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

Faculty of Arts & Science First Year Social

September 3, 2026 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 230 Richmond (RHB) 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

Call for Applicants: Future Enterprise Lab

Future Enterprise Lab is an 8-week venture design program for OCAD U students and alumni interested in entrepreneurship, creativity, and future thinking. Combining speculative fiction, strategic forecasting, and venture design, this program invites participants to imagine possible futures for Toronto and explore what kinds of businesses, collectives, nonprofits, creative practices, and community initiatives might be needed in the decades ahead. Through guided readings, collaborative workshops, horizon scanning, scenario planning, and venture development activities, participants will explore emerging social, technological, economic, environmental, and cultural trends and develop enterprise concepts designed for a changing city.

September 10, 2026

2026 Project Assistant Student Galleries Career Launcher

OCAD U’s RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (CEAD) and Student Galleries have partnered to co-create a Career Launcher for an emerging arts & culture professional. The opportunity will select one individual to work with the curators/organizers on a part-time basis and support the development, staging and activation of an upcoming special exhibition to coincide with OCAD University’s 150th anniversary.

August 3, 2026