom. The ability to learn theory, like Anderson and Hacking, and apply it to our own lives creates a meaningful/fulfilling learning environment.

DTS values our creativity. A big draw for me was the creative project in DTS200 and the opportunities throughout the program to play with multimedia formats, like photo essays, paintings, poems, short stories, etc.

We have a great DTS community. I have been so inspired by the stories of my fellow DTS students and the ways that they have challenged me to think differently.”

OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

The Diaspora and Transnational Studies Union (DTSU) is a great way for students to get to know each other socially, to contribute to our DTS magazine The Third Space, and to find informal mentorship opportunities.
CDTS runs a variety of academic events throughout the year, such as the annual Ato Quayson lecture. This provides great opportunities to get to know experts and practitioners in the field.

The B2B events run by CDTS allow students to envision what their future could be, using the knowledge and experience they’ve accrued in the DTS program. At these B2B events, students can meet alumni of the program as well as have the opportunity to socialize with other students. This is a great space for networking.

AFTER GRADUATING FROM DIASPORA AND TRANSNATIONAL STUDIES

DTS provides students with a well-rounded experience designed to contextualize and compound other learning. Individuals with  a DTS background could find work in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion roles. They could pursue further education in any number of different MA programs, like business, MPH, MPP, Journalism, etc. But essentially, DTS is designed to be a flexible and malleable background that works in any and all professional environments. You just can’t go wrong with developing these competencies.

GOOD TO KNOW

Check out DTS 200Y1: Introduction to Diaspora and Transnational Studies

What is the relationship between place and belonging, between territory and memory? How have the experiences of migration and dislocation challenged the modern assumption that the nation-state should be the limit of identification? What effect has the emergence of new media of communication had upon the coherence of cultural and political boundaries? All of these questions and many more form part of the subject matter of Diaspora and Transnational Studies. This introductory course examines the historical and contemporary movements of peoples and the complex issues of identity and experience to which these processes give rise as well as the creative possibilities that flow from movement and being moved. The area of study is comparative and interdisciplinary, drawing from the social sciences, history, the arts and humanities. Accordingly, this course provides the background to the subject area from diverse perspectives and introduces students to a range of key debates in the field, with particular attention to questions of history, globalization, cultural production and the creative imagination.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Visit the Centre for Diaspora and Transnational Studies website.

The undergraduate program at the Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies (CDTPS) offers a unique combination of rich and rigorous scholarship with high standards of practical training. The program provides students with an integrated set of critical and artistic skills through which to engage with broader intellectual, social, and political issues in the Humanities and beyond. Along with courses in theatre and performance theory and history, dramatic literature, dramaturgy, technology, and practice-based lab courses, the CDTPS offers introductory and advanced studio courses in acting, directing, playwriting, production and design, and performance and technology. The Digital Dramaturgy Lab (squared) (DDL) 2 and the newly founded BMO Lab in Creative Research in the Arts, Performance, Emerging Technologies and AI, with their international scope and interdisciplinary approach, present the students with a unique opportunity to develop projects exploring the use of new technologies in the context of the performing arts.

The CDTPS undergraduate program, located on the University of Toronto’s St. George campus, has access to two theatres (the Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse and the Robert Gill Theatre) and a number of performance and rehearsal spaces available to students and faculty.

Students graduating from our program have combined majors in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Sciences, including English, Women and Gender Studies, Cinema Studies, Sexual Diversity Studies, Art History, Classics, Religion, Anthropology, Canadian Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Human Biology, Computer Science, and Cognitive Science.

Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies Video Highlights

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

With its location in the heart of the city, our program offers to students the opportunity to participate in the bustling and diverse theatre scene of downtown Toronto.

Our studio instructors’ deep and longstanding involvement in the Toronto theatre scene offers to our upper-level students the opportunity to make connections with local theatre communities, sometimes in the form of internships.

The Digital Dramaturgy Lab (squared) (DDL) 2 and the BMO Lab in Creative Research in the Arts, Performance, Emerging Technologies and AI, present the students with a unique opportunity to learn from the work and research of a wealth of international guest artists and speakers, and to develop projects exploring the use of new technologies in the context of the performing arts.

WHY CHOOSE DRAMA, THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE STUDIES

• Compared to other theatre schools, the CDTPS combines practice with theory, providing students with a unique approach to the performing arts through interdisciplinary studio courses and practical training.
• The CDTPS is a uniquely small and intimate community that allows students to work closely with peers and instructors, contrasting the vastness of U of T.
• Professional networking and international opportunities.
• Five different streams that students can pursue individually or in combination (acting, directing, playwriting, production & design, performance & technology).

OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

• Our fourth-year students are invited to present a monologue at the Next Generation Showcase to agents and those in the theatre industry.
• Workshops and talks with international renowned guest artists.
• International theatre trips and summer courses abroad.
• Our Community Assistance Participation program (CAP) provides students with the opportunity to participate in the day-to-day operation and activities of the CDTPS, expanding their hands-on experience and practical skillset. CAP activities include front of house, workshop assistant, reception helper, event promotion etc.
• Students have the opportunity to participate in the rich and diverse offerings of extracurricular on-campus theatre, including the Hart House Drama Festival, and the U of T Spotlight Playwriting Competition.

AFTER GRADUATING FROM DRAMA, THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE STUDIES

Opportunities for students who graduate from this program include:

• Performer
• Producer
• Stage manager
• Backstage technician
• Post-graduate work in Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies

GOOD TO KNOW

We will be moving into a brand new facility in 2022 with state-of-the-art rehearsal and performance spaces.

Several graduates from the program have gone on to create successful theatre collectives.

While some of our courses are open to all students of the University, others are restricted to students in a Drama Specialist, Major or Minor program. Some studio courses require an audition, interview, or the submission of a portfolio.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Visit the Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies website or email Colleen Osborn, the Undergraduate Administrative Coordinator at c.osborn@utoronto.ca

Geology Specialist: This program gives the deepest level of education within the field of geology, preparing students for a career in the energy and mineral resources sector or as a government-employed geologist. The program meets the requirements for gaining membership in the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario (APGO) and similar organizations in other Canadian provinces and territories. The Geology Specialist Program focuses on core geology subjects, such as mineralogy and petrology, sedimentology, structural geology, mineral resources and geologic field mapping. 

Geophysics Specialist: The Geophysics specialist program allows students to model physical processes in and on Earth and other planets and to apply noninvasive methods of imaging the subsurface, often in 4D (i.e., space and time); targets may range from archaeological investigations to groundwater imaging and mineral exploration, but also include modeling of mountain-building processes and the exploration of planetary surfaces instead. Our program provides the knowledge requirements for professional registration with APGO, or lead into graduate programs in Physics, Earth Science, or Planetary Science. 

Environmental Geosciences Specialist: The Environmental Geosciences specialist program explains the interconnectedness within the Earth system (biosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and geosphere), measures and models processes related to groundwater and biochemical activities, and assesses the effects of human activities on our geological surroundings. Students should note that under the Professional Geoscientists Act of 2000, individuals practicing Environmental Geoscience in Ontario require an education that fulfills APGO knowledge requirements or a P.Eng. 

Earth and Environmental Systems Major: This program allows students to obtain an Earth Science Major degree in a very flexible way, with the potential to explore the full gamut of earth sciences. It provides broad context over time and space to better understand and provide solutions for the current issues of climate change, resource consumption and global pollution weighing heavily on people and societies. To help with this bewildering array of choices, we provide examples of how you could select your courses. For example, students can take clusters of courses that relate to paleoclimatology, biogeochemistry, Quaternary science, and global environmental change.  

Geoscience Major: This program aims to give students exposure to the traditional geoscience curriculum (Mineralogy, Petrology, Geological structures and Maps, Field Techniques etc.). Students wishing for a more customized degree should explore the Earth and Environmental Systems Major. 

Geoscience Minor: The Geoscience Minor program aims to give students as much leeway as possible to choose interests within the diverse and dynamic field of Earth Sciences. 

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

• Students can participate in research with a lab group through Work-Study, NSERC or the ROP program. There are lots of opportunities to join a lab group and try both experimental and theoretical research.  
• The Earth Sciences Program is unique in that it offers field trips as both course work and part of the International Course Module where students get to travel with a group of their peers and professors and explore the Earth up close, applying knowledge they learned in the classroom to the real world. Previous field trip locations included Turkey, Chile, South Africa, and Scotland.  
• The Earth Sciences Department has a very welcoming community where it’s easy to get involved in social and academic events. The Undergraduate Earth Sciences Association hosts various socials throughout the year and both lecture series and workshops throughout the year where students can meet industry professionals and get to know their peers and professors in a casual setting. 

WHY CHOOSE EARTH SCIENCES

• The program provides an excellent foundation for students that are concerned with one of today’s most pressing challenges: climate change, resource consumption and pollution. Whether they will work in the natural resource sector, the environmental sector or the renewables sector, this program places today’s global trends into a broader perspective and presents the most current science for the world’s most pressing challenges.  
• Students join the Earth Sciences department because they want to work in a highly interdisciplinary field where they apply theory from chemistry, physics, and biology to explain and model natural phenomena in the world around them.  
• Students who are fascinated by the natural world around them and seek to understand the complex history of the Earth and other planets choose this program because they learn both the theory and apply it in field courses that take place in diverse geographic regions including Turkey, Chile, South Africa, Scotland and more.  

AFTER GRADUATING FROM EARTH SCIENCES

• Students who graduate from this program are well positioned to get a job in industry and eventually consulting, public policy, government, and/or work in an NGO. 
• Many graduating students pursue a master’s degree in a related field, and some go on to complete a PhD and pursue a career in academia.  
• Some students choose to pursue an MBA and work in the finance sector, for example working as a Mining Analyst. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

• Visit the Earth Sciences website

At the Department of East Asian Studies (EAS), we’re excited to provide you with a trans-regional approach to studying the past, present and future of East Asia. In addition to offering Chinese, Japanese and Korean language classes from beginning to advanced levels, our humanities-based department offers a full range of courses on East Asian literature, history, philosophy, thought, religion, society and culture.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Beyond the classroom, many EAS students participate in Study Abroad, co-curricular activities, research opportunities and more.

WHY CHOOSE EAST ASIAN STUDIES

• Interdisciplinary course offerings
• Historical breadth and in-depth cultural exploration
• Love of language learning

OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

EAS students are invited to get involved with the East Asian Studies Student Union. There are also many co-curricular opportunities within our language courses.

AFTER GRADUATING FROM EAST ASIAN STUDIES

In a time of globalization, a degree in East Asian Studies can be an excellent springboard from which to launch a career in fields where multilingualism, critical analytical skills, and in-depth knowledge of the socio-historical and cultural contexts of East Asian texts and ideas are essential. Our major and specialist programs thus build the foundation for careers in teaching and research, international business and law, foreign service, and cultural institutions.

GOOD TO KNOW

Students interested in East Asian Studies programs should enrol in our first-year core courses, EAS103H1 and EAS105H1 as soon as possible, as well as 200-level courses to get a sense of our course offerings. Potential EAS Majors and Specialists are also encouraged to enrol in a Chinese, Japanese or Korean language course in the first year (or second year), especially students without background in one of the languages we offer.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Visit the East Asian Studies website or contact Natasja VanderBerg at natasja.vanderberg@utoronto.ca.

Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
Understand the ecological and evolutionary patterns and processes, as well as the diversity of life forms. Concepts are taught using a broad range of approaches, including molecular studies, lab experiments, computer and mathematical modeling, and field studies. An integral part of the experience is to conduct independent research projects. There is a strong emphasis on hands-on lab and fieldwork that complement the conceptual framework developed in lectures.

Biodiversity & Conservation Biology
Students will be equipped to aid in the response to what is perhaps humanity’s most pressing challenge, the conservation of biological diversity. Students in this program take courses in their first and second years that provide foundations in ecology, evolutionary biology, biodiversity and conservation biology, environmental biology, mathematics, and statistics. In upper years students obtain knowledge about the diversity of living organisms and take advanced courses, including a capstone course at the 400-level.

Environmental Biology
The program provides a background in biology that is essential to understand the impact of humans on other organisms and their environments. An understanding of ecology, the diversity and function of living organisms, the physical and chemical environment, and the ways organisms interact with, and affect, ecosystem processes. Students are exposed to ecosystem management, issues related to environmental change, and the consequences of interactions between humans and the environment.

Biology
Obtain a foundation in the core areas of cell and molecular biology, ecology and biodiversity, evolutionary biology, physiology and genetics; as well as in calculus, chemistry and statistics, or chemistry. The Biology program is flexible, allowing students many possible course pathways, encouraging students to explore the diversity of their interests and to obtain broad training in life sciences.

Quantitative Biology
This program is designed for students with a deep interest in biology who wish to gain a strong grounding in quantitative methods and their application to biological questions. Students will gain foundations in biology and quantitative approaches used to test and advance biological knowledge, and is appropriate for students who wish to pursue a career or graduate studies in a broad range of life sciences, ranging from biomedical to conservation to epidemiology.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

• Life beyond the classroom is an important part of your journey as an undergraduate. We host a number of events to keep you informed: workshops, career panels, socials, mentorship meals, and research seminars.
• The EEB Second-Year Learning Community (SLC) brings together a small group of second-year students who have a similar academic focus and belong to the same department. In joining a SLC (pronounced “slick”), students will participate in bi-weekly programs designed to build your discipline-specific academic skills, explore careers related to your field and continue to develop a balance between your life and school. SLCs connect you with other students in your discipline, creating a community of learners who will be with you as you navigate your university program and your life beyond university.
• Field courses are a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons, experience work in the field, and interact closely with professors, experts and your peers! We offer field courses in Ontario, the New World Tropics, and the option to take a field course offered at other Ontario universities and get a U of T credit!
• Students are encouraged to participate in cutting-edge research and we offer plenty of opportunities to do so! Research courses are available to students in their second, third and fourth years, during the fall, winter and summer. You can also build your experience through work-study and volunteer positions in EEB labs.

WHY CHOOSE ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY

• Diverse undergraduate courses
• Engaging and dedicated faculty
• Variety of research opportunities

AFTER GRADUATING FROM ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY

Our programs prepare students for a wide range of career options. Our alumni have gone on to exciting careers in academia and education, health sciences, private industry, consulting, science communication, and government agencies. Upon completing your program, you will also be well equipped to pursue graduate studies, or apply to professional school (e.g. med school, vet school, pharmacy, dentistry, law).

GOOD TO KNOW

• EEB awards over $25,000 in merit- and financial needs-based scholarships every year. Students enrolled in our programs are automatically considered if they meet the eligibility requirements. You can also apply for summer research scholarships!
• Whatever your interest in EEB and Biology, we have a course for it! From biodiversity to conservation to genomics to freshwater biology, there’s something for you here! Over half of our courses have a “hands-on” laboratory or field component so you can experience learning outside the classroom.

Here are some helpful videos from our students and faculty:
Nicholas Ypelaar
Dorsa Nouri Parto
Winsy Leung
Prof. Nicole Mideo
Prof. Rochman

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Visit the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology website or contact undergrad​.eeb​@utoronto​.ca.

