Explore white-collar and corporate crime. Understand the factors that shape international decision-making. Or, study racial, gender, and economic inequality.
You'll join a community of interdisciplinary educators, researchers and students who explore the world's most pressing social and environmental issues.
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#12 globally for anthropology
ahead of Yale University and Princeton University*
#14 globally for sociology
ahead of National University of Singapore and University College London**
#21 globally for economics
ahead of Duke University and Cornell University***
Social Sciences programs
Anthropology
Understand the panorama of human existence, including the rituals, ceremonies and processes which define us.
Criminology, Law and Society
This program will expand your knowledge of law, crime and criminal justice — preparing you for careers such as civil litigator, paralegal and more.
Economics
Explore the discipline of economic thinking, preparing you for careers such as insurance claims adjuster, underwriter and more.
Economics & Political Science
Examine the pivotal role that economics plays in shaping politics and government.
Environmental Law and Policy
Explore local and global sustainability practices and policies with this interdisciplinary program.
Environmental Management
Develop specialized skills in resource management, environmental assessment and other aspects of environmental change.
Financial Economics
This program builds a strong foundation for a career in finance, leading to roles such as investment advisor, securities analyst, personal financial planner and more.
Geography
Understand the natural world, along with globalization, community health issues, transportation, climate change and more.
History and Political Science
Discover how the past shapes power and politics today in this engaging combined specialist program.
International Affairs
Investigate international development and the political, commercial and economic relationships between nations.
Political Science
Explore power, authority, citizenship and governance, while also examining the inner workings of bureaucracies.
Sociology
Understand health and disability, global inequality, to crime, deviance and other pressing global issues.
Sustainability
This interdisciplinary program combines courses in Geography, Sociology and Political Science— preparing you for careers such as environmental consultant, activist and more.
Beyond the classroom
UTM Co-op Internship Program in Economics
This unmatched program lets you apply academic skills and enjoy an immersive industry experience.
Academic internships
A variety of community-engaged learning opportunities exist within social sciences, including the internship in criminology, law and society.
Learning abroad
If you're looking for a life-changing experience, UTM's international exchange program opens doors to 140 schools in over 40 countries around the world.
Academic groups and societies
Explore a range of social sciences student organizations at UTM, from the Urbanism Club to the Society for Algorithmic Modelling and more
Meet your community
"I got to meet so many of my closest friends at UTM through being involved in clubs. Through joining the UTM Pre-Law organization in my first year, I got to meet many students who were passionate about law."
Mariam Ismail, HBA, Valedictorian '24
“Student groups on campus are where I learned about community development and impact [...], about new cultures, career paths, and authentic friendships. At the time I didn't know I was developing key life skills; I just knew I felt good doing it.”
Chris Thompson, HBA '12, Desmond Parker Outstanding Young Alumni Award recipient
"Choosing Political Science set me up for a career in federal politics. Had it not been for one of my professors, I would not have pursued an internship in the House of Commons that kick-started my career in Parliament today."
Arianne Joyce Padillo, HBA '23
Research in action
Research Opportunity Program (ROP)
This signature program provides an unmatched opportunity to become involved in cutting-edge research and work directly with leading faculty members.
COVID-19 exacerbated racial inequities in Ontario’s prison system | Study
A new study, co-authored by professor of sociology Akwasi Owusu-Bempah, reveals that the pandemic-era push to reduce Ontario’s prison population disproportionately benefited white inmates, deepening existing inequities in the province’s correctional system.
Grad student uncovers unsettling truths of looted artifacts | Project
Criminology and anthropology graduate Isra Saymour leads the Looting Lab, an interdisciplinary research hub that explores the looting and illicit trade of cultural heritage.
Sociologist chronicles 60 years of visible protest in the disability movement | Book
Professor of sociology David Pettinicchio tracks waves of visible protest within the disability movement in his latest book Sixty Years of Visible Protest in the Disability Struggle for Equality, Justice, and Inclusion.
A career with impact
From researching the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on single mothers, to exploring power struggles that lead to issues such as the war in Iraq — studying social sciences at the University of Toronto Mississauga prepares you to lead in a rapidly changing world.
- Associate manager at the Federation of Black Canadians creates the organization’s anti-Black racism toolkit.
- Competition, antitrust and foreign investment lawyer also volunteers as a mentor with Law in Action Within Schools.
- Vice president of Gordian Software and past consultant empowers startups to deliver unique solutions that solve real-world problems and create value for customers.
Featured career: Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Following a successful international modelling career, Lorraine D’Alessio (HBA '03) is now the CEO and Founder of D’Alessio Law Group, a California-based immigration law firm.
Learning pathways
Studying social sciences equips you with the skills needed to tackle complex global issues. Your U of T undergraduate degree will also prepare you to thrive in top graduate or professional schools.
Preview some of these possibilities and start imagining your long-term future today:
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Life Sciences
Study life in all its forms and apply that knowledge to tackle challenges in health, sustainability and more.
Chemical and Physical Sciences
Develop health therapies, explore planets beyond our galaxy and analyze spatial disease patterns.
Humanities
Explore the ideas that shape the world. You'll learn from the great minds who influenced how we think, create and live — and become the next one.
Psychology
Learn how children develop a sense of self, study the neuroscience behind Alzheimer’s therapy and more.
Stay connected
Tour campus with us
Ask questions, explore state-of-the-art facilities and get a feel for the unique energy on campus.