Indigenous Studies
Indigenous Studies Program, Centre for Indigenous Studies, Faculty of Arts & Science
Your University of Toronto degree doesn’t train you for one career, it prepares you for many careers.
Indigenous Studies graduates are interdisciplinary critical thinkers who have a rigorous and respectful understanding of Indigenous peoples' languages, cultures, histories, politics, arts and intellectual traditions. Knowledge and research methodologies of Indigenous Studies open gateways to different academic disciplines and professions. Employers value the research skills and the interdisciplinary perspective learned through the Indigenous Studies program.
What skills can Indigenous Studies graduates use in their careers?
Within two years of entering the labour market, 83% with undergraduate degrees in this area of study are employed with a median salary of $48,176/year.
60% of those graduates go on to pursue further education. (Sources: Statistics Canada Employment Income and Further Education Data from Class of 2020.)
Industry Pathways
Alumni with a degree in Indigenous Studies have often pursued these industries:
- Postsecodary Education (Colleges & Universities)
- Curriculum Design & Instructional Design,
- K-12 Teaching
- Nonprofit & Advocacy Organizations
- Policy Analysis & Research
- Social Work & Case Management
- Community Development
- Youth & Family Services
- Human Services & Nonprofit Management
- Project & Program Management
- Environmental Science & Sustainability
- Public Administration
- Graphic Design & Multimedia
- Performing & Visual Arts
- Publishing & Editing
- Health Administration & Policy
- Public Health & Epidemiology
- Mental Health & Counseling
Further Education Pathways
Alumni with a degree in Indigenous Studies have often pursued these further education options:
- Master of Arts (MA)
- Master of Science (MSc)
- Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
- Master of Social Work (MSW)
- Master of Education (MEd)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Doctor of Education (EdD)
- Law School (JD or LLB),
- Medical School (MD)
- Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)
- Master of Environmental Studies (MES)
- Master of Urban Planning (MUP)
- Master of Communication / Media Studies
- Nursing (MN, NP, or DNP)
- Master of Global Affairs / International Relations
- Master of Public Administration (MPA)
- Master of Public Policy (MPP)
- Teaching Certification
Exploring connections between your degree and career
Learn about yourself
Register for Job Shadowing to connect with professionals in your field of interest through a half- or full-day placement that helps clarify your goals and explore career paths.
Attend an In the Field program to meet professionals working in various roles within one organization.
Find a Work Study Position to apply your academic skills in paid, on-campus roles that offer hands-on experience and insight into career possibilities.
Join a career workshop or small group conversation to explore options, understand your strengths, and plan for your future. Visit the Career and Co-Curricular Learning Network (CLNx) for more information.
Build Your Network
Find the University of Toronto on LinkedIn and connect with peers, professionals, and alumni who can support your career journey.
Access U of T's Hub on Ten Thousand Coffees —an online networking platform with over 12,000 students and alumni—to exchange career advice, attend webinars, and explore career paths through one-on-one conversations.
Join networking events, panels, and career fairs through CLNx to connect with employers and alumni for career advice, informational interviews, and referrals.
Volunteer opportunities are a great ways to expand your connections and gain industry insight.
Explore identity-focused mentorship opportunities—such as the Black Alumni Mentorship Program—to connect with mentors who share your lived experiences and can support your personal, academic, and professional growth. If you have questions about the program, connect with Modele Kuforiji at mod.kuforiji@utoronto.ca.
Student Life’s Mentorship & Peer Programs also provide engagement opportunities for African Black Caribbean, Latin American, Southeast Asian, and First-Generation students, helping to promote academic and career wellness while fostering belonging and community. If you have questions about this programming, contact Adonica Huggins at adonica.huggins@utoronto.ca.
Explore Your Program
Explore your area of study by connecting with faculty and peers and finding opportunities that enrich your academic and professional journey.
Talk to professors to better understand your discipline and identify meaningful learning experiences.
Get involved in student groups and leadership roles to spark new ideas, expand your perspective, and open unexpected opportunities.
Take advantage of faculty advising and support services, and explore internships through professional associations to gain hands-on experience in your field.
Enrol in the Community-Engaged Learning Course (INS460H1) to design a research project and gain hands-on experience.
In your third or final year, take independent courses to pursue a research topic that interests you.
Attend social and academic events organized by the Indigenous Studies Students’ Union.