Economics is a social science that encompasses a broad range of human behaviour and has a strong influence on the structure, well-being and development of a society. Much of human activity is directed towards the satisfaction of material wants. In many areas of the world, the greater part of human effort must be directed towards meeting the most elemental demands for food, clothing, and shelter. Even in technologically advanced societies, where these basic requirements can be met with comparative ease, the desire for more goods and services never appears to be fully satisfied. In consequence, every society – whatever its political orientation – is both competitive and cooperative. It is competitive because its members contend with one another to satisfy their individual wants from a limited supply of productive resources. It is cooperative because the greatest supply of goods is available when the activity of producing them is coordinated and organized.

Economics deals with any issue arising out of the conflict between the demand for goods and services, and a limited supply of resources to satisfy those demands.

Undergraduate training in economics is intended to familiarize students with the discipline of economic thinking, to equip them to better understand human behaviour, and for the intelligent appraisal of contemporary economic problems.

An undergraduate degree is generally not sufficient to become a professional economist. For this or other reasons, graduate work may be necessary. Students who wish to do graduate work should seek advice from the Department concerning their choice of courses. With their greater emphasis on mathematics, the Economics Specialist, Financial Economics Specialist, and the Economics and Mathematics programs are excellent starting points for preparing for graduate studies. It is very possible, however, for an Economics Major to have this preparation with the right course selection.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

There are many potential opportunities for students in our programs to develop their professional skills and enrich their academic experience at the University of Toronto, such as:

Economics Study Centre (ESC): 14 senior (third- and fourth-year) undergraduate students are hired annually to serve as the learning assistants in ESC.  The opportunity enhances the learning assistants’ communication skills, as well as their own understanding of the economic concepts.

Research Assistant Opportunities through the Research Opportunity Program (ROP), University of Toronto Excellence Awards (UTEA), Work Study Program and private Research Assistantships provide many with research experience.

Research-oriented courses like ECO475H1 (Applied Econometrics II) and ECO499H1Y (Honours Essay in Applied Microeconomics) allow students to conduct independent research projects.

ECO466H1 and the Governor’s Challenge: ECO466H1 (Empirical Macroeconomics and Policy) is a unique course with a strong experiential component. Students follow current global issues and forecast how domestic and international events may alter the Bank of Canada’s monetary policy in the short run; and the best students in the class earn a chance to compete in the Bank of Canada Governor’s Challenge. 

First-Year and Second-Year Learning Communities (FLC & SLC): connect you with other students in economics, creating a community of learners who will be with you as you navigate your university program and your life beyond university.

University of Toronto Economic Review: a student-initiated and student-run economics journal that publishes papers written by undergraduate students.

Backpack to Briefcase (b2B): The department runs a number of events throughout the year for students in our programs. Some of these are informational (e.g., for students interested in graduate school or newly admitted students seeking advice on course selection). Others, such as Industry Nights, aim to link current students with alumni, and small-scale dinners to enable students to interact with alumni from their own programs.

The Economics Student Association and Canadian Undergraduates in Behavioural Science are great ways to get involved with those who share a common interest.

WHY CHOOSE ECONOMICS

Economics allows you to effectively tackle a wide range of questions:

• Why are some countries rich and some poor?
• Why are movie stars paid more than brain surgeons?
• Why does patent protection vary by country and industry?
• Why do richer families have fewer children?
• How should I think about a carbon tax?
• Why do people sometimes make irrational decisions?

Economists study how scarce resources are allocated and how people respond to incentives. Economists develop theoretic models to describe markets or behaviour. These models, mathematics grounded, allow us to approach problems in a disciplined and precise way to do things like carefully predict responses to changes in circumstance or policy.  The field of economics also has a strong quantitative element – we rigorously analyze data to explain observed phenomena and behaviour.

AFTER GRADUATING FROM ECONOMICS

Students graduating from undergraduate economics programs from U of T typically find work in the financial sector – working for banks, other financial institutions, insurance companies, and consulting agencies. The government is another major employer. Examples of jobs posted to the University’s job board (Career Learning Network) include:

• Research Assistant, Bank of Canada
• Economic Analyst, Deloitte
• Coordinator for International Relations, Consulate General of Japan in Tokyo
• Real Estate Analyst, Royal LePage Commercial
• Intern Analyst, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
• Credit Risk Analyst, HSBC
• Researcher, Consumers’ Association of Canada
• Economist Development Program, Agri-Food Canada

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Visit the Economics department website or contact the Economics Undergraduate Administrator at ugadministrator.economics@utoronto.ca.

The English Specialist is the most intensive and comprehensive program, requiring a minimum of ten full course equivalents (FCE) in a 20-FCE degree. This is a limited enrolment program. Students must have completed 4.0 credits and earned a final grade of at least 73% in either ENG110Y1, ENG140Y1 or ENG150Y1, or a final grade of 73% in two full-course equivalents (2.0 FCE) in English 200-level courses.

The English Major is the Department’s most popular program. It provides both depth and breadth to students who wish to focus on English studies but who also wish to leave room in their degrees to pursue other interests. This is an open enrolment program. A student who has completed 4.0 credits may enrol in the program.

The English Minor is the Department’s second-most popular program and can be combined with Majors or Minors in a wide variety of other fields. On the presumption that the Minor is a curiosity-driven program, Minors are exempt from the required courses and distribution requirements of the Specialist and Major. This is an open enrolment program. A student who has completed 4.0 credits may enrol in the program.

The Minor in Creative Writing is a newly established program that allows students to exercise their creativity and improve as writers through the practice-based and reflective study of genres, strategies, and techniques. This is a limited enrolment program. Students must have completed 4.0 to 8.5 credits and earned a final grade of at least 77% in ENG110Y1, ENG140Y1 or ENG150Y1 or completed 9.0 or more credits, including 2.0 credits in ENG 200-level courses, each with a final grade of at least 77%.

WHY CHOOSE ENGLISH

• With the support of an award-winning faculty, explore and analyse some of life’s greatest questions while sharpening your own ability to write, read, analyze and persuade.
• Be introduced to the literary tradition in English, a fascinating conversation spanning over a thousand years and connecting nations and peoples across the globe.
• Develop critical thinking, analytical skills and creative self-expression.
• Be a part of the department that was ranked first in Canada and 10th in the world in the QS University Rankings by Subject 2020.

OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

• Join the English Students’ Union and participate in a variety of academic and social events throughout the school year.
• Contribute to IDIOM, the English Undergraduate Academic Journal and the University of Toronto’s only journal of literary criticism written by undergraduate students.
• Network with English Alumni at Backpack to Briefcase events and at other professional development seminars offered by the department.
• Participate in English Peer Mentorship Program for the first-year students. Enjoy a cup of tea and meet new friends at our brand-new Undergraduate Student Lounge!

AFTER GRADUATING FROM ENGLISH

English Programs help you acquire and hone skills that are directly applicable to any career that requires critical thinking and effective communication — from education to government, law to engineering, business to medicine, and beyond.

GOOD TO KNOW

Enjoy a video and a roundtable discussion produced by The English Students’ Union on the joys and challenges of taking English first-year courses. Find them here:

• The English Students’ Union Website
• Email: englishstudentsunion@gmail.com
• Facebook Group: @UofTESU
• Instagram: @theuoftesu

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

• Department of English website
• Undergraduate Counsellor: english.undergraduate@utoronto.ca
• Twitter: @UofTEnglish
• Facebook: @EnglishUofT

The School of the Environment is an innovative interdisciplinary unit within the Faculty of Arts & Science, with programs spanning the sciences, social sciences and humanities.

Core Programs:

The School’s Environmental Science BSc Major and Minor: These programs provide students with a breadth of knowledge spanning scientific disciplines, and the tools to understand and integrate scientific principles from across the physical and biological sciences, and across multiple spatial and temporal scales.

The School’s Environmental Studies BA Major and Minor: These programs offer rigorous academic study of the economic, social, cultural and political forces that drive issues such as species extinction, loss of biodiversity, air and water pollution, and climate change.

Collaborative Specialist, Major and Minor Programs:

Environmental Ethics BA Major and Minor: This program explores how value judgments and worldviews affect environmental decision making.

Environment & Health BSc Major and Specialist: This programs provides students with instruction in fundamental biological sciences and to integrate a broad understanding of the environmental determinants of health.

Environment & Behaviour BSc Minor: This program will focus on understanding issues of psychological motivation and attitudes that underlie environmental decision making.

Environment & Energy BSc Minor: This interdisciplinary program addresses the scientific, technological, environmental and policy aspects of energy use and supply, with a focus on the reduction of environmental impacts.

Environment & Toxicology BSc Specialist: The Environment and Toxicology Specialist program is an interdisciplinary program which spans the social, physical and life sciences and integrates study of the effects of chemicals not only on the health and behaviour of human beings but on whole ecosystems as the adverse effects associated with therapeutic and environmental chemicals are discussed.

Certificate in Sustainability Pathways: The Faculty of Arts & Science is launching a Certificate in Sustainability Pathways for the 2021-22 academic year. It is being administered by the School of the Environment. The Certificate in Sustainability Pathways is part of the U of T Sustainability Scholar initiative, and is designed to complement any Arts & Science degree or discipline. Participating students will develop a sustainability-lens ​based in systems-thinking that can be used to approach the rest of their academic program and career path. The Certificate requires students to take a foundational course (ENV222H1); three electives drawn from a curated list of 42 half courses from 19 different units across the Faculty of Arts & Science; and a choice of capstone courses. Elective courses draw connections between multiple dimensions of sustainability (environmental, social, political, ethical, cultural, and economic).

Details about the certificate requirements are available in the online 2021-22 Arts & Science Calendar.  

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

The School of the Environment offers many unique opportunities to get your hands dirty and work the field. Our environmental science students have a required course (ENV316H1) entitled Laboratory & Field Methods in Environmental Science where they take field trips to nearby rivers to observe and analyze the wildlife there. We also offer two summer abroad field courses that take students to Ecuador (ENV395Y0) or Australia (ENV396H0) to examine the environment, wildlife and conservation issues from an interdisciplinary perspective.

We also offer exciting opportunities to gain credit for work outside of the classroom in our professional experience course (ENV440H1) where students complete 100 hours of work for an environmental organization, and reflect upon their experience in the course assignments. We also have a living lab course (ENV461H1) entitled The U of T Campus as a Living Lab of Sustainability where students work with U of T operational staff to design and implement sustainability solutions at the University.

At the School of the Environment, there are many opportunities to be involved in research projects where students are supervised by a faculty member to work on an independent research project.  These can be done through the research opportunities program (ENV299Y1 & ENV399Y1) or our capstone environmental research class (ENV421H1).

Wondering what to do after graduation? At the School of the Environment, we hold an annual career exploration event for students to meet with representatives of environmental organizations and to hear from speakers employed in environmental careers, who share their career experience and wisdom. We also participate in Backpack to Briefcase events which bring together current students with School alumnae, who share their career experience and wisdom. We also hold an annual graduate school information session with representatives from graduate environmental programs at U of T and other universities in Ontario.

Overall, we have a lot going on at the School of the Environment, including weekly environmental seminars where experts both inside and outside of U of T share their research and insights. Students are encouraged to attend these seminars as well as our memorial lectures and other special events.

WHY CHOOSE THE SCHOOL OF THE ENVIRONMENT

• Our students are committed to making a difference in the world, and completing one or more of our programs facilitates this aspiration. This may translate into an environmental career, or engagement in civil society with addressing environmental issues.
• Many young people feel overwhelmed by the increasing impacts of climate change and other major environmental threats, and completing an environmental program allows them to understand these threats, but, more importantly, learn about paths forward to address them.
• Our students love the natural world, and want to better understand it, and their relationship to it, and learn how to protect it and experience it in a sustainable manner.

OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

Beyond what is written above, students can get involved in:

• ENSU (the Environmental Students Union) which represents them at the School but also provides opportunities for engagement with environment-related activities and with fellow students.
• UTERN (U of T Environment Resource Network) which is funded with a student levy, which is used to fund student projects and events addressing environmental issues. UTERN also networks with other student environment and social justice groups on campus to facilitate collaboration.
• UTEA (U of T Environmental Action) which plans and carries out environmental activism projects on campus and beyond.
• Other student environment-related groups not specifically located at the School, including UTBEES, which manages beehives on campus; Regenesis, which is engaged in urban agriculture and food security; Roots & Shoots, with the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada, which is located at the St. George campus.

AFTER GRADUATING FROM THE SCHOOL OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Many graduates go on to graduate school in environmental science, environmental studies, or programs in traditional disciplines such as political science or ecology, with an environmental research focus. Graduate students in many departments and units at U of T can enrol in a Collaborative Specialization in Environmental Studies or in Environment and Health, offered by the School, to enhance the environmental focus of their graduate studies. There is an internship option with these two programs.

Some graduates go to law school in order to pursue a career as environmental lawyers.

Graduates find employment with non-government organizations, government agencies or private sector companies working on environmental issues. The range of careers that involve full or part time environment-related work is very broad, and opportunities are expanding over time.

A comprehensive listing of careers addressing environment and sustainability can be found on the website of the Environmental Careers Organization Canada.

GOOD TO KNOW

The School has a significant number of undergraduate scholarships, some for academic merit, and some combining academic merit and extracurricular engagement in environmental issues. This year we awarded just over $43,000 in scholarships to our undergraduate students.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

• Undergraduate Student Advisor & Placement Coordinator, David Powell, at david.powell@utoronto.ca
• Undergraduate Associate Director, Jessica D’eon, at jessica.deon@utoronto.ca
• School of the Environment website
• School of the Environment Viewbook

The Ethics, Society & Law (ES&L) Program engages students across disciplines and teaches them how to ask questions, think critically, conduct wide-ranging research and take meaningful action. The humanities, social sciences and natural sciences all provide useful lenses for thinking about the world. Students are required to cover core areas in each stream, but can select their own areas of focus from many optional courses.

ES&L is the only undergraduate program in Canada that integrates the three fields that give the program its name. Trinity College has been sponsoring the ES&L program on behalf of the Faculty of Arts & Science since 1988.

ES&L is open to all students in the Faculty of Arts & Science on the St. George campus, regardless of college affiliation. For first-year students, Trinity College offers the Ethics, Society & Law stream in the Margaret MacMillan Trinity One Program.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Here are some of the innovative learning opportunities for students in Ethics, Society & Law (ES&L).

1. In the ES&L program, academically excellent students in their final year of study are invited to enrol in an innovative course: Community Research Partnerships in Ethics (CRPE). CRPE provides an incredible experiential learning opportunity for students to learn about and conduct ethical community-based research through an extended partnership with a community organization and a faculty supervisor.
2. Humanities for Humanity (or H4H) and Humanities for Humanity Two (or H4H2). Each brings together community participants with students from Trinity College and Victoria College to read and discuss rich, influential texts from the humanities.
3. Walls to Bridges (W2B) brings together incarcerated and university-based students as classmates in for-credit postsecondary courses built around dialogue, collaboration and critical thinking. Convening at the correctional facility, “inside” and “outside” students together build an egalitarian classroom rooted in serious, shared inquiry. This holistic co-learning pedagogy brings together diverse learners who might otherwise never meet, entails active, student-owned learning, and addresses urgent educational equity issues. The Walls to Bridges iteration of TRN321: Selected Topics in Ethics, Society & Law brings together ES&L majors and students incarcerated at Ontario Correctional Institution in Brampton to examine the theme of choice. Assignments include both reflection and research papers, a group project and a student-led closing ceremony. All participants are selected through application and instructor interview. For more information, visit the Walls to Bridges website.

