Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communication

Program Description

The BA in Professional Communication* is an undergraduate completion degree (years three and four) program that examines language, media, culture and technology. Students who don't meet the language requirements for the program can complete years one and 2 of the Communication degree program through our International Study Centre. The program balances the best of academic education, professional experience and practical skills. The program combines a comprehensive overview of communications as an academic field with a selection of courses in professional writing, public relations, journalism, public speaking, organizational communication and new media. Graduates will understand the fundamental concepts, tools, processes and techniques in communication and will have developed interpersonal, teamwork and leadership skills.

The BA in Professional Communication is offered in two formats: a 12-month on-campus model and a 24–month online model (two short on-campus residencies). 

Both the 12-month on-campus and 24-month online BA in Professional Communication programs offer 60 credits of coursework, and are equivalent to years three and four of the BA. That is, the courses in both programs are at the senior undergraduate level; therefore the successful student will graduate with a four-year BA degree.

Students typically apply to the program with 60 university credits (or years one and two of a BA), often in the form of an associate of arts diploma or degree. Students with significant career experience, but lacking the 60 credits, can apply to the program on a ‘flexible admission’ basis.

The on-campus program is an accelerated degree program. Students entering the program should not take on significant part-time work or volunteer commitments during the program. The twelve-month program is divided into five parts: an eight-week residency term, three ten-week terms with four courses in each term and, a four-week capstone seminar.

Who It’s For

Those who have completed at least two years (60 credits) of appropriate post-secondary education at a university, in a university-transfer program, or a post-secondary diploma program. The program prepares students for more advanced study at the graduate level, and for careers in public relations, advertising, marketing, journalism, and corporate, technical, or web-based communication. 

Applicants who do not have the formal academic education to qualify for admission may be assessed on the basis of both their formal education and their informal learning, in accordance with the Flexible Admission Policy. Please visit the program admission page for more information.

Outcomes

Graduates of the BA in Professional Communication will be effective communicators who understand communication is a creative, intellectual, professional activity. They will appreciate the international and intercultural frameworks and ethical parameters of socially responsible communication. They will be professionals with an understanding of communication as a human activity and be ready to enter the workforce as effective practitioners, decision-makers and supporters of communication. Finally, they will be able to function in environments that require team-work, public speaking, professional writing and publishing skills, basic computer-mediated communication, and problem-solving skills.

* Formerly Bachelor of Arts in Applied Communication