What is Media Studies?
Media Studies is one of the Humanities. Contemporary society has become so mediasaturated that every sphere of human experience – personal, social, economic, political, cultural, moral, and aesthetic – is mediated. The Media Studies program helps students develop a deep understanding of the role of media in contemporary societies. It provides students with theories and methods that help them analyze the constantly changing media phenomena – texts, practices, policies and institutions. It lays crucial intellectual groundwork for students who hope to find meaningful employment in media industries and media-related sectors.
What makes Media Studies at UTSC unique?
Media Studies at UTSC is the only academic unit in the U of T system that gives you the opportunity to systematically study contemporary media cultures. We advocate a comparative perspective in media studies. This perspective is attentive to how media cultures are shaped by and interact with forces of globalization.
Skills of Media Studies Grads
- Analyze and critique media texts (news, movies, TV dramas, lifestyle programs, advertisements, animations, YouTube videos, social networking sites, and all other forms of media culture)
- Articulate and analyse the complex relationship between media, politics, and economy
- Formulate ideas about how each sphere of human activity is mediated and transformed by media, especially digital media
- Articulate abstract ideas and complex information in speech and in writing
Entry-Level Jobs for Media Studies Grads
Common employment destinations include:
- Writer, Critic, and Analyst in Media, Government, Think-tanks, and other institutions
- Production Assistant in Publishing (print/electronic and online publishing)
- Project Assistant in Media Buying, Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations, Event Planning
- Project Assistant in New Media firms (cloud computing, online advertising and online gaming)
- Coordinator of Cross-Cultural/International Media Business Development
Graduate & Professional Studies
Popular further education opportunities include:
- Media Studies – Master of Arts
- Information Science – Master
- Journalism – Master
- Communication – Master of Arts
- Digital Media – Master
- Digital Experience Innovation – Master
- Public Relations/Corporate Communication – Post-Graduate Certificate
- Marketing or Brand Management – Certificate
- Advertising – Diploma
- Interactive Media Design – Diploma
Media Studies grads from UTSC have gone on to:
- University of Toronto (Web Content Editor)
- Mike Agency (Ditigal Marketing Intern)
Examples of Fields that "Fit" the Skills of Media Studies Grads
- Art and Design
- Operations
- Education
- Sales and Marketing
- Media and Communication
- Marketing
- Entrepreneurship
- Administration
Your 4-Year Career Exploration Action Plan
1. Do Your Research
The databases below provide you with details about job prospects, nature of work, educational requirements, working conditions, pay and related career paths:
- Career Cruising: Log into CLN, click on Resources, and click on Career Cruising to be logged in automatically
- O*Net: (U.S. site)
Attend our workshop Discover Your Skills and Career Options, meet with a Career Counsellor, and use our resources to get to know your skills, values, personality and interests.
Use the advice on our tip sheets for gathering information:
- Information Interviews
- Working On-Campus
- Internships
- Volunteering
2. Explore Career Options & Get Experience
Gain exposure to your options in the world of work and make connections while you’re a student via campus events and programs listed on cln.utoronto.ca and ccr.utoronto.ca:
- Extern Job Shadowing
- In the Field
- Explore It! (course-based)
- Partners in Leadership (4th year students)
- iLead, uLead, weLead (Department of Student Life)
- Employer Information Sessions
- Career & Volunteer Fairs
- Departmental Student Association Events
Apply for Work Study jobs in CLN in Fall and Spring! You might also find work via the SCSU.
Find networking opportunities, internship programs and entry-level jobs via websites like TalentEgg and Charity Village.
As an upper year student (14+ credits), attend UTSC’s Get Hired conference and participate in Jobs for Grads.
As a graduate, explore internships and other trainee programs like Career Edge.
3. Build Your Network
Explore Student Clubs and Professional Associations and get involved: volunteer for their events and conferences, and get to know people in your industry of interest. These are your future mentors, supervisors and colleagues!
- ARTSA, ARTSIDEOUT, Gallery 1265, Medius
- Institute of Communication Agencies
- Canadian Public Relations Society
- The Cultural Human Resources Council
- Canadian Heritage Information Network
- Cultural Careers Council Ontario
- Canadian Marketing Association
- Canada Council for the Arts
- Business for the Arts
- Ontario Arts Council
- Toronto Arts Council
Follow on Twitter: @businessftarts @OMDCtweets @aquent
Please note: This document is a starting point for your further research into career options in this field of study. For more information on this program and course requirements, please visit the departmental website.