WHY CHOOSE ETHICS, SOCIETY AND LAW

ES&L offers students small class sizes, exceptional faculty, and prepares students for further studies or careers in such fields as law, public policy, philosophy, political science, public health, social work and criminology.

OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

Students can get involved outside of the classroom in the following ways:

• Mindful is an undergraduate journal affiliated with the Ethics, Society & Law (ES&L) Program at Trinity College. The undergraduate ES&L program is distinctively interdisciplinary, emphasizing and engaging with issues that have both theoretical and practical resonance. Mindful has a similarly interdisciplinary mission: the journal seeks to gather excellent undergraduate papers in a range of fields that address topics that are relevant to society today.
• Ethics, Society & Law Students’ Association is the undergraduate course union for the Ethics, Society & Law Program at the University of Toronto. We are open to any student who is interested in this program.

AFTER GRADUATING FROM ETHICS, SOCIETY AND LAW

Since 1988, ES&L has served as a significant part of an undergraduate degree in preparation for further studies or careers in such fields as the law, public policy, philosophy, political science, and criminology.

ES&L allows undergraduates to explore issues in ethics, society and law, and to do so by means of an explicitly interdisciplinary approach in a small and intimate program with excellent colleagues. Each year, a number of students choose ES&L in order to explore the study of the law and see if they are genuinely interested in law school as a post-graduate option.

GOOD TO KNOW

ES&L is open to all students in the Faculty of Arts & Science on the St. George campus, regardless of college affiliation. For first-year students, Trinity College offers the Ethics, Society & Law stream in the Margaret MacMillan Trinity One Program.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

• The Ethics, Society and Law website
• Program Administrator: Gabriel Wee
• Email: esandl@utoronto.ca

European Affairs, Hellenic Studies and Hungarian Studies are boutique programs offering courses in history, politics, languages, literature and culture at the University of Toronto. Our students enjoy a personalized approach as part of a tight-knit and vibrant community and benefit from access to the resources and activities of the Centre for European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies (CERES) and the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy. Students can choose to enroll in European Studies as a major or a minor.

Our programs offer a rigorous and exciting interdisciplinary education, as well as a strong emphasis on experiential learning. Students will develop working fluency in one or more European languages and receive opportunities to participate in various field courses in Europe.

Alumni of our undergraduate programs often continue to study European topics at the graduate level at CERES or comparable institutions. Others go on to work in various government and non-government organizations, as well as in the private sector.

WHY CHOOSE EUROPEAN, RUSSIAN AND EURASIAN STUDIES

• If you have a strong interest in the history, culture, politics, languages and geography of Europe, Russia and Eurasia.
• To understand the role of the European Union.
• To join a tight-knit academic community.
• To gain valuable language skills.
• To participate in student-led initiatives and university-run international experiences.

OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

• European Studies Students’ Association (ESSA) – The official student organization of the European Studies Program at the University of Toronto, ESSA organizes a variety of activities, including career talks, socials and pub nights, film screenings and lectures.
• Messages in the Media – An entirely student-run journal, which features articles about national media in both EU and non-EU member states.
• Opportunities to attend events and talks at CERES and the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy.

AFTER GRADUATING FROM EUROPEAN, RUSSIAN, AND EURASIAN STUDIES

• Graduate school
• Careers in government
• Careers in the private sector
• Careers in non-profit organizations
• Careers abroad

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Contact Professor Robert Austin at robert.austin@utoronto.ca or visit the Centre for European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies website or the Arts & Science Academic Calendar.

Responsible stewardship of the world’s forests and the changing focus from industrial timber production to forest conservation has greatly expanded the range of expertise necessary. Graduates can pursue a wide range of new career opportunities developing in private, government and non-government environmental organizations where forest conservationists increasingly work as members of multidisciplinary teams of environmental and resource managers. Graduates from forest conservation programs can also pursue graduate programs in a wide range of disciplines, including forest conservation, forestry, environmental sciences and international development.

Students may take a specialist 4-year degree leading to an H.B.A. in Forest Conservation or an H.B.Sc. in Forest Conservation Science. The arts program focuses on communal forest management, development of forest policies, forest economics and forest product trade, with electives in social sciences, while the science program concentrates on forest biology and ecology with electives in life and physical sciences.

The specialist programs provide a grounding in forest conservation with emphasis on breadth as well as research depth, and can particularly meet the needs of individuals who are considering graduate level education in forestry (M.F.C., M.Sc.F. or Ph.D.).

The major programs in Forest Conservation are intended to build on a student’s interest in forestry and related issues. Students should consider combining these programs with a major in another related discipline such as environment, geography, biology, chemistry, urban studies or architecture.

A minor in Forest Conservation Science (Science program) and a minor in Forest Conservation (Arts program) are also available. Students should consider combining these programs with a major or minor in other related disciplines.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Students have an opportunity to participate in research internships, outdoor classwork and field camp courses. Course content includes a wide variety of guest speakers from a range of forestry-based organizations, industries and government agencies.

WHY CHOOSE FORESTRY

• Forestry provides a focused lens through which to understand, influence and practice sustainable resource management and utilization, as well as sustainable development.
• Forest Conservation will give students entrance into careers where they can have a profound impact on the sustainability of human social and economic systems.
• The programs are flexible in nature and allow students to seek out a variety of courses to fulfill their graduate requirements.

AFTER GRADUATING FROM FORESTRY

Forest Sciences

• Academics and researchers
• Forest geneticist
• Biodiversity specialist
• Fisheries and wildlife officer
• Forest ecologist
• Seed planning forester

Urban Forestry

• City and community forestry
• Landscape planning and green-space design
• Recreation and park management
• Tree care and management
• Urban development
• Urban ecological assessment
• Policy and governance

Forest Resources Management

• Land and forest conservationist
• Forest technician
• Watershed manager
• Forest planner
• Forest health specialists and silviculture surveyors
• Woodlands manager
• GIS and geomatics specialists
• Forest protection officers and forest firefighters
• Block layout and road surveyors
• Tree planters and silviculture workers
• Forest economists and marketing specialists

Forest and Wood Processing Operations

• Forest project engineer
• Forestry development and operations managers
• Business analyst
• Technical sales
• Production superintendents and operation planners
• Millwrights and maintenance technicians
• Timber cruisers and compassing techs

Natural Resources Conservation

• Wildlife or fisheries biologist
• Environmental consultant
• Land-use Planner
• Policy analyst
• Environmental educator
• Environmental lawyer

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Laura Lapchinski, Undergraduate Administrator
E-mail: laura.lapchinski@daniels.utoronto.ca
Telephone: 416-978-5480
Office: Room ES 1017E, Earth Sciences Centre, 33 Willcocks Street
Web: Forestry department website

• French Language and Literature (Major and Specialist) – These programs focus on the novels, theatre and poetry of France and the francophone world.
• French Language and French Linguistics (Major and Specialist) – These programs focus on a scientific approach to the study of the French language, including phonetics and phonology (sounds), morphology (word structure) and syntax (sentence structure).
• French Language Learning Major – This program focuses on improving the four basic language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) as well as the theory and methodology of teaching and learning French as a second language.
• Minor in Practical French – This program focuses on improving the four basic language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking).
• Minor in French Language – This program focuses on improving the four basic language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking).
• Minor in French Studies – This program allows students to take literature and/or linguistics courses within the context of a minor program.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

The Department of French offers numerous opportunities to study and/or work in French outside the classroom:

• Study Abroad programs in France and other francophone countries
• Explore program (Summer courses in Quebec)
• Summer Abroad program (Summer courses in Tours, France)
• Teaching Assistant program in France
• Experiential Learning programs

WHY CHOOSE FRENCH

• In our bilingual country, many government jobs require fluency in French.
• The ability to communicate effectively in French is a valuable asset in our global economy, in almost all careers in business and industry.

AFTER GRADUATING FROM FRENCH

There are numerous opportunities for students who graduate from French programs:

• Graduate programs in French literature or linguistics
• Translation
• Teaching
• Bilingual Customer Service
• Hospitality Industry
• Travel and Tourism
• Foreign Service
• Customs and Immigration

GOOD TO KNOW

All minor, major and specialist programs in French require a certain level of knowledge of French. However, students with little or no previous background in French may still enroll in any of the department’s programs by first completing the necessary prerequisite courses.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Department of French website

Contact email – french.secretary@utoronto.ca

Human Geography (specialist, major, minor) – How do people use and experience the environments they live in? What are the interrelationships between places, people and nature?

Environmental Geography (specialist, major, minor) – What are the social, spatial and economic factors shaping the relationship between humans and the environment?

Physical Geography (specialist, major, minor) – How do physical, chemical and biological processes shape the earth’s surface?

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (minor) – How is spatial data organized, manipulated and mapped to answer specific geographic questions?

Focus in Planning – Planning is a key component of the dynamic relations that exist between places, policy, power, and people. Focus on the conscious choices and decisions made by various groups to shape the spatial organization of human activities.

Focus in Urban Geography – Urban geography focuses on the political, social, cultural and economic processes that shape city life, development and policy.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Geography offers a lot of different types of skill-building and experiences both within and beyond our classrooms. Our experiential courses include:

Physical Geography Field Methods – attend a one-week field camp to explore topics like soils, hydrology, climatology, and geomorphology

Geography Professional Experience –receive a professional placement matching your career goals

Human Geography Field Course: New York – learn about key urban issues and historical geography through a week-long exploration of New York City

To see more experiential and field courses visit the Geography and Planning website. 

WHY CHOOSE GEOGRAPHY AND PLANNING

• Geography is the study of the spaces, places, and environments created by nature and people. It is one of the most interdisciplinary subjects, offering a variety of research and career opportunities.
• The subject matter of Geography is expansive and includes (but is not limited to): urban planning and the formation of cities, the physical and biological elements of environments, the economic and social structures of places, struggles for land and livelihoods, health and housing, migration patterns, relationships between humans and nature, public policy, transportation, and mapping.

AFTER GRADUATING FROM GEOGRAPHY AND PLANNING

Employment opportunities for geographers exist in many branches of international organizations, government, industry, community services, and education. Possible career options include:

• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis
• Environmental management
• Community planning and activism
• Urban and/or land use planning
• Non-profit organizations
• Transportation
• Market research
• Public policy
• Teaching geography and environment

Geography is also a gateway to other fields at the graduate level such as urban planning, public health, information management, law, social work, architecture and urban design.

Note: a career in any of the fields above may require additional education or training

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

• Visit the Geography and Planning website
• Kathy Giesbrecht, undergrad@geog.utoronto.ca

The Health Studies Program explores how health is shaped by the circumstances in which people are born, grow up, live, work, and age, and how these in turn connect to a wider set of environmental, social, cultural, economic, and political forces.

We investigate the impact of systems in place to deal with illness and examine how understandings of health are shaped by culture and by competing claims about health and disease. Our students come from a variety of disciplines and sectors to bring insights from social sciences, sciences, and humanities, thus creating a stimulating and challenging learning environment.

Streams of Study

• Specialist in Health Studies BA: Provides students with an interdisciplinary education, with an intensive focus on health. Students undertake directed independent research culminating in an undergraduate research project.
• Major in Health Studies BA: Provides students with interdisciplinary training in critical approaches to health care and care. Students can tailor their studies to focus on specific aspects of health and health care.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Health Studies Practicum Course (HST400Y)

The Health Studies Program and the University College at the University of Toronto is a multidisciplinary undergraduate program of critical studies in the determinants of health and health care. To supplement in-class learning with off-campus experience, the Health Studies Program offers a practicum course in addition to its core academic and research courses.

HST400Y is an individual field placement with a health studies professional in which the student applies theory and skills to a specific project or activity. The student will engage in ongoing work with an organization or institution, and is also expected to reflect on that experience in order to gain deeper understanding of health studies. The course culminates with the production of a poster presentation at the annual University College Research and Practice Day held in late March.

Health Studies Student Union HSSU

The HSSU is entirely run by students who work to create social and academic opportunities outside of the classroom environment.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Visit the Health Studies page on the University College website or email uc.academicservices@utoronto.ca.

How do scientific theories and technologies develop and change over time? Do social and moral values affect scientific and technological developments, and do those developments influence our values? What is the role of science and technology in a democratic society?  These are some of the big questions that historians and philosophers in our program examine. Courses in the philosophy of science and technology investigate their intellectual foundations, methods of inquiry, development, and ethical implications. Courses in the history of science and technology situate scientific and technological advances in their cultural and socio-economic contexts. 

Students taking HPS courses deepen their understanding of major episodes, key figures, core ideas, and pivotal debates in the evolution of science and technology. They learn to think critically about the past and present role of science and technology in human societies. And they improve their skills in oral presentation, debate, research, and writing.  

Students pursuing an HPS POSt (HPS major, HPS minor, or STS minor) will be well-prepared for many professional, academic, and cultural contexts that require an understanding of science and technology as complex human endeavors, their enormous importance in the broader society, and the complex relationships between the sciences and the humanities. 

The Major and Minor programs are designed to complement a wide range of other POSts, including those in the physical sciences, life sciences, social sciences, psychology, history, philosophy, and other programs where the combination of scientific and humanistic studies would be beneficial.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Students can: 

• Participate in activities sponsored by the Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology, such as departmental talks and workshops. 
• Become part of the team that produces the IHPST undergraduate HPS journal, called The Almagest.
• Join and take part in the activities sponsored by the HPS student union.   

WHY CHOOSE HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

• To learn about crucial episodes, major figures, and fundamental debates that have profoundly shaped the development of science and technology as well as their importance in the wider society.
• To examine the intellectual foundations and social relevance of a wide range of sciences and technologies from a humanistic perspective.
• To prepare for many jobs and careers in business, government, and education where an understanding of science and technology will be valuable.
• To develop a base of knowledge and critical thinking skills in order to understand and engage effectively with emerging scientific and technological developments in the future.

AFTER GRADUATING FROM HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Students who graduate from our program can pursue various options. This includes advanced education in MA and PhD programs in HPS or a nearby discipline, such as History, Philosophy, or Science Studies. Graduating students can also pursue employment in a wide range of fields within government, the private non-profit sector, business, the arts, and education where their particular knowledge, skills, and interests will be valuable. A few good examples:

• Medicine
• Elementary and secondary school teaching
• Museum and library work
• Science writing and editing
• Law

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Mark Solovey, Director of Undergraduate Studies (mark.solovey@utoronto.ca) or visit the Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology website.

The Human Biology Program is an undergraduate collaborative program between the Faculty of Arts & Science and the Faculty of Medicine.

After first year life science courses, undergraduate students may enter the Human Biology program in their selected HMB program: Fundamental Genetics and its Applications, Global Health, Health and Disease, Human Biology, and Neuroscience

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Students in Human Biology have many opportunities to get involved beyond the classroom. These opportunities include:  

• Community engaged/experiential learning courses:
  • Health in Community  
  • Dementia  
  • Global Hidden Hunger 
  • Exercise and Mental Health 
• International Course Modules  
• Research Project Courses  
• Dedicated Summer International Research Course  
• Dedicated Lab Spaces that are Biosafety level 2  

WHY CHOOSE HUMAN BIOLOGY

• HMB has a wide selection of course offerings  
• HMB has dedicated teaching faculty  
• Students have the ability to do research project courses with any research faculty at U of T 

AFTER GRADUATING FROM HUMAN BIOLOGY

Students who graduate from our program can transition to many different graduate and professional programs. Some of these programs include: 

• Medicine  
• Dentistry  
• Pharmacology  
• Public Health 
• Cell and Molecular Biology 

GOOD TO KNOW

Students in our programs have access to two dedicated staff members that can help them with a variety of topics, including: 

• Course selection and enrollment  
• Program planning  
• Research opportunities  

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Please visit the Human Biology website or email us at: hmb.undergrad@utoronto.ca.

