York University: Proudly Canadian. Boldly global.
4 reasons York is a leader in higher education
York University is an impactful leader in the Canadian post-secondary education landscape. The country’s third largest university is a progressive, research intensive and sustainable institution with three campuses in the Greater Toronto Area (Glendon, Keele and Markham) and the Las Nubes Eco Campus in Costa Rica. York is building its local and global reputation by connecting a broad demographic of students with a high-quality university experience.
Here are four ways York University shines here in Canada and around the world:
#1 for Quality
York University has emerged as #1 in Canada for quality education in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, which is based on UN Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs.)
This achievement is a result of York’s commitment to SDG 4, with the objective of inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all, while ensuring relevant skills for sustainable development and financial success are attained.
Among York’s SDG 4-focused initiatives are its K-12 outreach programs, sponsored by the faculties of Science, Education and Lassonde School of Engineering as well as the Sanctuary Scholars bridging program which supports students with precarious immigration status, run by the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies (LA&PS).
Another key initiative is York Capstone Network’s Project Commons, a pan-university hub, connecting faculty and students to real-world industry projects. Currently there are more than 100 such student-led projects underway.
Innovative health education
York University has made strides in the area of health research and innovation. In fact, it jumped hundreds of spots in the latest THE Impact Rankings in SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.
The significant new global ranking comes alongside York’s deepening academic strength in health education as its new School of Medicine takes shape. Not limited by conventional thinking, the medical school will prepare the next generation of talented frontline physicians to help address the urgent need for more primary care doctors in Ontario. In addition, York is one of only two universities in the province to receive new investment from the Ontario government to launch an accelerated registered nursing degree program to address a nursing shortage in the province.
On the management front, York’s Schulich School of Business has introduced the Master of Health Industry Administration program. The holistic initiative is designed to promote thought leadership and management through education, applied research and industry collaboration.
Along with these recent programs and initiatives, York’s Faculty of Health offers two of the University's largest, most popular and highly ranked programs: Psychology and Kinesiology & Health Science. The Psychology program is 2nd in Ontario in the QS World University Rankings and is among the top 75 worldwide in the Shanghai Ranking. In both ranking systems, the program holds 4th place in Canada.
Global Health is another program which has gained popularity worldwide. As Canada’s first undergraduate program of its kind, York’s Global Health program focuses on health equity and global perspectives. The program equips students with the tools needed to analyze and address global structures and processes, shaping health outcomes locally and globally.
Maclean’s has highlighted both Global Health and Neuroscience as standout programs at York. Students in the interdisciplinary Neuroscience program study the brain and nervous system to address neurological and mental health disorders, with access to renowned researchers in many areas of neuroscience.
Unique program offerings
York is home to many first-in-Canada or one-of-a-kind programs that reflect the university’s comprehensive approach that integrates high academic standards, impactful research, and exceptional student services to foster an environment conducive to student success and societal contribution.
Digital Technologies (BASc)
York’s Markham Campus is home to Canada’s first fully work-integrated degree program, offering specialization in Cybersecurity, Software Development and Data Science. The four-year program forges together and strengthens work-based academic learning in partnership with leading national employers.
International Studies (iBA, BA)
In Canada’s first bilingual International Studies degree, students experience a degree without borders. This unique degree offered at Glendon College, York's founding campus, offers specialization in Culture and International Civil Society, Globalisation and International Business, and Peace, Security, and Diplomacy.
Disaster & Emergency Management (BA, MA, PhD)
York is the only university in Canada to offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Disaster and Emergency Management. The University is also launching Canada’s first PhD program this fall.
Environmental Arts & Justice (BES)
Highlighted as a standout program by Maclean’s, this first-and-only program of its kind offered by York’s Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change allows students to envision and realize a more just and sustainable future through creativity, collaboration, critical analysis and hands-on community engagement.
Space Engineering (BEng)
York’s Space Engineering program — the only one of its kind in Canada — students design and operate advanced space systems for Earth and beyond. The program offered by Lassonde School of Engineering is #1 in Canada for Aerospace Engineering and #26 in the World for Aerospace Engineering, as placed in the recent Shanghai Ranking.
Screenwriting (BFA)
Canada’s only undergraduate screenwriting degree offers training from renowned faculty in all aspects of writing for the screen, including television and cinema. Students in this School of Arts, Media, Performance & Design program are closely connected to Toronto's vibrant film scene, learning through small workshops led by industry professionals. Students can develop a comprehensive portfolio of written work, pitch their scripts to industry experts and network with showrunners, producers and executives in the film, television and media industries.
Supply Chain Management (MSCM)
The program offered by York’s Schulich School of Business helps students develop the analytical and managerial skills needed to find creative supply chain solutions to business opportunities and problems in private, nonprofit, or governmental sectors. Placed #1 in Canada by QS Rankings, the program prepares students for leadership roles in building, managing and changing supply chains.
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Teacher Ed (Post-Baccalaureate Diploma)
One of only three Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Teacher Education programs in Canada and the only program in Ontario offering specialized training for teaching Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, is located within York’s Faculty of Education — ranked among Canada’s top 5 and top 10 faculties in the QS University Rankings and THE Impact Rankings, respectively.
Professional Skills Micro-Courses
In an innovative first for Canadian legal education, Osgoode Hall Law School at York offers expert-led courses that are designed to complement the foundational knowledge provided by the core JD curriculum. Open to all upper-year students and valued at one or two credits each, micro-courses give students a head start on mastering the practical decisions and inevitable challenges – from managing finances to building relationships with clients – that are part of any legal career.
Iconic liberal arts faculty
As one of the largest and most wide-ranging Faculties in Canada, York’s LA&PS offers an unmatched educational experience, providing the skills needed for achieving well-being and academic success and fulfilling careers for its graduates.
Nearly 20,000 students from around the world are enrolled in more than 90 undergraduate degrees and certificates, 24 master’s and 17 PhD programs. Our 600+ professors make up one of the most diverse academic communities in the country, bringing outstanding research and lived experience into the classroom.
Of its more than 100 programs, some of the most popular programs in LA&PS are criminology, commerce, economics, law & society. In Canada, subjects including accounting and finance, anthropology, communications and media studies, English and literature, history, and sociology are ranked #4 and philosophy is ranked #3 by QS Rankings. In Shanghai Ranking, sociology is in the top 5 in Canada and the top 100, globally.
Business is ranked #8 among the best Canadian university programs by Maclean’s, based on reputation for research and overall quality.
Did you know? The Faculty of Science’s Allan I. Carswell Observatory, located at York’s Keele Campus, features Canada’s largest telescope on a university campus and is used for research, teaching and public outreach.
