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:
- 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.
Quick Links
Read our Land Acknowledgment which recognizes the unique and enduring relationship of Indigenous people and their traditional territory.
Our approach to communication emphasizes the questioning and analyzing of media and technology in their relationship to social and cultural practices and the circulation of ideas and values.
Commitment to Excellence
The Department of Communication & Media Studies is one of the most popular departments at York University and is ranked as one of the top 6 in Canada according to the global standards of the QS World University Ranking system.
Unique Programming
Our approach to communication emphasizes the questioning and analyzing of media and technology in their relationship to social and cultural practices, and the circulation of ideas and values.
Skills Development
Our students become critical, independent and creative thinkers able to engage with the various dimensions and complexities of communication, whether this involves creating or evaluating media content and information technologies.
Educational Diversity
Our program features the ability to diversify your education by combining your Communication & Media Studies degree with another major or minor program or going on an international exchange.
October 19, 2026
In Memoriam - David Skinner
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