Immunology Undergraduate programs are described on our Departmental website, as well as the Faculty of Arts & Science academic calendar.

Briefly, the Immunology Minor program will provide students with a sound understanding of the immune system, its components and its functions in diseases such as infection, cancer and allergies. Students will also be introduced to the principles of vaccination and cancer immunotherapy. This program relies on our core immunology courses IMM250H1, IMM340H1 and IMM350H1.

The Immunology Major program builds upon the Minor program. Students will have the opportunity to take a minimum of 1.0 credit in 400-level specialized Immunology courses, focusing on developmental immunology, clinical immunology or immunotherapy. This program also incorporates essential courses from other units such as Biochemistry or Molecular Genetics.

The Immunology Specialist program is the most comprehensive program we offer, and provides students with a strong foundation for future graduate studies. Students have dedicated 300-level courses (IMM341H1 and IMM351H1) with small class-size tutorials that discuss primary literature in the discipline. Students will take our laboratory course IMM435H1 and can build a Research Progress course in Immunology (IMM450Y1) into their degree. This program also incorporates essential courses from other units such as Biochemistry or Molecular Genetics.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

The Department of Immunology offers several opportunities to conduct independent research projects: IMM385Y1, IMM450Y1 and the Immunology Summer Research Program, which together can add up to almost 2 years of practical research experience. We offer a laboratory course in Immunology (IMM435H1) that is open to all Immunology students, and mandatory for Specialist students.

WHY CHOOSE IMMUNOLOGY

• Quality of instruction: The majority of our lecturers are researchers and experts in the fields they teach. This also allows motivated Undergraduate students to build relationships with our Faculty.
• Your work is recognized: We publish the best papers from our “Science and Society” IMM250H1 assignment in our Department student-led IMMpress magazine. The best video assignments from our 300-level courses (IMM340H1, IMM350H1) are featured on our website.
• Engaged students: We have extremely engaged Undergraduate and Graduate students that are organized in associations (IMMSA and IGSA). These associations provide academic, scientific and social activities directed towards your academic success, your well-being and career development.

OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

• The Immunology Student Association (IMMSA) offers information seminars on research opportunities, scientific seminars with our Faculty and working professionals from industry. IMMSA organizes the  Ontario-Quebec Undergraduate Immunology Conference (OQUIC), where students interact with their peers and Faculty and present their research. IMMSA offers a mentorship program.
• The Department organizes several scientific and outreach events.
• Beyond Sciences Initiative
• Students engaged in research in our laboratories typically participate in our Department Summer Retreat.
• Students can participate in recruitment events directed towards future prospective students (e.g. Fall Campus Day).

AFTER GRADUATING FROM IMMUNOLOGY

• Graduate school, medical school, professional schools
• Industry jobs (e.g. biotechnology, diagnostic laboratories)
• Government agencies and not-for-profit

GOOD TO KNOW

The emergence of novel cancer immunotherapies. The discovery of how the gut microbiota impacts heath and disease. The recent devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and rapid development of diagnostics and vaccines. These are examples of recent discoveries that impact people and society. An undergraduate degree in Immunology will provide you with the knowledge and tools to understand these life-changing discoveries, thus preparing you for current and future biomedical careers.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

• Immunology website
• Faculty of Arts & Science Academic Calendar
• Trinity College
• Immunology Associate Chair Undergraduate Studies: Jastaran Singh, jastaran.singh@utoronto.ca
• Undergraduate Program Coordinator: Kate Sedore, undergraduate.immunology@utoronto.ca

Industrial Relations and Human Resources: The undergraduate programs in IRHR offer an interdisciplinary learning opportunity in which to study the ‘world of work and employment’ in a Canadian and global context from the perspectives of economics, history, law, management, political science, psychology and sociology. The programs provides students with a theoretical background and knowledge of current developments in the field.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

The IRE courses taken in this program can count towards the CHRP coursework requirements.

During the academic year, the IRHR Program Office and the Industrial Relations and Human Resources Students’ Association (IRHRSA) sponsor events, workshops and networking events which will enable students to hone their skills and to meet with professionals from various organizations.

The Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP) stream is a great opportunity for eligible IRHR students to gain valuable work experience, build relevant skills and expand their professional network. This program combines 12-20 months of paid work experience with specialized professional development training.

WHY CHOOSE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS AND HUMAN RESOURCES

IRHR offers students the opportunity to study the employment relationship in a Canadian context from the perspectives of economics, history, law, management, political science and sociology. The undergraduate program provides students with a theoretical background and knowledge of current developments in the labour field, and is also a perfect platform from which to enter post-graduate programs in IRHR, law with a specialization in labour and employment, as well as policy and labour studies programs.

IRHR is an interdisciplinary program and complements programs in the following areas: Commerce; History; Economics; Sociology; Psychology; Political Science; Public Policy.

Students in the IRHR program begin by taking introductory courses in Labour Relations and Organizational Behaviour, and then proceed to study more specific topics such as: HR Planning; Training and Development; Compensation; Recruitment and Selection; Employment Health; and Employment and Labour Law.

OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

• The Industrial Relations and Human Resources Students’ Association (IRHRSA) is an organization of undergraduate IRHR students at U of T. It is an official member of the Arts and Science Students’ Union (ASSU).  Its purpose is to enhance the experience of IRHR students beyond the classroom by organizing social and career-related events.  IRHRSA sponsors events to help students prepare resumes and prepare their interview skills, and organizes a very successful networking event, which enables students to meet professionals from various organizations in Toronto. 
• Let’s Talk Sessions and other program-related events.
• Students are encouraged to use the resources available in both the IRHR Library and Career Centre in order to investigate current labour market trends and career options in Industrial Relations and Human Resources.
• Eligible IRHR students can apply for the Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP) at the end of their first year of study, and in some exceptional circumstances at the end of their second year of study. For further information about ASIP, including Year-3 entry requirements, please see the ASIP Eligibility page on the Arts & Science website.

AFTER GRADUATING FROM INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS AND HUMAN RESOURCES

The overarching goal of the IRHR program is to offer an interdisciplinary learning opportunity in which to study the world of work and employment in a Canadian and global context. The program provides students with a theoretical background and knowledge of current developments in the field that will serve as a basis for career areas such as: HR Generalist; Recruitment Specialist; HR Consultant; Employment Equity Officer; Corporate Trainer; Union Representative; Labour Relations Specialist.

For more information please visit our Related Career Paths page.

The Centre for IRHR offers degrees at both the Master’s and Doctoral level.

GOOD TO KNOW

The faculty at the Centre are known internationally for their research, and have written major textbooks in Canada in the areas of labour economics, human resource management, union-management relations, industrial relations and research methods. The faculty have also been involved in many significant policy initiatives in industrial relations in Canada and are active in major international organizations. This involvement in research and in national and international activities is reflected in their teaching in the IRHR program.

The overarching goal of the undergraduate program in IRHR is to offer an interdisciplinary learning opportunity in which to study the employment relationship in a Canadian and global context from the perspectives of economics, history, law, management, political science and sociology. Students are required to take a 100-level course in Sociology (or a combination of a 100-level course in Sociology and Psychology) and either ECO100Y1 Introduction to Economics or ECO105Y1 Principles of Economics for Non-Specialists. The 200-level courses in IRHR provide an overview of the areas of practice, theory and research and introduce students to the two avenues of study and inquiry within Employment Relations: Industrial Relations and Human Resources. The 300+ level courses build on material covered in the foundational courses by delving into the topics in more depth and breadth. Upper level courses are also designed to pursue core topics such as Compensation and Recruitment and Selection since these are areas required for students interested in becoming a professional in either labour relations or human resources. The 400-level courses require much more active participation from students whether in terms of class discussion, field research and writing assignments. These courses are designed to stretch and further build students’ core competencies, such as their strategic thinking and negotiating skills.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

• Centre for Industrial Relations and Human Resources website
• IRHR@utoronto.ca

The study of international relations dates back to antiquity and remains one of the most vital disciplines in the academic community. Its purpose is to explore the enduring questions of the origins of war and the maintenance of peace, prosperity, sustainability and well-being, the nature and exercise of power within the international system, and the changing character of the participants and process and outcomes in international decision-making.

Drawing on the strengths of faculty members in History, Political Science, Economics, and related disciplines, the International Relations program offers a structured and interdisciplinary education. The program provides students with knowledge of the historical and contemporary dimensions of the international system while introducing them to the methodologies employed in historical, political, economic and social scientific analysis. 

The International Relations program has emerged as the intellectual hub of international affairs in Canada. IR draws upon the resources of the Departments of History, Political Science and Economics, the Rotman School of Management, and the Faculty of Law, and is part of the renowned Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

With knowledge from the classroom, IR students are equipped with the skills to be advocates for human rights organizations on campus, organizers for Model UN Conferences and speakers for the Hart House Debate Club to name a few. Within the program, students have the opportunity to engage with experts, researchers and professors in their fields of interest (the IRSOC makes this possible in their closed-forum speakers series!). The program’s faculty are incredibly helpful in offering academic and non-academic supports to their students from course selection to journal submissions to internship searching. All in all, the IR program beyond the classroom is an environment where like-minded individuals can apply their IR skills to any number of personal interests and navigate the fascinating study of International Relations!

WHY CHOOSE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

• The program’s unique interdisciplinary approach that allows students to create a blend of Economics, Political Science, History and regional studies. 
• It equips students with skills that are invaluable both in and beyond careers in international affairs. 
• It also provides a small, close-knit and diverse community in the large and often confusing U of T student body. 
• The IR program is well-acclaimed and houses remarkable faculty members from diverse backgrounds and fields of expertise. 

OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

• The IRSOC fosters a community of faculty, students and alumni interested in international affairs, creating numerous forums of interaction.
• The program facilitates extracurricular participation in MUNs, debate clubs, advocacy organizations and much more. 
• The IRSOC also hosts a mentorship program and an undergraduate journal, called the Attache, driving student engagement outside the classroom. 
• The IR program provides opportunities for independent research work over a spectrum of related topics.

AFTER GRADUATING FROM INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Students may go on to do graduate work at the MA and Ph. levels in international relations. In recent years, several have pursued the Master of Global Affairs, either alone or in combination with another professional degree such as law or business administration.

Others find Master of Public Administration programs to offer a practical complement to the knowledge they have acquired as IR students, or pursue other career training such as teacher’s college, journalism and media studies.

Other students seek, and find, direct entry into the public sector at the federal or provincial levels, or enter into careers with international organizations or in the field of international development, either directly or through internship programs.

Others apply their knowledge of international relations to pursue careers in the private sector in fields such as finance, banking, law and commerce.

GOOD TO KNOW

The IR program is a popular and highly-competitive program, but an exceptional learning experience nonetheless.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

• International Relations website
• Program Administrator: Gabriel Wee
• Email: irpro@trinity.utoronto.ca

The study of Italian language and culture has been part of the University of Toronto curriculum since 1841. At that time Italian was one of the modern languages taught by Professor James Forneri, who also taught French, German and Spanish. After 1887, Italian and Spanish formed a separate department until 1973 when the Department of Italian Studies became independent.

To study Italian is not only to acquire a language, but also to study a rich literature and many-sided culture which have played an important, and sometimes dominant, role in Western civilization. For Canadians, the Italian contribution bears a special significance: the vast influx of Italians has brought changes in our way of life and a living presence to reinforce traditional Italian influences, thus enriching the meaning of the term Canadian.

Italian courses are offered for beginners, for students who understand some Italian or an Italian dialect, and for those with Italian OAC/4U standing or equivalent (i.e. “matriculants”). Oral practice is included in all language courses. Students well qualified in the Italian language may be excused from language courses in First Year. 300- and 400-series courses are available to qualified third- and fourth-year students and may be taken concurrently. These courses offer a wide range of options in language, literature and linguistics. Except for specialists, it is not necessary to take language courses in the 300- and 400-series, but language courses may be taken without literature courses. In addition, there are courses in culture, cinema and theatre that have no language requirement.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Study Abroad: In conjunction with Woodsworth College, ITA courses may be taken in Italy at the University of Siena during July and August and this offers students an invaluable opportunity to include an international experience in their undergraduate academic career. A number of bursaries are available for the Siena Program. Students may also apply to take their Third Year in Italy under the International Student Exchange Program. Visit the section on study abroad opportunities to learn more.

Internship courses: An internship course (ITA460Y) was created in the Department for the purpose of offering students opportunities to achieve advanced language skills, to gain an experiential perspective on their studies, to enrich their undergraduate experience, and to be better prepared for life after graduation. The course aims to place students in internships with cultural groups, social agencies, professionals, and businesses in the city.

Directed Research: In order to strengthen the relationship between faculty research and undergraduate teaching, theoretical knowledge and research, the Department created ITA495H (Directed Research), where students work directly with faculty members on one of their research projects. We currently have four research projects offered by members of our Department.

Student Groups: Students can engage with very active student groups which operate within the university community as well as the larger community.

WHY CHOOSE ITALIAN STUDIES

Italian combines well with other modern languages and literatures, and other programs such as European Studies, Literary Studies and Mediaeval and Renaissance Studies, but is by no means restricted to these.

The study of Italian lends itself very well to interdisciplinarity for students concentrating their undergraduate studies in other disciplines such as music, fine art, history, cinema, political science or international relations, to name a few.

AFTER GRADUATING FROM ITALIAN STUDIES

Programs of study in Italian naturally pair with others in modern languages and literatures, European Studies, Mediaeval and Renaissance Studies, History, Art History, and so on. The study of Italian is also useful for students who concentrate their undergraduate studies in music, art history, political science and international relations.

GOOD TO KNOW

Italian Studies is not only for students that have an Italian background; it is open to all students. Many of our instructors are not of Italian descent or have learned Italian as a second language! Students do not need to speak any Italian in order to enroll. Our programs are open to all students, domestic and international, regardless of their linguistic or cultural proficiency in Italian. Some courses in Italian literature, culture and cinema are given in English and have no language requirement.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

• Italian Studies website
• Learn more about Italian Studies courses with these videos:
  • Murder Mysteries and Detective Fiction
  • Machiavelli
  • The Dark History of Italian Fascism
  • Federico Fellini
  • Italian Language and Culture: Intermediate and Advanced
  • Italian Linguistics and Philology
  • Italo Calvino
  • The Great Dante Alighieri
  • The Theme of Love in the Renaissance
  • Modern Italian Literature
  • The Cinema of Italian Diasporas

MEET THE PROFS IN ITALIAN STUDIES

• Professor Frascà
• Professor Pierno
• Professor Somigli

At the forefront of medical research and discovery, the Pathobiology Specialist Program offers you the opportunity to study the causes and mechanisms of disease and their resulting impact on human health.

Investigate pivotal questions such as:

• Why do certain cells become cancerous?
• Why do particular neurons degenerate?
• Why did that atherosclerotic plaque form?

