Visual Studies
Visual Studies Program, John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design
Your University of Toronto degree doesn’t train you for one career, it prepares you for many careers.
Visual Studies graduates are innovative thinkers with a critical understanding of art and its production. Studies open gateways to different academic disciplines and professions. Employers value the visual literacy and critical research skills learned through the Visual Studies program.
What skills can Visual Studies graduates use in their careers?
Within two years of entering the labour market, 88% with undergraduate degrees in this area of study are employed with a median salary of $54,111/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
University of Toronto Visual Studies alumni most frequently apply their design and analytical skills in these industries:
- Performing & Visual Arts
- Graphic Design & Multimedia
- UX/UI Design & Product Management
- Museum Studies & Heritage Institutions
- Publishing & Editing; Marketing & Advertising
- Postsecondary Education (Colleges & Universities)
- Freelance & Independent Consulting
Further Education Pathways
A Visual Studies degree equips students with the critical thinking and visual design skills for a variety of academic next steps, including graduate programs in:
- Master of Arts (MA)
- Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
- Master of Communication / Media Studies
- Master of Design (MDes)
- Master of Digital Media
- Master of Education (MEd)
- Master of Museum Studies / Heritage Studies
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
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
Subscribe to the Daniels Faculty newsletter to hear of opportunities to network with faculty and alumni.
Connect with alumni, scholars, professionals, and leaders in the fields of art, urbanism, architecture, and landscape architecture at the faculty's public lecture series.
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—like the Black Alumni Mentorship Program—to connect with mentors who share your lived experiences and can support your personal, academic, and professional growth. Student Life's Mentorship & Peer Programs also offer a range of identity-focused student engagement opportunities for Latin American, Southeast Asian, African Black Caribbean, and First Generation students to support academic and career wellness and foster a sense of belonging and community.
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.
Learn about on-campus employment opportunities offered by the faculty.
Participate in mentorship and leadership opportunities to get involved in the Daniels Community.
Take advantage of the advising and support embedded within the faculty to improve your student experience.
Attend social and academic events organized by the Architectural and Visual Studies Student Union.
Submit your work for publication in Shift Magazine, the undergraduate publication and online blog for the faculty.
