Degrees decoded: what you can study at TMU’s Faculty of Arts (and why It matters)
At Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), a bachelor of arts (BA) is a university degree focused on subjects like history, politics, psychology, humanities and more. Integrating a liberal arts education—a way of learning that helps you think clearly, write well, and understand the world through different lenses—Arts at TMU equips you with the skills to analyze complex problems, express ideas clearly, and navigate a rapidly changing world with confidence and creativity.
Let’s break down what a BA at TMU means, and why it matters for your future.
What is a bachelor of arts degree at TMU?
At TMU, the BA incorporates a liberal arts education that isn’t just electives - they’re a core part of every undergraduate BA program. Whether you're diving into politics, psychology, or philosophy, TMU’s liberal arts education challenges you to think deeper, write better, and speak with confidence. With a focus on real-world topics and hands-on learning, a BA can help you build skills that matter - regardless of where your career takes you.
Broaden your perspective
Explore the world through social, cultural, and scientific lenses — beyond your specific career goals.
Build your educational foundation
Liberal arts courses are a foundational element of TMU’s undergraduate programs, helping you become an informed and well-rounded thinker.
Find your path
Arts at TMU offers flexibility while you explore your passions and career interests.
Keep your options open
From education and public policy to law and communications, a liberal arts background opens doors across many industries.
Real-world education
A BA at TMU isn't just books. Many of our departments offer co-op, which means a degree enhanced by hands-on experience.
Sharpen key skills
Develop critical thinking, analysis, writing, and public speaking through essays, discussions, and presentations.
Explore your options: Faculty of Arts at TMU
Find your passion in 13 Undergraduate Programs across a wide range of disciplines. From experiential learning to internship placements to co-op opportunities and more, Arts offers a comprehensive approach to education that prepares students for real-world challenges and equips them with valuable skills for their future careers:
Society, politics and justice
Humanities and culture
Environment, economy and interdisciplinary
Double majors: build a customized degree
Combine your interests with nine flexible double major options:
- Criminology and History
- Criminology and Politics and Governance
- Criminology and Sociology
- English and History
- English and Philosophy
- History and Philosophy
- History and Politics and Governance
- History and Sociology
- Politics and Governance and Sociology
What is a fine arts degree?
The goal of this course of study is to prepare graduates for professional careers in the arts. A fine arts undergraduate degree is focused on specialized artistic or performing arts training and emphasizes hands-on, practical skill, studio-based, or performance-based training, rather than coursework.
These are some of the areas explored in fine arts:
Creative Writing: Fiction, scriptwriting, poetry
Film: Storytelling through cinematography, directing, editing, and screenwriting
Music: Creative expression, music theory knowledge, and technical skill
🎭 Performing Arts: Acting, performance, and theatre production
🎨 Visual Arts: Drawing, mixed media, painting, and sculpture
What's a bachelor of science (BS)?
BS degrees concentrate on science, math, or technical fields, providing a more specialized and often more research-oriented or practical curriculum. A bachelor of science typically prepares graduates for careers in the following:
Analytical fields: Business intelligence, economics, market analysis, operations research, statistics
💻 Technical fields: Computer science, data science, engineering, information technology, software development
🔬 Scientific fields: Biology, chemistry, environmental science, health sciences, physics
Research-based fields: Biomedical research, education research, psychology, public policy, sociology
What's a BComm?
Bachelor of commerce (BComm/BCom) is a business-focused degree specializing in fields like accounting, finance, and economics, preparing graduates for roles in the business sector. The program is designed to develop skills in financial literacy, data analysis, and organizational decision-making. Graduates typically pursue careers in:
💼 Business: Human resources, management, marketing, operations, strategic planning
🧭 Consulting: Digital transformation, management consulting, organizational development, policy advisory, strategy consulting
💰 Finance: Accounting, banking, financial planning, investment analysis, risk management
Entrepreneurship: Innovation management, small business leadership, social enterprise, startup development, venture creation
What's a BBA?
Bachelor of business administration (BBA) is a professional undergraduate degree centered on business and management. It includes coursework in areas such as marketing, finance, accounting, human resources, operations, and strategic management. The BBA is designed to develop practical business skills, including leadership, problem-solving, financial literacy, and decision-making. It prepares students for careers in the business and corporate sectors, including roles in:
💰 Finance: Accounting, banking, financial planning, investment analysis, risk management
🧭 Consulting: Digital transformation, management consulting, organizational development, policy advisory, strategy consulting
Entrepreneurship: Innovation management, small business leadership, social enterprise, startup development, venture creation
Management: Human resources, operations management, organizational leadership, project management, strategic planning
Choosing a bachelor of arts at the Toronto Metropolitan University means choosing a degree that helps you explore your interests, develop critical thinking, and gain real-world skills that employers value. Whether you’re passionate about humanities, social sciences, or interdisciplinary studies, a BA at TMU gives you the flexibility to follow your curiosity, take part in co-op opportunities, and build a foundation for a wide range of careers. Take the first step towards discovering your path and shaping your future. Explore TMU Undergraduate Programs.