These and similar questions are fundamental to making medical breakthroughs.

What is pathobiology?

Pathobiology encompasses:

• Pathology: the nature of changes produced by disease.
• Pathogenesis: the mechanisms and changes in disease that occur at the molecular, cellular and tissue level.
• Pathophysiology: the changes in organ and systems function that accompany disease.

Key disciplines in Pathobiology include:

• biochemistry
• cellular and molecular biology
• genetics
• immunology
• physiology
• histology

Why study with us:

• Interact with expert faculty in small classes.
• Gain extensive knowledge and experience in a wide spectrum of biomedical research areas.
• Observe firsthand the application of the causes and mechanisms of disease to human health.
• Enjoy Toronto’s vibrant city life outside the classroom with our undergraduate student organization.

What you will study: courses

First and Second Year: You will take foundation courses similar to any program in the basic medical sciences, including biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

Third Year: You begin an in-depth study of disease mechanisms while taking additional courses in cell and molecular biology, anatomy and physiology, immunology, and infectious disease.

Fourth Year: Fourth year offers you a range of specialized courses in areas including cancer, infection, cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disease. During this final year, you will carry out a research project under the personal supervision of one of our faculty members.

View the full list of courses.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

With over 350 faculty members located across Toronto, LMP is involved in a broad spectrum of research at state-of-the-art facilities.

We offer exciting opportunities:

• Second year: Research Opportunity Program (ROP) (LMP299Y1)
• Fourth year: Project in Pathobiology (LMP405Y1)
• Our popular Summer Student Research Program provides 12 weeks of full-time intensive research.

The benefits of undergraduate research

• Learning proper laboratory practice.
• Developing experimental and critical evaluation skills.
• Enhancing communication, collaboration and networking skills.
• Discovering your area of interest and gaining valuable experience for future research.

WHY CHOOSE LABORATORY MEDICINE & PATHOBIOLOGY

• Interact with expert faculty in small classes.
• Gain extensive knowledge and experience in a wide spectrum of biomedical research areas.
• Observe firsthand the application of the causes and mechanisms of disease to human health.
• Enjoy Toronto’s vibrant city life outside the classroom with our undergraduate student organization (LMPSU).

AFTER GRADUATING FROM LABORATORY MEDICINE & PATHOBIOLOGY

You will be well prepared for your future endeavours, whether you decide to pursue:

• graduate studies in medical research;
• medical/dental school;
• a career in academic, industrial, pharmaceutical or governmental laboratories; or
• employment in government, regulatory agencies, law and environment.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

• Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology website
• Louella D’Cunha, Undergraduate Administrator (lmp.undergrad@utoronto.ca)

The Department of Linguistics offers Specialist, Major, and Minor programs for undergraduate students.

Linguistics is the scientific study of language; how language works, how it is used, developed and preserved over time, what the languages of the world have in common, and how language varies in different social contexts, to name a few.

Linguists conduct studies of speech sounds, grammatical structures, and meaning across the world’s languages. Some linguists focus on one/a few languages, others do not.

The main areas of study in linguistics are:

• Phonetics (how language sounds are physically produced)
• Phonology (sound patterns in language)
• Morphology (the formation and structure of words)
• Syntax (the formation of sentences)
• Semantics (the study of meaning in language)
• Sociolinguistics (the relationship between society and language)
• Psycholinguistics (the psychology of language – how humans acquire and comprehend language; what brain structures are used for language).

Our courses and programs provide the opportunity to be exposed to these subfields of linguistics as well as the flexibility to focus more on whatever areas of study students are more interested in.

You can find our full program descriptions and course list on the Faculty of Arts & Science Academic Calendar.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Linguistics study lends itself very well to field work experiences, whether that involves going on exchange abroad or participating in a Research Opportunity Program course. Many of our faculty members conduct research on specific language communities, and undergraduate students often get the opportunity to work with them. Aside from travel possibilities, working on indigenous languages in Canada has been a strong interest for many students who come to our programs too.

There are also lots of networking opportunities with faculty and peers, through both our undergraduate office (e.g. an annual welcome event in September open to all students enrolled in our programs; a lunch event in March for graduating students), and various social and academic events through the Society of Linguistics Undergraduate Students (SLUGS) including a yearly undergraduate conference.

WHY CHOOSE LINGUISTICS

• Students who choose to study linguistics are generally interested in knowing how human language works, as part of the general cognitive function.
• Our students are curious about what various languages have structurally in common and how they differ from each other.
• A wide variety of courses is devoted to various aspects of linguistics – including speech sounds and structure (phonetics and phonology), sentence structure (syntax), and meaning (semantics).
• Studying linguistics is an important step towards careers in speech language pathology, language teaching, natural language processing, and others.

OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROM

• Participating in the Research Opportunity Program (ROP) allows students the opportunity to do hands-on field work.
• Some of our students have had opportunities to go on research excursions with professors, to work on a specific language abroad.
• Every year, we offer several work-study opportunities, often working with professors in a research lab.
• The Society for Linguistics Undergraduate Students (SLUGS) hosts the Toronto Undergraduate Linguistics Conference (TULCON) yearly – students present their work and have the chance to network with speakers and peers from U of T and other universities.
• The Department as well as the SLUGS also host many other events that provide networking opportunities for students, both academic and social.

AFTER GRADUATING FROM LINGUISTICS

A degree in linguistics can prepare students for a diverse array of careers. Aside from being a linguist or a researcher, our graduates go on to careers in clinical speech language pathology, journalism, publishing, communications and media, teaching, and many others. Take a look at the following resources for some ideas:

• Careers by Major – Linguistics (from the UTM Career Centre)
• Why Major in Linguistics? (from  the Linguistic Society of America)

GOOD TO KNOW

• All of our programs require the introductory courses LIN101H1 and LIN102H1 to start with.
• As well as linguistics courses, the Specialist program requires 2.0 FCEs of study of one non-Germanic, non-Romance language. Majors and Minors are not required to take any language courses. This provides an opportunity for Specialists to be exposed to a language that’s structurally different from English/French in order to complement theoretical studies in an experiential way.
• We also offer Speech-Language Pathology courses every year. These are 400-level courses, and can be found under the course code “JLS“.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Department of Linguistics website

Email: undergrad.linguistics@utoronto.ca

Social media:
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

In the Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Mathematics and Physics, and Mathematics and Philosophy specialist programs, students acquire an in-depth knowledge and expertise in mathematical reasoning and the language of mathematics, with its emphasis on rigor and precision. These programs are designed for students wishing to pursue graduate studies; most of the graduates of these programs continue on to graduate school with some of them gaining admission to the world’s best graduate schools.

The Mathematical Applications in Economics and Finance specialist program is designed to prepare students for direct entry into the world of finance. It can also serve as a gateway to an MBA or a Master of Finance degree, possibly followed by an eventual doctorate.

The Mathematics and its Applications specialist programs offer three areas of concentration: teaching, physical science, and probability/statistics. These specialist programs are designed as “enhanced double majors.” The required courses for these concentrations are almost identical for the first two years, but they diverge in the upper years. Students in these programs can also continue on to graduate studies.

The Major and Minor programs are intended for students who want to combine mathematical skills with work in other subjects. These programs require less coursework than the specialist programs, but still require the completion of some upper year mathematics courses.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Students in the math program also have opportunities to participate in events and programs that enhance the student advancement experience:

• Attend seminars
• Career events with University of Toronto alumni and the career centre (hosted by the Undergraduate Office)
• Attend programs, workshops and conferences at the prestigious Fields Institute
• FUSRP (Fields Undergraduate Summer Research Program)
• Arts & Science Internship Program (math students are eligible to apply)
• NSERC (Summer Research Program)
• Reading/Reading Courses: Do you wish to take another course in place of a course required for program requirements? If you are a math student in the Faculty of Arts & Science, there is chance that it may be approved. The forms are only available to Department of Mathematics Subject Posts only. This waiver only applies to requirements for the mathematics program. It does not apply for degree requirements.

WHY CHOOSE MATHEMATICS

• Students are challenged with interesting and complex math equations, theories and problem sets in their program.
• As the second largest department in the Faculty of Arts & Sciences, students can expect a flexible program that will help enhance their overall university experience. Many of our programs incorporate courses from other programs such as economics, physics, computer science, statistics and philosophy.
• Students can take the math they learn and apply it to everyday life and work situations.
• Students have an opportunity to connect with a large math community passionate about the pursuit of mathematics. Our department is home to over 70 distinguished and award-winning faculty members who have studied in prestigious schools both in Canada and internationally.
• Students open themselves to a number of graduate and industry opportunities after university when taking a math program.

OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

• Students are encouraged to join the Math Union to participate in community events and talks
• Association for Women in Mathematics U of T
• Monthly virtual Coffee and Chats with math department Faculty members (sent by email)
• Career Events with University of Toronto alumni and the career centre.
• Attend programs, workshops and conferences at the prestigious Fields Institute
• FUSRP (Fields Undergraduate Summer Research Program)
• Arts & Science Internship Program (math students are eligible to apply)
• NSERC (Summer Research Program)

AFTER GRADUATING FROM MATHEMATICS

• Graduate School: Many University of Toronto graduates of the math program go on to pursue post-graduate (mathematicians) studies in both pure and applied mathematics. Students interested in applying to the University of Toronto can visit the Department of Mathematics website for more information.
• MMF (Masters of Mathematical Finance)
• OISE: Students interested in becoming K-12 teachers should consider applying to the combined degree program – a six-year program that leads to an Honours Bachelor of Science (HBSc) from the University of Toronto and a Master of Teaching (MT) from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). The HBSc part of this program involves completing a Math Major, a Minor in Education and Society (offered by Victoria College) and a Minor in an area that would lead to a second “teachable” subject. Please see the OISE website for more information.
• Industry/Professions – Many students that graduate from the math program at University of Toronto go on to work in the following industries:
  • Financial (Business)
  • Tech Industry
  • Statisticians & Actuaries
  • Accounting (MBA)
  • Medical/ Pharmaceutical
  • Small Business & Entrepreneurship
  • Engineering
  • Cryptography
  • Research Analysis
  • Insurance Underwriting
  • Programmer Analysis
  • Teaching
  • Government
  • Budget Analysis

GOOD TO KNOW

Students interested in taking the mathematics specialist programs must follow the first- and second-year requirements for their programs. Students will not be permitted to take courses that they do not have the correct prerequisites for.

For example:

Mathematics Specialist:

First Year:
MAT157Y1, MAT240H1, MAT247H1

Second Year:
MAT257Y1, MAT267H1

Students will not be permitted to substitute:

MAT157 with MAT137 or MAT135/136

or

MAT240 with MAT223 & MAT247 with MAT224

to gain entry into the mathematics specialist.

A Guide to First–Year Calculus Courses might be a helpful resource for students reassessing their program options,

Students who are interested in pursing math in a smaller capacity are encouraged to enroll in our minor program!

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Students can visit our website for more information or email Ashley Armogan, Undergraduate Administrator, at aarmogan@math.toronto.edu.

The term “mediaeval” is the name given to a period in the history between “antiquity” and “modernity,” or roughly the fifth through the fifteenth centuries. Its parameters are broad and boundaries are not clearly defined. The Mediaeval Studies program adopts an interdisciplinary approach to exploring this world through the study of subjects such as the Latin language, art, literature, law, gender roles and religion. As well as examining the mediaeval foundations of modern culture, students also explore “mediaevalisms” that appear in our own culture through such media as film, literature, drama and art, and introduce new approaches including digital humanities.

WHY CHOOSE MEDIAEVAL STUDIES

• The mixture of students in the program. There are students in Mediaeval Studies who are studying the Classics, History, Christianity and Culture, Astrophysics, Human Biology, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cognitive Science and more.
• You can settle into your own respective niche. It’s a versatile program, with so many subjects of study to choose from. You can mix and match topics to your heart’s content.
• Diverse and interesting courses – there will almost always be a course that you will find interesting and innovative.
• Small class sizes make you feel like part of a community, wonderful profs that you can easily converse with and learn from.

OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

• The Mediaeval Studies Undergraduate Society (MSUS). MSUS is a student-run social and academic club club dedicated to spreading all aspects of the medieval world to curious minds. It offers academic assistance and peer mentoring within the field of medieval studies, and also hosts campus-wide events such as seminars, medieval feasts, lectures, workshops and movie discussion nights. During COVID, the group also arranged virtual tours of Oxford’s Bodleian Library, the Aga Khan Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario.
• Independent Studies and Research Courses. These courses allow students explore their own Mediaeval interests under the academic supervision of a professor, or participate in research for course credit.
• USMC Research Colloquium. Open to Mediaeval students, and other students enrolled in an SMC sponsored program, this colloquium is an excellent opportunity for undergraduates and early-career graduate students to share their research in a supportive public forum.

AFTER GRADUATING FROM MEDIAEVAL STUDIES

Students who study Mediaeval Studies graduate with strong critical thinking skills and an awareness of cultural heritage, preparing them for a broad range of career paths, including professional work in education, law, theology, museology, journalism, communication, politics, or graduate study in related fields including history, literature, archaeology, folklore and library science.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Visit the Mediaeval Studies website. For more information about the program, including queries about enrolment and completion, contact Natalie at smc.programs@utoronto.ca.

Molecular biology has revolutionized the fields of genetics and microbiology. The Department of Molecular Genetics offers Specialist and Major programs in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, which emphasize the molecular aspects of both disciplines. Genetics, the science of heredity, and microbiology, the study of microorganisms (microbes), have long served as meeting grounds for a variety of biological disciplines. Developments in genetics and microbiology have contributed greatly to our basic understanding of the fundamental processes of life as well as to the treatment of genetic and infectious diseases.

The Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Specialist program is a research-intensive program and is designed to provide strong in-depth training in science, including critical analyses of scientific concepts and literature, advanced laboratory experience, and detailed understanding and application of molecular biology. Specialists enter the program in second year and then choose one of two streams, called Genetics and Microbiology, by the start of the third year. Each stream provides focused training, but there is considerable overlap between the streams, reflective of both the cross-disciplinary requirements of these two rapidly evolving disciplines and the impact of each on areas spanning modern biomedical science.

The Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Major program offers students fundamental training in molecular genetics and microbiology. Students tailor their own program and may focus on a microbiology major, a genetic major, or a combination; they choose a path to suit their specific interests. Students take several advanced courses in these disciplines, but the Major allows them to choose the breadth of their training by combining the MGY Major with another Major of interest.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Summer Research Program

There are many opportunities to do research during the summer in one of our active research laboratories. These positions may provide a small stipend. Molecular Genetics Summer Research Program participants will have the opportunity to investigate questions of fundamental importance in molecular, cellular and development genetics

• Primarily, you will be conducting research in the laboratory of your supervisor
• Participate in the end-of-summer Summer Students Poster Session
• Attend optional summer seminars and journal club meetings designed to enhance your ability to perform and communicate research

MGY299Y: Research Opportunity Program

The Research Opportunities Program (ROP) gives undergraduate students in their second and third year the chance to join a professor’s research project and earn course credit towards their degree and program requirements.

Students learn research methods, get to know fellow students and share in the excitement and discovery of acquiring new knowledge. They develop relationships with faculty members who can act as mentors during their undergraduate years and assist them in applications to graduate schools or professional Faculties.

