Curriculum

york programs

Chapter 21· Updated February 2026

York University Programs & Faculties

Complete guide to programs & faculties at York University.

York University Programs & Faculties

York University offers a dynamic and diverse academic environment, fostering a community of changemakers dedicated to creating positive impact. With innovative courses, lively classrooms, and extensive hands-on opportunities, York brings learning to life. Students can pursue their passions across a wide range of disciplines, benefiting from a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that values diversity and global perspectives. The university is committed to setting students up for success through various initiatives, including entrance scholarships, work experience opportunities, and a vibrant residence life.

Faculties & Schools

York University is home to several distinguished faculties and schools, each offering specialized programs and unique learning experiences:

  • Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies: This is York's largest faculty, offering a vast array of programs in humanities, social sciences, and professional studies. It provides students with a broad education, critical thinking skills, and diverse career pathways.
  • Faculty of Science: Dedicated to scientific inquiry and discovery, this faculty offers programs in mathematics, natural sciences, and computer science, emphasizing hands-on learning and research.
  • Faculty of Education: Known for its diverse undergraduate education curriculum, including specializations in French language education, Jewish teacher education, and Indigenous education. It offers one of the most extensive ranges of Intermediate-Senior teachable subjects in Ontario.
  • Faculty of Health: Focuses on health-related disciplines, including athletic therapy, and aims to improve well-being through education and research.
  • Schulich School of Business: Recognized as Canada's #1 Business School, Schulich offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate business programs, emphasizing leadership and global perspectives.
  • Lassonde School of Engineering: A school for those who aspire to create a better world, Lassonde focuses on nurturing creativity and innovation in engineering and computer science. It emphasizes leading-edge research and tackling global challenges.

Top-Ranked Programs

While specific numerical rankings for individual programs are not extensively detailed in the provided content, the following highlights indicate areas of strength and recognition:

Program / SchoolRankingNotes
Schulich School of Business#1 in CanadaConsistently recognized as Canada's top business school.
York University (Overall)Top 75 globally for key subjectsShanghai Ranking Consultancy noted York's excellence in specific subjects.
Education (BEd)Most diverse undergraduate education curriculum in OntarioOffers extensive specializations and teachable subjects.
Lassonde School of EngineeringLeading-edge researchFocuses on tackling world's biggest challenges, noted for AI research.

Program Requirements

York University offers a wide array of programs, each with specific admission requirements. Below are examples of requirements for some highlighted programs. Students are strongly advised to verify the most current and detailed requirements directly on the York University Future Students website.

Actuarial Science (BA)

  • Required Courses: Strong background in Mathematics. Courses in statistics, economics, finance, and communications are integral to the program.
  • Competitive Average: Contact university for specific competitive average.
  • Additional Requirements: Interest in financial risk management and actuarial certification exams.

Anthropology (BA, iBA)

  • Required Courses: No specific prerequisite courses mentioned beyond general university admission requirements.
  • Competitive Average: Contact university for specific competitive average.
  • Additional Requirements: Interest in comparative study of world societies and cultures, and critical thinking about class, race, gender, and ethnic identities.

Applied Mathematics (BA, BSc)

  • Required Courses: Strong background in Mathematics.
  • Competitive Average: Contact university for specific competitive average.
  • Additional Requirements: Interest in mathematical modeling, computer simulations, data analysis, and solving real-world problems in areas like epidemiology, high-speed computing, climate change, and mathematical finance.

Bachelor of Education (BEd)

  • Required Courses: Varies based on teachable subjects and program stream (e.g., Concurrent BEd).
  • Competitive Average: Contact university for specific competitive average.
  • Additional Requirements: Interest in teaching, potential specializations in French language education, Jewish teacher education, Indigenous education, or International Education. Completion of qualifications in specific Intermediate-Senior teachable subjects.

Unique Program Features

York University distinguishes itself through several unique program features designed to enhance the student experience and career readiness:

  • Optional Co-op Programs: Approximately 70% of York's undergraduate programs offer optional, flexible co-op opportunities. These provide students with paid, full-time work experience in 4, 8, or 12-month terms, significantly enhancing their degree and career prospects.
  • Diverse Curricula: Programs like the Bachelor of Education boast the most diverse undergraduate education curriculum in Ontario, offering unique specializations and a broad range of teachable subjects.
  • Interdisciplinary Studies: Many programs, such as African Studies, encourage interdisciplinary approaches, allowing students to gain comprehensive insights into complex global topics.
  • International Focus: Programs like Anthropology (iBA) and specializations within the BEd (e.g., International Education) emphasize global perspectives and prepare students for an interconnected world.
  • Hands-on Learning: A strong emphasis is placed on practical, hands-on opportunities across various disciplines, bringing learning to life beyond traditional classroom settings.
  • Transfer Student Pathways: York University actively supports transfer students, offering clear pathways and resources to integrate previous academic achievements into a York degree.

Research Opportunities

York University is a hub for leading-edge research, providing numerous opportunities for students to engage in discovery and innovation:

  • Undergraduate Research: While not explicitly detailed, the emphasis on "hands-on opportunities" and "leading-edge research" at faculties like Lassonde suggests avenues for undergraduate involvement in research projects.
  • Lassonde School of Engineering Research: Lassonde is noted for its impactful research, including novel AI techniques for medical diagnosis and new AI research hubs focused on justice. Students at Lassonde are encouraged to be creators and innovators, likely through participation in research labs and projects.
  • Faculty of Science Research: Programs in Applied Mathematics highlight the use of computer simulations and data analysis to solve real-world problems, indicating research-intensive learning environments.
  • Work/Study Positions: Students like Anudari Chingis highlight opportunities to participate in Work/Study positions, which can often involve assisting with academic research or departmental projects, providing valuable experience.
  • Faculty Expertise: The presence of award-winning professors and fellows (e.g., Professor George Zhu in space engineering) indicates a strong research culture where students can learn from and potentially collaborate with leading experts in their fields.

Official Sources

Always verify current information on official websites.

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