Explore the cultures of the ancient Mediterranean. Study Caribbean history, languages and politics. Or, examine the evolution of the game production industry.
You'll learn from the great minds who influenced how we think, create and live — and become the next one.
On this page
#13 globally for english
ahead of University of British Columbia and McGill University*
#10 globally for education
ahead of Queen's University and University of Alberta**
#10 globally for philosophy
ahead of King’s College London and New York University***
#16 globally for history
ahead of King’s College London and New York University****
Humanities programs, by category
English and Drama
Canadian Studies
Explore the Canadian nation, imagination and experience from an interdisciplinary perspective with this engaging program.
Creative Writing
This minor in Creative Writing allows you to focus on literary or dramatic arts, or to integrate your work in both areas.
Dramaturgy and Drama Studies
Examine theatre history, dramatic literature, critical theory, playwriting and intermedial performance with this dynamic program.
English
From oral recitations to digital media, examine how literature in English has developed through the centuries, all over the world.
English Language Linguistics
This minor focuses on the structure of sounds, words and meaning within the English language — preparing you for careers such as linguist to acting instructor and more.
Game Studies
With this minor, you'll explore the history and theory of games, along with game design, and testing both tabletop and digital games.
Historical Studies
Classical Civilization
Discover the ancient Mediterranean world and learn about cross-cultural exchange, social structures, global markets and geopolitics.
Diaspora and Transnational Studies
Explore the historical and contemporary movement of people — along with the creative possibilities.
History
Study imperialism, colonialism and nationalism, culture and society, religion, labour and more with this interdisciplinary program.
History & Political Science
Discover how the past shapes power and politics today in this combined specialist program— preparing you for careers such as diplomat to public policy analyst and more.
History of Religions
Learn about Buddhism, Islam and Indigenous traditions, along with the interplay between religion and gender, pop culture.
South Asian Humanities
Discover South Asian history, religion, politics, languages and cultures, drawing on a range of disciplinary approaches.
Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies
Gain a rich and complex understanding of experiences as they relate to race, gender, class, indigeneity and sexuality.
Language Studies
Chinese Language & Culture
This advanced minor program will improve your written and oral communication skills in both academic and professional settings.
Education Studies
Prepare for a career in educating others. This program will advance your skills in teaching, corporate training and e-learning.
French Studies
Study French as a language system, examine critical approaches to literature, teaching, learning French and more.
Functional French
This minor program is designed for those looking to use the French language in professional Francophone environments.
Global Leadership
Integrating theory and practice, this program will equip you with the skills needed to become a principled, inclusive, and empathetic leader.
Italian
Explore a country that has greatly shaped Western civilization. Courses examine Italian cuisine, cinema, culture, literature and theatre.
Italian Language & Culture
This comprehensive program allows you to study Italian language, history and culture — preparing you for careers such as historian, archivist and translator.
Language Teaching & Learning: French & Italian
Study how languages are taught and learned, including second language course design.
Language Teaching & Learning: Italian
Focusing on the Italian language, this program develops skills in teaching, psycholinguistics and more.
Latin American and Caribbean Studies
Study Latin American and Caribbean history, languages, politics, societies, cultures, religions and geographies.
Linguistics
Explore the structure of sounds, words, sentences and meaning — leading to careers such as audiologist, speech-language pathologist and more.
Philosophy
Ethics, Law & Society
Gain a deeper understanding of ethical issues concerning health care, the environment, legal systems and political institutions.
Philosophy
Study Plato, Aristotle, Descartes and Nietzsche — and in the process, develop critical thinking, clarity of thought, communication and more.
Philosophy of Science
Explore the nature of science, including science and religion, pseudo-science and the interaction between science, society and values.
Beyond the classroom
UTM Research Opportunity Program (ROP)
This unmatched program lets you apply academic skills and enjoy an immersive industry experience.
Academic internships
A variety of community-engaged learning opportunities for humanities students exist, including internships in History, Italian Studies and more.
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 student organizations at UTM, from the English and Drama Society to the Language Studies Academic Society and more.
Meet your community
"In my philosophy classes, I learned about the notion of challenging the status quo [...] we do not have to accept the world as it is; rather, we can help make the world what we want it to be. Those teachings have had a direct and significant impact on my career trajectory."
Yusuf Zakir, HBA '05
"UTM has been valuable in shaping who I am and what I can do after my time here [...] I'm really happy with what I learned about myself and I'm confident in what I'll be doing in the future. I've been able to make memories and achieve certain milestones with each [passing] season."
Arianne Joyce Padillo, HBA '23
Research in action
Drawing connections: UTM linguistics prof explores how art and language bring us together
Professor of linguistics Ai Taniguchi uses art — specifically Japanese-style comics called manga — in her teaching and public outreach aimed at increasing awareness of the crucial role language plays in people’s everyday lives.
What’s in a road name? UTM history grad explores Mississauga’s colonial connections | Article series
Historical Studies graduate Omar El Sharkawy studied the toponymy of a few main roads in urban Mississauga. His investigations resulted in a five-part article series on the decision-making behind some of the city’s high-profile street names, and the ideological dynamics that were at play.
Indigenous feminisms teachings coming to UTM’s teaching lodge | Course
The third-year English course relies on traditional and innovative Indigenous texts, media and performances. Whenever possible, classes are held in the teaching lodge, which has a wood stove and has hosted numerous events including workshops, conferences and guest speakers.
Exploring what happens when we step into the fictional worlds of novels | Book
Professor of English Daniel Wright uses novels from the Victorian era up to present day to analyze why fictional characters and worlds are so fascinating to readers.
A career with impact
Studying humanities at University of Toronto Mississauga opens up a multitude of meaningful and globally relevant career options — from historian to media analyst, elementary school teacher, legislator and more.
- Playwright and Disney screenwriter premieres her latest work at the Stratford Festival.
- Founder of The Fight Inside Society finds success in art, music, and film while bringing mental health awareness to youth.
- Artist and teacher leads a drawing project at long-term care facilities, inviting residents to rediscover memories through art.
Featured career: documentary filmmaker
Toronto-based independent documentary filmmaker Nisha Pahuja's (BA, '94) latest film To Kill a Tiger won the award for Best Canadian film.
Nisha has also produced and directed three other feature documentaries.
Learning pathways
Studying humanities at University of Toronto Mississauga equips you with the skills needed to succeed in different industries and sectors. 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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Social Sciences
Learn to analyze complex systems and understand human behaviour — and prepare to lead in a rapidly changing world.
Commerce
Learn from industry leaders and entrepreneurs while building valuable skills in finance, marketing, accounting and economics.
Communication, Culture, Information and Technology
The pace of change in media, communications and technology is faster than ever. Stay ahead of the curve with this program.
Psychological and Brain Sciences
Study the mind, brain and behaviour while gaining hands-on experience in a rapidly growing field.
Stay connected
Tour campus with us
Ask questions, explore state-of-the-art facilities and get a feel for the unique energy on campus.