The ROP serves to enhance the fundamental connection between teaching and research in our research-intensive university. Students are welcome to participate in more than one ROP during their undergraduate studies. However, students may not participate in more than one ROP project with the same professor, and may not participate in more than one ROP course per academic year.

Special Research Project

An opportunity for specialized individual research for fourth-year students in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology by arrangement with the course coordinator. Students with an interest in graduate research are encouraged to participate.

MGY480Y is an independent research course in which students pursue a project under the supervision of a faculty member in Molecular Genetics. This is a year-long course that begins in the fall term and ends in the spring. To enroll in MGY480, students must first identity a faculty member willing to supervise them. A list of our faculty and their research interests can be found on our website. Once a supervising faculty member has been identified, you may enroll in MGY480. However, the course coordinator must receive confirmation from the professor that s/he is willing to supervise the student for the course. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, for the upcoming 2020-2021 academic year, only students who secure a “dry-lab” computational project that can be pursued remotely (without requiring access to the laboratory space) will be permitted to enroll in MGY480Y. For other options, please see MGY481H.

WHY CHOOSE MOLECULAR GENETICS

• The Molecular Genetics program offers students fundamental training in molecular genetics and microbiology.
• Students appreciate our research-intensive program.
• Our specialist program is designed to provide strong in-depth training in science, including critical analyses of scientific concepts and literature.
• Our specialist provides advanced laboratory experience, and detailed understanding and application of molecular biology.

OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

• Laboratory practice through our research opportunities
• Experimental and critical evaluation through guided inquiry with our faculty members
• Communication, collaboration and networking through attending our departmental seminars, special guest seminars, and a wide range of presentations.
• Personal development through poster sessions and research days.

AFTER GRADUATING FROM MOLECULAR GENETICS

• Our students frequently pursue careers in fields anchored in an understanding of biology.
• Many go on to graduate school while others go to various professional programs in medicine or a medically relevant field.
• A few go off the beaten path and explore options in business or law, where they find their unique training in biology provides an advantage in this competitive labor market.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Department of Molecular Genetics website

The Trudeau Centre for Peace, Conflict and Justice  is housed at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy and offers major and specialist programs in Peace, Conflict and Justice (PCJ). PCJ employs a multidisciplinary approach to peace, conflict and justice studies and attracts students from  many diverse disciplines.

The major program consists of 7.5 FCEs, and the specialist, 12.0 FCEs. Students complete PCJ core courses along with electives from other units that allow them to connect their studies in PCJ with their interests from other disciplines and programs of study.

The Program equips students with the skill set necessary to confront complex issues in the field, including analytical and critical thinking skills, effective communication, and training in quantitative and qualitative research methods. More broadly, the Centre aims to foster a lively community where students can thrive by providing research, experiential learning, and co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities.

Program Philosophy

The Trudeau Centre works within and beyond the traditional purview of international affairs, studying interstate war as well as major conflict inside countries, including revolution, insurgency, ethnic strife, guerrilla war, terrorism and genocide. Students seek to identify the underlying causes of this strife, from poverty, resource scarcity, and weapons proliferation, to competing claims for justice and failures of foreign-policy decision making. Students  engage with pertinent topics related to human rights, transitional justice, environmental, LGBTQ+ and Indigenous issues, among others, as subsets of the discipline. Throughout their studies, students are confronted with some of the world’s most urgent and intractable humanitarian problems. The Centre provides students with the analytical training to examine these issues from multiple vantage points, including local, national and global levels of analyses, and through a multidisciplinary approach.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

• Conduct independent travel-based research: we provide funding opportunities for students to travel abroad to study their interests through their own field work and research
• Internship placements: students can receive 0.5 FCE while gaining real world experience and training through placements with our partners, which include The Mosaic Institute, GreenPAC, Jumpstart Refugee Talent, Arctic360, The Bill Graham Centre for Contemporary History, etc.
• Networking opportunities with the Trudeau Centre Advisory Abroad: students benefit from connections with the Board through mentorship and related opportunities.
• Vibrant student life: our PCJ Student Society fosters a close sense of community through fun student life programming, peer-to-peer mentorship, group study sessions, and socials.

WHY CHOOSE PEACE, CONFLICT AND JUSTICE

• Flexible and highly multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary program: Students can explore their interests by combining studies in peace, conflict and justice with other disciplines and programs of study.
• Experiential learning opportunities: Students can take advantage of internship placements, study abroad opportunities, a group internship course, independent study courses, and travel-based research
• Scholarship and funding opportunities: PCJ students are eligible for several course and merit-based scholarships, and can apply for awards to travel, study, research and complete internships abroad.
• Community: PCJ is a small program with only about 120 students. We offer opportunities to form close connections with your PCJ instructors, active student life programming, events and workshops, and a supportive administration. Students also benefit from a close connection to the Munk School
• Co-curricular opportunities: to name a few, PCJ students can publish and contribute to a journal, host a conference, become a member of the PCJ Society, and access special events and opportunities at the Munk School.

OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

• Become a part of the annual Peace, Conflict and Justice Student Conference: the conference is planned entirely by PCJ students each year and focuses on a pertinent theme in peace, conflict and justice
• Join the Rapoport Journal for Peace, Conflict and Justice: the student journal offers opportunities to participate as a contributor, or join the editorial board
• Join the Peace, Conflict and Justice Society Executive: become a PCJ student leader and play a leading role in student life programming for PCJ Student
• Participate in the Centre for the Study of the Presidency and Congress Fellows program: exclusive opportunity for PCJ students to be nominated each year and attend two conferences in Washington, DC
• Events: we host a range of academic, social, and professional development events, workshops, and seminars for students throughout the year

AFTER GRADUATING FROM PEACE, CONFLICT AND JUSTICE

There is no single path for our PCJ graduates.

Although many pursue graduate or doctoral levels, others go on to professional careers in global governance, public policy, diplomacy, law, journalism, academia and non-governmental organizations, among several others.

They have worked in government agencies such as the Canadian International Development Agency, and Global Affairs Canada, in non-governmental organizations such as Doctors Without Borders and the International Crisis Group, and in multilateral agencies such as the ICRC and UNHCR.

As such, PCJ graduates  are well-suited for a wide range of careers in the public and private sectors and higher education because of the primacy afforded to analytical and critical thinking skills in the program.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Visit us on our website, or connect with us on social media!

• Trudeau Centre for Peace, Conflict and Justice Website 
• Instagram: @pcj.program
• Twitter: @TrudeauPCJ
• Facebook: @PCJSociety

For program and admission related inquiries, get in touch with: 

Anupam Chaudhri, Program and Events Coordinator | Trudeau Centre for Peace, Conflict and Justice, pcj.program@utoronto.ca

Pharmacology and Toxicology are integrative biological sciences that examine the properties of chemical compounds and their interactions with living systems. They provide the scientific basis for the study of chemical actions in the health sciences, the use of drugs as therapeutic agents or as tools in scientific research, the development and control of pharmaceutical products, and the investigation and control of pollutants and poisons in natural and social environments.

The Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology offers four Specialist and two Major undergraduate programs of study that are jointly sponsored by the Faculties of Arts & Science and Medicine.

A Specialist program in pharmacology and/or toxicology has more required courses and is intended to give students a greater depth of study in the subject area.

Major programs are intended for undergraduate students who want to have a solid knowledge of pharmacology or toxicology, allowing students to combine different and complementary areas of expertise in life sciences. This approach contributes to a broader multi-disciplinary undergraduate training that is particularly relevant for students interested in pursuing further studies in professional health sciences programs.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

There are lots of opportunities to gain experience beyond the classroom in our department!

The department, in conjunction with the Centre for International Exchange, offers a Summer Research Exchange Program (PCL397Y0Y) for eligible students. More information can be found on the Pharmacology & Toxicology website.

The Arts & Science Internship program (ASIP) stream is a great opportunity for eligible Pharmacology & Toxicology specialist students to gain valuable work experience, build relevant skills and expand their professional network. This program combines 12-20 months of paid work experience with specialized professionalism training.

Learn more about additional research opportunities on our website.

The department also hosts various networking and social events throughout the year for students, including Career Mentor Night and a Welcome Back Pizza Lunch.

WHY CHOOSE PHARMACOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY

• Our undergraduate and graduate degree programs in pharmacology and toxicology provide a solid foundation in biomedical sciences and prepare individuals for a wide range of career options.
• Departmental faculty consist of leading experts in the field of pharmacology and biomedical toxicology, pursuing cutting edge research.

AFTER GRADUATING FROM PHARMACOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY

Our graduates typically find employment in universities, hospitals, pharmaceutical and biotech industries, private and public research organizations, consulting companies, and government agencies, both within Canada and abroad. Some graduates additionally pursue training in professional degree programs, such as medicine (MD), pharmacy (PharmD or BScPharm), and dentistry (DDS).

Depending on the training and interests of the individual, graduates of our programs may be employed in a variety of roles. Some examples include involvement in laboratory and/or clinical research related to drugs and chemicals (in academia or industry), design and conduct of clinical trials that aim to bring new therapeutics to market, assessment of the safety of drugs and chemicals, teaching, marketing/sales of therapeutics, and scientific/medical communications.

GOOD TO KNOW

Pharmacology is not the same as Pharmacy. Pharmacology programs are distinct programs from the Pharmacy program. Pharmacology programs are joint undergraduate programs between the Faculty of Arts & Science and the Faculty of Medicine. Students graduating with an undergraduate Specialist or Major program in Pharmacology receive a Bachelor of Science degree. Pharmacy is a professional degree program offered by the Faculty of Pharmacy that prepares students to become licensed pharmacists. A license is required to legally dispense drugs.

The difference between Pharmacology and Toxicology? In a nutshell, pharmacology and toxicology are very similar disciplines that require an understanding of basic properties and actions of chemicals. However, pharmacology places more emphasis on the therapeutic effects of chemicals (particularly drugs) while toxicology focusses more on the adverse effects of chemicals and risk assessment.

Students entering second year who wish to apply to the spcialist program should apply to the Pharmacology and Biomedical Toxicology Program (ASSPE2340).

Students entering second year who are interested in the major program should apply to ASMAJ2675 – the general major stream.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

For more information, please check out our website or email us at undergrad.pharmtox@utoronto.ca.

The Greek words from which “Philosophy” is formed mean “love of wisdom” and all great philosophers have been moved by an intense devotion to the search for wisdom. Philosophy takes no belief for granted, but examines the grounds for those beliefs which make up people’s fundamental views of the world. Philosophers think about these beliefs as thoroughly and systematically as possible, using methods of conceptual analysis, reasoning, and detailed description.

What distinguishes Philosophy from the physical and social sciences is its concern not only with the truths which are discovered by means of specialized methods of investigation, but with the implications that such discoveries have for human beings in their relations with one another and the world. Moreover, Philosophy has an abiding interest in those basic assumptions about the nature of the physical and social world, and about the nature of enquiry itself, which underlie our scientific and practical endeavours.

The Philosophy Department at the University of Toronto offers courses in most of the main periods and areas of Philosophy: Ancient Philosophy (Plato, Aristotle); Mediaeval Philosophy (Augustine, Aquinas); Early Modern Philosophy (Descartes, Hume, Kant); Nineteenth-Century Philosophy (Hegel, Mill, Marx); Asian Philosophy (Chinese Philosophy); Continental Philosophy and Phenomenology (Husserl, Heidegger, Sartre); Analytic Philosophy (Quine, Russell, Wittgenstein); Epistemology and Metaphysics (What can be known? What is the ultimate nature of reality?); Moral Philosophy (How should we argue rationally about right and wrong?); Philosophy of Mind (What is mind? Is there free will?); Logic and Philosophy of Mathematics (What is sound reasoning? Do numbers exist?); Philosophy of Language (What is the meaning of “meaning”?); Philosophy of Natural Science (What is scientific method?); Social and Political Philosophy (What justifies the state?); Aesthetics (What is art? Must it be beautiful?).

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

The Philosophy Department offers independent study courses to advanced fourth-year students. Students will have the opportunity to apply to work individually with a faculty member on a significant philosophy undergraduate paper on a topic of their choosing.

Additionally, our department hosts several alumni career panels every year. These are panels where prestigious alumni describe how philosophy helped them in their career and they take part in a moderated Question and Answer period. The event usually wraps up with a reception where students can meet and mingle with our alumni. The themes of these events vary from year to year but our most recent panels had alumni return from careers in business, government, law and medicine.

WHY CHOOSE PHILOSOPHY

• Studying philosophy involves learning and critically analyzing deeply complex ideas and texts. You will learn to identify bad reasoning and improve your own critical writing and argumentation. This is why Philosophy students are among the best on the Law School Admission Test.
• Philosophy is broadly applicable to all aspects of life and is compatible with all fields of study as evidenced by our wide range of courses. Whether you are interested in art, language, history, politics, physics or math, you will always find an intersection with philosophy.
• There are important practical applications of philosophy that are essential to society. These include: Ethical considerations in medicine and research (Bioethics); Morality and the legal system (Philosophy of Law); Understanding Time (Philosophy of Physics); Art and Beauty (Aesthetics). These are but a few examples.

OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

The Department of Philosophy has a number of opportunities for our undergrads. Here are few:

• Editorial positions for Noesis, The UofT Undergraduate Journal of Philosophy
• We also work closely with our undergraduate student union, the Philosophy Course Union, to host events and activities.
• And we have the Socrates Project. The Socrates Project allows exceptional senior philosophy students to become TA’s for our 1st year philosophy course.

AFTER GRADUATING FROM PHILOSOPHY

Undergraduate philosophy has long been considered a central part of liberal education. It provides basic skills in logical thinking and analysis, familiarity with major moral outlooks and problems, and an overview of human existence and reality.

Philosophy, especially formal and informal logic, with their emphasis on argument, is an excellent preparation for law school. For a few, philosophy will be preparation for graduate study and teaching, and many organizations, including businesses, like to hire philosophy students because of their training in critical analysis and argumentation.

For a few, those interested in teaching will need to acquire a PhD in philosophy. This process takes four to five years, including two years of course work and a doctoral dissertation (a major piece of research and writing). Professional philosophers tend to find careers as university and community college teachers. Philosophers in the area of applied ethics, such as biomedical ethics, often find careers as clinical ethics consultants in hospitals and health care centres.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Students can get more information about our program on the Philosophy website or they can book an appointment with the Undergraduate Advisor, Eric Correia. He can be reached by email at eric.correia@utoronto.ca.

Our Physics Specialist program is designed to provide students with training in the core elements of experimental and theoretical physics at the level required for further study (graduate level). This includes course sequences in Classical Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, Thermal and Statistical Physics, and Quantum Mechanics. In upper years, additional courses in fields of modern research are also offered (e.g. Atmospheric and Climate Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, Quantum Optics, Particle Physics). Students also receive training in experimental physics via a sequence of required lab courses in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year, as well as other courses in practical physics (e.g. computational physics).

Our Biological Physics Specialist programs have the same goal, but in this case with a focus on Biological Physics, in various different streams, depending on the student’s interest (Physiology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Advanced Physics).

Of our Joint Specialist programs with other Departments (Chemistry, Math, Astronomy and Astrophysics, Philosophy), only Physics and Philosophy is hosted by the Department of Physics. This program explores the interplay between Physics and Philosophy, with a particular focus on Quantum Mechanics.

