Explore today's diverse communication and media environment.
We approach communication in a way that questions and analyzes media and technology and their relationship to social and cultural practices, and the circulation of ideas and values. Learn how culture and media are intrinsically intertwined, from the expression of identities and social relations to the circulation of ideas and the shaping of social and political values.
What makes us unique:
- Our program is consistently ranked within the top 10 Communication & Media Studies programs in Canada, according to the global standards of the QS World University Ranking system.
- Here you will learn from experienced faculty in a diverse field of course offerings.
- Boost your resume and hone your skills with direct work experience in communication. Our program partners with 50+ organizations that offer student placements.
Your degree options in Communication & Media Studies include an honours Bachelor of Arts and an International Bachelor of Arts. Diversify your education by combining your Communication & Media Studies degree with another major or minor, or going on an international exchange.
Read our Land Acknowledgment which recognizes the unique and enduring relationship of Indigenous people and their traditional territory.
Compared to other degrees that may emphasize teaching “how,” the CMDS degree focuses more on the “why.” In today’s society, it’s crucial for an individual not only to know how something works but also to understand why—why we make certain decisions, why we launch specific campaigns, and why certain products are profitable, etc. While the CMDS degree has equipped me with the ability to think critically about these underlying reasons. It has allowed me to craft more compelling narratives by organizing information effectively, building solid arguments, and convincing audiences with a deeper understanding of the purpose behind each decision.
— Bo Wu
York is a great school and Communication Studies a great program. It's amazing because it covers such a wide span of topics, which gives students a chance to learn about everything from the Rise and Decline of Classical Hollywood Films (two of my favorite classes) to Contemporary Communication Theories (taught by Professor Monti - a prof who really knows his stuff and engages with students). There is so much for Communication students to pick from when it comes to classes and there are many extra curricular events as well. This is an amazing program, it's hard to pick only a few highlights.
— Kodie Trahan-Guay
My time at York as a COMN Studies major was worthwhile and I enjoyed the experience and feel blessed to have had the opportunity and privilege to obtain a post-secondary education. Studying under this department opened my mind up to many new things and significant information pertaining to this constantly changing world we live in and I've been able to transfer many of the things I learned into the real world especially as an owner of an upcoming media brand based in the city (McFashionInc). I appreciate all the wonderful hardworking staff and fellow students and wish everyone nothing but the best. Thank you.
— Daniel Omoregie
My favourite part of my time within the COMN department was speaking to professors during office hours and even within class about current trends in media and digital media platforms.
Through the study abroad program I was able to participate in due to my iBA degree requirement, I learned a lot about how to plan and travel efficiently while communicating and making memories with people from all over the world.
— Tashna Ramanah
It was a blast. I just want to thank my professors who helped me pull through the year as I was going through a very tough time in life.
— Jason Pun
Overall, a major highlight throughout my Bachelor's degree in this program was the quality of the professors with respect to the content that they delivered in their courses. In my experience, each of my professors were very helpful and kind people who genuinely cared about the academic experience of their students.
— Christopher Zikos
Overall, a highlight for me was being able to connect with others along my journey. To hear from professors with years of experience in what they were teaching. To understand what it means to study, what it means to cite and what it means to use the information you have so that others can understand it with you as well. This department helped me a lot when it came to studying, citing and increasing my desire to learn more.
— Muleba Kalala
My experience in the COMN program has been nothing but great! It was a program full of variety that allowed us to learn about Communications from a different point of view from Sports Media to Feminism. As a result of being exposed to so many subjects, I realized my passion for Marketing and I instantly knew that's the industry I want to be a part of.
I met amazing people along the way which I'm sure I'll be friends with for life. I'm going to miss hanging around campus for hours and talking to friends. The memories I made will definitely stay with me for years to come.
— Sally Abu-Samra
