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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

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FAS news

OCAD U researcher investigates “hacking” as disability creatives’ strategy

As a disability artist, researcher and creator, Assistant Professor Dr. Pam Patterson explores issues around boundaries, borders, edges and how she might perceive these and transform/transpose them using photography, video and performance.

September 4, 2025

OCAD U honours 2024-25 Teaching Award recipients

The University celebrated the recipients of the 2024-25 Teaching Awards on Aug. 26.

September 4, 2025

Alums and faculty member receive 2025 Craft Awards

Annual selection of recipients applauds dedicated practitioners of craft and design.

September 4, 2025

OCAD U LiVE on the TIFF red carpet

On Sept. 6, OCAD U is hosting a masterclass for film industry professionals with directors Momoko Seto and Min Sook Lee.

September 3, 2025

OCAD U president appointed Senior Fellow at Massey College

Ana Serrano joins the 2025-26 cohort along with three faculty members who have been appointed Visiting Scholars at Massey College.

August 26, 2025

OCAD U mourns passing of beloved faculty member April Hickox

An associate professor and former chair of the University’s Photography program, Hickox was a Canadian lens-based artist, educator and independent curator.

August 25, 2025