The Physics Major program provides training that is similar to that of the Physics Specialist program in the first few years, but only in selected fields. In general this program is not intended to prepare students for graduate school in Physics, though it can be suitable for students planning on graduate school in a related discipline, in which elements of physics are important. The program is also sometimes taken as part of a double-major, either in conjunction with a field for which no joint program exists, or in place of a joint Specialist program if students have interests that are not well addressed in the latter.

In our Major and Minor programs, both the theoretical and experimental aspects of the field are emphasized.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

There are a number of opportunities for physics students to engage in related activities outside of the classroom, via both academic and non-academic programs. The Physics Career Accelerator Program (PhysCAP) helps provide career guidance to students, via a mentorship program that runs during the academic year, along with dedicated career events with guest panels from a variety of fields. On the academic side, beyond the regular section of courses, the Department offers a number of supervised reading and research courses to allow students to explore specialized topics not covered in the normal curriculum, as well as opportunities to be involved in research.

WHY CHOOSE PHYSICS

• A love of physics
• Preparation for graduate school in physics or a related discipline
• Training in analytical and problem solving skills that are valued across a wide array of disciplines and careers

OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

• Supervised reading courses in specialized topics
• Supervised research courses
• Physics Career Accelerator (PhysCAP) program
• Summer research opportunities (NSERC USRA, SURF programs)

AFTER GRADUATING FROM PHYSICS

• Graduate school in Physics or related fields
• Graduate programs in non-scientific disciplines relying on good quantitative analytics skills (e.g finance)
• Careers involving good analytical/quantitative skills: our Physics Career Accelerator Program (PhysCAP) events are intended to give students a sense of what other past graduates of our programs have moved on to, including careers in medicine, dentistry, law, engineering, teaching, finance, business, government etc.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Please email any questions to: ugcoord@physics.utoronto.ca or visit the Physics website.

Physiology is the study of how the body functions and the biological processes that support life. Our department examines the interaction between factors that determine health and disease at the cellular, tissue, and whole-organism levels. In many ways, physiology expertise underpins possibilities for breakthroughs in specialized areas of study such as cell biology, cardiology, psychiatry and more. We pride ourselves on engaging in meaningful collaborations with other disciplines and enabling clinical applications of scientific discoveries.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

• UPSA – The Undergraduate Physiology Students’ Association is a student-run organization in the Department of Physiology. UPSA organizes and hosts research seminars, a mentoring program and social events with students and professors.
• PSL378H1F – Field Physiology: Marine Mammal Autopsy is a course in which students will participate in the necropsy and dissection of a small marine mammal. Students learn the animal’s state of health and general condition. Students also learn the basics of how necropsies are carried out.
• PSL310H1S – Clinical Reasoning: students learn to apply strategies of critical thinking and principles of physiology to solve clinical cases. Students have an opportunity to shadow a healthcare professional.

WHY CHOOSE PHYSIOLOGY

• Explore advanced topics in physiology
• Interact with renowned researchers and lecturers
• Conduct research projects and be mentored by faculty members
• Develop science communication skills
• Contribute to the advancement of science

OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

• PSL299Y1Y, PSL399Y1Y – Research Opportunity Program (ROP): the ROP gives students in their second and third years the chance to conduct independent research under the supervision of a professor in the Department of Physiology and earn course credit towards their degree and program requirements.
• PSL498Y1Y – Project in Physiology: students carry out original laboratory research under the guidance of a Physiology faculty member. The subject of each student’s project is arrived at by mutual agreement between student and their supervisor.
• JPM400Y – Biomedical Incubator Capstone Project: students discover what it is like to be part of a biomedical innovation team. Students will develop and engage in biomedical research in a simulated small business/incubator setting under the guidance of a faculty mentor.

AFTER GRADUATING FROM PHYSIOLOGY

• Entry into health-related professional schools including medicine, dentistry, chiropractic college, nursing, physiotherapy, veterinary medicine, speech and language pathology, and Michener Institute diploma programs.
• Research and teaching careers in universities or community colleges.
• Research or administration in the pharmaceutical industry or medical device manufacturing companies.
• Health services consultant: a degree in Physiology may be combined with further study in law, economics, and business administration.

GOOD TO KNOW

• The Department of Physiology faculty have received numerous teaching awards including the President’s Teaching Award, the highest honour for teaching at the University of Toronto.
• The Department of Physiology offers many specialized fourth-year physiology courses.
• Physiology programs prepare students for research-based graduate studies in the Department of Physiology and elsewhere.
• Physiology programs prepare students for course-based graduate studies including the Master of Health Sciences in Medical Physiology offered by the Department of Physiology.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Visit the Physiology website or contact physiology.undergrad@utoronto.ca.

Political Science seeks an understanding of power — power which is embodied in social and economic relationships; in the links between individuals, groups, and the state; and in the internal workings of government. The field of inquiry can range from an analysis of global international relations to the study of individual behaviour; from the examination of institutions to reflection on broad philosophical questions.

Much of the course work in Political Science focuses upon governmental institutions, but the sizeable offerings in political theory reflect the Department’s traditional strength in that area. In addition, a number of political scientists here attach particular significance to the relationship between the economic and the political; “political economy” is embodied in several of this department’s courses. There are also a number of courses employing sociological, psychological and historical modes of analysis.

The discipline is sub divided into a number of fields. At the core are courses in political theory, embracing the classic writings of political philosophers as well as more contemporary analysis. The more empirical courses cover the political systems of Canada and a large number of foreign countries, and the relations between those countries. Often political scientists focus their inquiry not on any particular society but on political institutions (supra-national governing bodies, national governments and governmental bodies, parliaments, political parties, courts and constitutions); a policy area (foreign policy or economic policy, for example) or on particular dimensions of the political process (urban politics, social movements and interest groups, elections and voter behaviour), or on political issues (the environment, minority rights, ethnic conflict, social policy).

WHY CHOOSE POLITICAL SCIENCE

Political Science is a discipline that uses different approaches in our courses which are all highly sought after by employers and graduate schools:

• Critical thinking skills
• Analytic writing skills
• Research skills
• Clear presentation skills
• Discussion skills

AFTER GRADUATING FROM POLITICAL SCIENCE

The study of Political Science can illuminate an important dimension of human experience and makes graduates better prepared for intelligent participation in the political community.

The study of politics can provide a useful background for work in government organizations of all kinds (administrative and research positions); educational institutions (schools, colleges, and universities); political organizations (parties, movements, groups); and the media.

It provides a good foundation for further study in law, international relations, public administration, community planning, urban studies, environmental studies, and the like.

GOOD TO KNOW

Undergraduates at U of T have a huge menu of courses to choose from, and even with the growth in student numbers, the department has maintained very high teaching standards. Many undergraduates have won outstanding awards and scholarships, including the Rhodes Scholarship.

There are over 150 courses listed in the calendar, and more than 100 are offered each year including a Senior Thesis Seminar. First, second and third-year courses are offered in a lecture format while fourth-year courses are small and offered as a seminar and at that stage the choice of topics in coursework is especially broad, with well over fifty options offered each year.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Visit the Political Science website or contact Mary-Alice Bailey, Undergraduate Assistant at 416-978-6567 or undergrad.polsci@utoronto.ca.

Psychology is the study of the mind. Psychological scientists research the thoughts, feelings, and behaviour of humans and other animals. While pursuing your degree in Psychology, you will learn things that will help you understand yourself and the people around you. You will cultivate the ability to research, reason, and critically evaluate data and information. In addition to gaining domain-specific knowledge, you will improve your communication skills and enhance your employability. We have a number of program options for Psychology (e.g., Minor, Major, Specialist, Research Specialist), as well as some cross-disciplinary programs.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

While there is no official co-op program, the department has many research opportunities available to students. Students can get involved in a research community in their second or third years through the 299Y and 399Y Research Opportunities Program. Students who want a number of courses to support the development of their own independent research can get focused training as a Research Specialist, which culminates in a thesis project. Psychology students who are not Research Specialists can also get credit for an independent research project through the PSY405Y1 and PSY406Y1 Individual Project courses. In the near future, Psychology will be joining ASIP (Arts & Science Internship Program), providing students with even more opportunities to gain practical experience.

In summary, students are able to:

• Volunteer as an RA in psych labs.
• Complete a PSY 405 Individual Project or ROP Research Opp Program (lab projects for course credit).
• Become a member of the PSA (Psychology Students’ Association) and network with other students and faculty members.
• Volunteer at affiliated hospitals and research centres.

WHY CHOOSE PSYCHOLOGY

• The Psychology Department stands out for its leadership in both research and teaching.
• Students who complete their degree through the Psychology Department receive award-winning instruction that is informed by research on learning and pedagogy.
• The University of Toronto Psychology Department is ranked in the top 10 in the world for Psychology, reflecting the important contributions that our faculty and students make to the global conversation on humanity.
• Our department is particularly strong in neuroscience, social psychology, developmental psychology, cognition and memory, computational modelling, and applied statistics, which means our students have one-of-a-kind opportunities to learn and be mentored by world leaders in Psychology.

AFTER GRADUATING FROM PSYCHOLOGY

Students go into many fields after obtaining their degree in Psychology from the University of Toronto. Many students further their education by going to graduate school for research, teaching, organizational behaviour, social work, forensics, or professional degrees in Psychology, such as counselling or clinical. Many of our students also apply to graduate professional degrees like law school, medical school, or business school. There is a strong data analytic component to Psychology, so a number of students go into data science or other analytic pathways. Finally, we boast strong, local entrepreneurs among our alumni, as well.

GOOD TO KNOW

The University of Toronto Psychology Department is ranked the highest in Canada and consistently among the top 10 Psychology departments worldwide. Our faculty have collaborative relationships with researchers in almost every other Psychology Department in Canada.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Undergraduate Administrator: Tamara Ferguson
Sidney Smith Hall 4014
Phone: (416) 978-3407
E-mail: psy.undergrad@utoronto.ca
Psychology website

Undergraduate Assistant: Dorothy Piniarski
Sidney Smith Hall 4027
Phone: (416) 978-5168
E-mail: psy.ug-assistant@utoronto.ca

Solving real-world policy challenges requires the use of multi-disciplinary tools to analyze problems, determine the best means to deal with those problems and decide on the best course of action. An undergraduate Major in Public Policy provides a unique opportunity for students in Social Science disciplines to think in an interdisciplinary way, by drawing on theories and approaches, as well as tool kits developed in the core disciplines of Economics and Political Science, and beyond. Students in this program develop theoretical and applied reasoning skills in policy analysis, as well as a solid grounding in quantitative methods and research.

WHY CHOOSE PUBLIC POLICY

• The Major in Public Policy is offered jointly by the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, the Department of Economics, and the Department of Political Science.
• Public policy plays a critically important role in shaping our everyday lives and the future in Canada and globally. Engaging in public policy requires the development and sharpening of a wide range of tools, from analytical and critical thinking skills to research and communication skills, leadership, negotiations, and working in teams and with technology.
• Enriching curriculum.
• Access to vibrant intellectual community at the Munk School.

OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

• Access to faculty and fellows who are closely related to current policy affairs
• Opportunity to work and study alongside policy leaders
• Small seminar classes

AFTER GRADUATING FROM PUBLIC POLICY

Graduates of the Public Policy major have gone onto study law, graduate level policy degrees or to work in policy-related careers, then move onto graduate school work.

GOOD TO KNOW

The Undergraduate Public Policy Student Association (UPPSA) hosts annual policy events for all students in the major, where students have an opportunity to meet and connect with other students and faculty members.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

To learn more or book an appointment, please call the undergraduate administrator, Anupam Chaudhri at publicpolicyundergrad.munk@utoronto, or visit the Public Policy website.

The Department for the Study of Religion is home to one of the largest, most prestigious, and most diverse undergraduate and graduate Religious Studies programs in the world.  Faculty come from a variety of disciplines -anthropology, history, philosophy, and psychology – and they offer an intellectually stimulating environment in which to explore how religions have grown and developed, how they have been understood, and how we can think about them in our pluralistic society.  

Within our programs, you have the opportunity to examine broad questions relating to religious themes, ranging from central ethical debates (What is happiness? How do different cultures imagine God?), to performing ritual practices (rites of passage, pilgrimage, initiation), to forming belief systems that may vary from orthodox dogma to conspiracy thinking. Our faculty are experts in Ancient Mediterranean Religions, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Indigenous Spiritualities, Islam, Judaism, and Sikhism, and we offer unique language courses in Sanskrit, Pali, and Tibetan.  

We are increasingly interested in offering courses that engage students in community action, experiential learning, and study abroad. 

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

• We are actively involved in the University’s Research Opportunities Program, which gives undergraduates in their second and third year the chance to join a professor’s research project and earn course credit towards their degree and program requirements.
• We integrate classroom teaching with opportunities to visit and engage with religious organizations, including shrines and other places of worship.
• We run an innovative Religion in the Public Sphere initiative, which allows students to engage closely with Toronto as a place to live in but also to study.

WHY CHOOSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES

• Religion is an essential aspect of human life. The ways in which it intersects with social issues, ethics, philosophical questions, and personal psychological considerations are at the forefront not only of academic research, but also social, political, and legal action. 
• We offer a huge range of skills, including qualitative research, languages, textual analysis, conventional archival research, digital archiving, and material culture analysis. 
• We provide flexible pathways for students to develop their own interests, with opportunities to work with renowned and research-active Faculty. 
• We have an active undergraduate association (RUSA), and have created a dedicated undergraduate space within our department.

AFTER GRADUATING FROM RELIGIOUS STUDIES

• Because Religious Studies is so interdisciplinary, it provides an excellent training for further study on religion, depending on the evolving interests of the student. 
• We accept an increasingly diverse range of students to Masters and Doctoral Programs, and attract applicants from within and beyond Canada. 
• The communications and language skills we offer provide an excellent background for careers in e.g. social services, government, the law, arts management, journalism. Our fourth-year courses begin to orient students toward their future options. 

GOOD TO KNOW

For size, reputation, and range of activities, our Department is one of the leading research and teaching units dedicated to the study of religion in North America. We are dedicated to ensuring communication between all levels of the department, ranging from first-year students to senior faculty. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

• Undergraduate Administrator: Phoebe To
• Jackman Humanities Building Room 310
• E-mail: religion.undergrad@utoronto.ca
• Visit the Department for the Study of Religion website

The Bachelor of Commerce degree builds on a common foundation of a range of business disciplines and economics. Rotman Commerce students specialize in one of three areas: Accounting, Finance and Economics, or Management. Each stream combines courses in management and applied economics with a variety of courses in the arts and sciences. The balance assures graduates of a solid understanding of business and modern society along with a command of critical skills across business disciplines, decision-making, and leadership.

GOOD TO KNOW

Enrolment in Rotman Commerce programs is limited. Most students are admitted to first-year with a Rotman Commerce Admission Guarantee. Rotman Commerce students choose their Specialist program after first year, provided that the conditions of the “guarantee” have been met. Further instructions will be sent to students with an admission guarantee in March.

A number of spaces are also available in second-year for other Arts & Science students who were not admitted with the guarantee. See enrolment requirements on the Rotman Commerce website for details.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Visit the Rotman Commerce website or e-mail rotmancommerce.info@utoronto.ca.

Our programs combine language study with an extensive number of courses focusing on literature and culture of Slavic-speaking lands.  

