Student sitting on a stool reading from a book

Faculty of Arts & Science

Bringing ideas about art, culture, science and technology into conversation with creative practice

Every student at OCAD University comes to the Faculty of Arts & Science to advance their creative practice with required and elective courses in a wide range of topics, including global studies of art and design history, social science, humanities, business, science and technology.

All our work is guided by principles of decolonization, social justice and sustainability.

In addition to our Liberal Arts courses, Arts & Science is home to five degrees programs. Our graduates have gone on to successful careers in a wide variety of professions including game design, publishing, entrepreneurship and curation.

Undergraduate programs

Creative Writing, BFA

This unique program enriches imaginations, broadens perspectives and develops each writer’s voice through a writing-intensive experience.

Digital Futures, BDes

Students learn creative approaches to digital technologies including games, wearable technology, mobile apps, VR, interactive installations and augmented reality.

Indigenous Visual Culture, BFA

This program combines studio learning with courses in the cultural, social and political history of Indigenous peoples.

Visual and Critical Studies, BA

Cutting-edge art history incorporating global and Indigenous perspectives.

Criticism & Curatorial Practice, BFA

Canada's first undergraduate program designed to prepare students for careers as curators and critics.

Liberal Studies

This program offers a vibrant array of courses in humanities, social sciences, science and entrepreneurship.

FAS events

Things Fall Apart: Allison Glenn, Curator: Toronto Biennial of Art 2026

September 16, 2026 7 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. Main Building & Rosalie Sharp Centre for Design (MCA) Lecture

Zahra Ahooei: Film Screening & Conversation October 1, 2026

October 1, 2026 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Main Building & Rosalie Sharp Centre for Design (MCA) Event

FAS news

Dr. Alena Robin: Tropi-X: Brazilian Art in Canada, 1970s – Now

Dr. Robin discusses her role in curating the current exhibition, "Tropi-X: Brazilian Art in Canada, 1970s – Now"

February 13, 2026

Cartoonist Kate Phillips at OCAD U (Teams)

Cartoonist and Illustrator Kate Phillips at OCAD U!

February 3, 2026

Author Sid Sharp on "Myrtle Bog"

Sid Sharp discusses their new book, Myrtle Bog, at OCAD U!

February 2, 2026

Public Pier brings food, music, dance and introduces SILO NIGHTS to Toronto's waterfront

Day-to-night cultural experience launches September 18 at Marina Quay West over three weekends (Fridays and Saturdays)

September 8, 2026

Call for Project Participants: From Our Points of View Encounters with Artists

A student-led year-long visiting artist project, under the mentorship of Governor General's Award winning artist Max Dean

September 30, 2026

2027 Critical Distance Centre for Curators Projections Program Call for Curators

OCAD University’s RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (CEAD) and Critical Distance Centre for Curators (CDCC) have partnered to co-create the CDCC Projections Program Career Launcher. One (1) emerging Curator will receive $1,700 to curate a single channel, projection-based screening program of work from the OCAD U community. The Projections Program will be displayed at the CDCC for six-weeks in March 2027.

September 27, 2026