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

• We offer lots of student awards to facilitate travel abroad: to Ukraine, Serbia, Czech Republic, Poland – to name a few. These awards are typically used to fund language study abroad.
• There is an active student union that organizes plenty of social events.
• Within the department we have a calendar of established events throughout the year, such as a film club, and a talent show for language students

WHY CHOOSE SLAVIC LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES

• Small classes 
• Great sense of community between students and faculty; great sense of belonging
• Largest Slavic languages department in North America – we offer the most extensive range of languages and students come from all over the continent to study with us 

AFTER GRADUATING FROM SLAVIC LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES

• Students go in a variety of fields: law, teaching, finance.  
• We have had students go into government and interpreting services. 
• There are also a number of students who choose to pursue Masters or Doctorates in Slavic studies.  

GOOD TO KNOW

We have multiple award-winning teachers, which is no mean feat as we are a tiny department. Moreover, our teaching evaluations as a department are the highest in the Faculty of Arts & Science. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Visit the Slavic Languages and Literatures website.

Spanish studies at the University of Toronto are mainly, but by no means exclusively, concerned with the language and literature of the Spanish-speaking peoples. Courses in Hispanic linguistics, in business Spanish, in the history and structure of the Spanish language and literature are complemented by studies of the socio-political, artistic, and intellectual history of both Spain and Spanish America.

In addition to a full range of courses in language, Portuguese studies at the University of Toronto offers courses in culture, literature and linguistics. The courses in the literatures and cultures of the Portuguese-speaking countries include the study of the most significant masterpieces written by Lusophone writers and a survey of the major historical and cultural trends and issues of these countries. The courses in linguistics range from an introduction to Portuguese linguistics to courses on language varieties and dialects in the Portuguese-speaking world, sociolinguistics, phonetics, and second language acquisition.

Latin American Studies at the University of Toronto is a program for students in the social sciences, humanities, and sciences who seek a deeper understanding of the Latin American regions, their histories, cultures, and societies. The program encompasses topics ranging from indigenous cultures and civilizations through histories and theories of colonialism, and the ideas, peoples, and commodities that have come together within a trans-Atlantic cultural sphere. It also includes the investigation of Latin American migrants and their descendants in Canada and elsewhere.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

The Department encourages students to consider completing part of their course work abroad, through exchanges with universities in Spain, Portugal or Brazil, Chile, Argentina or Mexico.

We also offer students Community Engaged Learning courses, where they work in placements with partners serving the Hispanic and Lusophone communities in Toronto.

Students in our department find opportunities to support faculty research on Hispanic and Portuguese Linguistics. We host an Undergraduate Research Day for them to present their work on any course in our department. They also receive invitations to a very active lecture series that covers a wide variety of topics.

WHY CHOOSE SPANISH AND PORTUGUESE

• A tight-knit community of students, specially in Portuguese and Latin American Studies.
• Faculty and staff genuinely interested in getting to know you and support your development throughout university.
• Courses that build your language proficiency, expand your intercultural skills, teach you critical thinking and grow your expertise in the historical and cultural trajectories of the peoples whose stories and histories were documented in Spanish and Portuguese.

OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

The Latin American Studies program hosts a podcast produced by students, el CafeciTO. We also support an undergraduate journal and blog.

AFTER GRADUATING FROM SPANISH AND PORTUGUESE

Students within our programs have successful careers in: journalism/media, public service and international development NGOs, international trade and finance, health, and computational linguistics.

Many students continue their graduate education in fields like Linguistics, Comparative Literature, Anthropology, Latin American Studies and more.

GOOD TO KNOW

Our Spanish and Portuguese programs begin with a language sequence. Once students have achieved intermediate proficiency (or can demonstrate such from previous studies), they continue studies that combine advance language, linguistics, literature, and culture.

Latin American Studies program is taught in English, although Spanish or Portuguese proficiency is encouraged.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Visit the Spanish and Portuguese website or contact Dr. Berenice Villagomez, Undergraduate Coordinator at spanport@chass.utoronto.ca

Statistics is the science of learning from data. Probability deals with the mathematics of uncertainty and statistics deals with describing, modeling, and making decisions and predictions based on observed data. Statistical theory and methodology have applications in almost all areas of science, engineering, business, government and industry.  New sources of data and new ways of collecting, organizing, visualizing, and analyzing data are increasingly driving progress in all fields, creating demand for people with the expertise to make sense of it.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Beyond the classroom, students are able to attain valuable experience. Students may become a peer mentor or mentee in one of our Statistics Peer Mentorship programs. These programs provide the opportunity for first and second-year Statistics students to be mentored by senior Statistics students. As a peer mentor, senior Statistics students build their leadership skills through sharing their experiences as a Statistics program student, as well as connecting their mentees to valuable university resources for support. Our department also provides the opportunity for student to receive valuable research experience through our independent reading courses, ROPs where students get the chance to join a professor’s research project.

The Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP) stream is a great opportunity for eligible Statistical Sciences students to gain valuable work experience, build relevant skills and expand their professional network. This program combines 12-20 months of paid work experience with specialized professionalism training. 

OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

Outside the classroom, there are several opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities. Students may join our very active Statistics Student Union (SSU) and our Independent Summer Statistics Community (ISSC). Through the ISSC community, students build their professional statistical portfolio, network and connect with other students, and increase their career preparedness. Our department also holds our very popular annual ASA DataFest@UofT event, which provides students with the opportunity to participate in a Data Science hackathon and a chance to win great prizes. Furthermore, students have the opportunity to work on a funded summer research project through our NSERC USRA and SURA undergraduate summer research awards. In addition, we also provide students with career support and networking opportunities through sharing job opportunities, graduate school info sessions, annual career fairs, and also hold exclusive alumni and employer networking info sessions.

WHY CHOOSE STATISTICAL SCIENCES

• Data are everywhere! Our programs prepare students to think critically, solve problems and learn from data.
• New ways of collecting, organizing, visualizing, and analyzing data are increasingly driving progress in all fields and have created demand for people with expertise in Statistics and Data Science.
• Our programs help prepare students for a career in any field that involves quantitative analyses and working with data.  

AFTER GRADUATING FROM STATISTICAL SCIENCES

A degree in statistics is excellent preparation for a career in any field that requires quantitative analysis. Statisticians are employed in all sectors, including health and medicine, business, finance, technology, public policy and government. For this reason, it is often a good idea to combine your studies in statistics with the study of another field such as psychology, geography, human biology, economics, etc. A program of study that combines statistics with computer science is excellent preparation for a career as a data scientist.

A career in any of the fields above may require additional technical training, graduate education and /or experience beyond the undergraduate level. Students are advised to use the resources offered by the University of Toronto’s Career Centre.

GOOD TO KNOW

For more information regarding our programs and their admission requirements, please review our Statistics program calendar and visit the Statistical Sciences website.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

If you have any questions regarding our Statistics program, please contact ug.statistics@utoronto.ca.

Urban Studies at Innis College provides students with the tools to make sense of their urban world. The program is suited for those students who wish to study cities using several disciplinary approaches. Our program examines the complex and dynamic relations among institutions, people, and physical form that create, sustain, or destroy cities. It is also of interest to those students who wish to become involved in city-building, community development, social justice, and other urban issues in Toronto.

The program offers a range of course-based experiential learning opportunities. Internships, placements, and community engaged learning all enhance student experience and provide our students with unique opportunities for outside the classroom learning. Class sizes are typically small and interaction with other students and professors is enriched.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

The program offers a fourth year seminar course which includes an internship in the office of either a municipal politician, non-profit research group, or other government organization as part of its experiential learning program. The program also encourages students to take advantage of the Study Elsewhere Program at the University of Toronto to broaden their knowledge of cities.

WHY CHOOSE URBAN STUDIES

Students choose Urban Studies because they are:

• interested in city building, community development, social justice and becoming involved in urban issues in Toronto
• looking for hands-on, experience based learning with community partners
• pursuing a career in city planning, municipal politics, policy research, architecture (and more)
• looking to diversify their degree with courses from various other social science disciplines

OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

• Experiential learning opportunities in various courses
• Urban Studies Student Union (URSSU) – a close knit student community
• Potential independent research opportunities with Urban Studies faculty
• Attending socials as well as informative panel events put on by the program (e.g. Fall welcome pizza lunch, grad school Q&A with faculty panel, alumni Q&A panel)

AFTER GRADUATING FROM URBAN STUDIES

Students that graduate from Urban Studies typically go on to pursue graduate programs in urban planning, urban design, architecture, public policy, and more. A background in urban studies also allows for a broad range of career options, such as: city builder, urban planner, economic geographer, municipal politician, urban designer/architect, policy researcher, or working for a non-profit organization, to name a few.

GOOD TO KNOW

Our program offers:

• Thought-provoking courses taught by excellent faculty
• Events featuring notable guest speakers
• A close-knit student community and student union
• Student and faculty interaction outside the classroom
• Experiential learning and community engagement opportunities

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Contact Innis College Program Coordinator, Jannie Chien, for more information (programs.innis@utoronto.ca) or visit the Urban Studies website.

The Visual Studies program focuses upon a critical understanding and production of art. It is set within a unique environment focusing on a rigorous investigation of the interdisciplinary and conceptual components inherent to contemporary art and curatorial practice, as well as in critical writing, theory, art history, design and related areas requiring a high degree of visual literacy.

GOOD TO KNOW

• This is a limited enrolment program. Students must have completed 4.0 credits and meet the requirements listed below to enrol.
• Variable Minimum Grade – a minimum grade is needed for entry, and this minimum changes each year depending on available spaces and the number of applicants.
• To ensure that students admitted to the program will be successful, applicants with a final grade or grade average lower than a B in the required courses JAV120 and JAV130 will not be considered for admission. Please note that obtaining this minimum final grade or grade average does not guarantee admission to the program.
• Completion Requirements: 4.0 credits in Visual Studies, including at least 1.0 credit at the 300-level.
  • JAV120H1 and JAV130H1
  • JAV200H1 and 2.5 credits in VIS courses taken through the Daniels Faculty.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Visit the Arts & Science Academic Calendar.

For nearly five decades, we have trained students to think deeply about how gender and sexuality operate at individual, interpersonal, institutional, and global levels. We are an interdisciplinary program with faculty expertise across a range of fields, including history and literature, sociology and law, cultural studies and queer theory, Indigenous studies, and African, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, East Asian, and Equity studies. We enable students to answer urgent and complex questions, such as how militarization can constrict men’s aspirations for their lives, why pay gaps exist, how sexual expression is scripted and can be re-scripted, and even what Lizzo might have in common with Shakespeare. In addition to training students to analyze a music video, a novel, and a government report with equal care and skill, we also focus attention on matters of scale: when to aggregate and when to parse significant distinctions; how to think comparatively across space and time.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

WGS students have access to an array of experiences beyond the classroom, and there are many ways students can direct their extracurricular interests toward their degree requirements. Upper-level courses like WGS360, WGS460, and WGS470 all invite students to develop a project on a topic of their choice and provide them with ample research and networking opportunities beyond the classroom to pursue that work. Our Community Engagement Practicum (WGS470) is specifically designed to build connections between the academy and the wider community: students undertake a placement in a community organization of their choice, which is paired with research and writing assignments and class meetings in which they reflect on the practical application of WGS knowledge in their placements. WGSI also has strong partnerships with wider academic communities at New College and the Faculty of Arts & Science. As such, our students are invited to participate in New College events like “Working for Change: Exploring Meaningful Opportunities in the Social Justice Field.” And, in partnership with FAS, each year we organize a networking dinner or panel presentation through the Backpack to Briefcase program, which allows current students to connect with WGS alumni working in a variety of fields.

WHY CHOOSE WOMEN AND GENDER STUDIES

Here are some of the things our students say about our programs:

• Our courses challenge students to think differently about things they take for granted, equipping them with the tools to think critically about everything from pop culture to policy documents. 
• WGS faculty and instructors care deeply about keeping students engaged and asking questions. For many students, WGSI becomes a way to find community at U of T. 
• Many students report that WGS course content complements the work they’re doing in other Major and/or Minor programs. We offer training and a feminist, equity-focused lens that can be applied across disciplines.
• As one student put it recently, “The classes I’ve taken in the department have been more accessible, flexible, and community-oriented than any others, and it’s made learning so much more enjoyable.”

OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

• WGS470: Community Engagement – Advanced Women and Gender Studies students have the opportunity to apply knowledge acquired in the Women and Gender Studies curriculum through a practicum placement within a community organization.
• Backpack to Briefcase networking events – Held every year, these events connect current students with WGSI alumni, allowing them to hear about the various career paths that are open to graduates from our program.
• The Women and Gender Studies Student Union (WGSSU) – Provides our undergraduates with the opportunity to develop friendships and collaborate on both academic and activist initiatives. Annual events include socials and student work showcases, and over the years committees have been established to address common student concerns, from tuition increases to gender violence.

AFTER GRADUATING FROM WOMEN AND GENDER STUDIES

• Community Services 
• Human Resources 
• International Development
• Education (including post-graduate study at both the Master’s and Doctoral levels) 
• Social Work 
• Law 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Students can check out the Women and Gender Studies website as well as that of our undergraduate student union (the WGSSU). Students are also welcome to get in touch with WGSI’s Undergraduate Coordinator via email with any questions they might have about our programs: wgsi.ugradcoordinator@utoronto.ca.

Innis College’s Writing and Rhetoric Program offers a diverse array of courses that explore the worlds of oral, written, and online discourse.

Our Rhetoric courses investigate the discipline’s core ideas, history, contact with other disciplines, applications, and metamorphoses across media platforms.

Our Writing courses teach students how to write well in the modes, genres, and styles appropriate to particular disciplinary, institutional, and creative contexts.

The goals of the program are:

• To introduce students to the disciplines of writing and rhetoric.
• To teach students that communication shapes and is shaped by social forces.
• To offer students a powerful educational tool designed to complement specialist and major programs.
• To enhance student experience through small-class instruction.

EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Occasionally, the program will host events including, but not limited to, book launches and film screenings. Students in the program are always welcome to attend. Students may also pursue independent research under the supervision of Writing and Rhetoric faculty.

WHY CHOOSE WRITING AND RHETORIC

Students choose our program because they want to learn:

• to write, analyze and think critically
• to use written discourse to communicate effectively and persuasively
• to develop, organize, and present research-based arguments
• to use the persuasive power of rhetoric ethically and in the service of the broader community
• to develop an array of skills useful in the following:
  • U of T’s majors and specialists,
  • the professional workplace, and/or
  • graduate or professional school

OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

• Attending events hosted by the program (film screenings, book launches, etc.)
• Independent research with Writing and Rhetoric faculty

AFTER GRADUATING FROM WRITING AND RHETORIC

• Pursue post-secondary degrees in rhetoric, professional writing, law, medicine, communications, management, creative writing, journalism, and media studies, to name several possibilities.
• Use the theory and skills learned in the program in the professional workplace.

GOOD TO KNOW

Writing and rhetoric go hand in hand. In an increasingly digital world, where the variety and sheer number of texts are rapidly proliferating, the ability to produce persuasive and eloquent writing, as well as analyze and interpret texts, couldn’t be more foundational. Guiding our program is the premise that students must be equipped to engage both theoretically and practically with the multimedial world of discourse.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Contact Innis College Program Coordinator, Jannie Chien, for more information at programs.innis@utoronto.ca or visit the Writing and Rhetoric website.