Program overview
Athabasca University’s Bachelor of Professional Arts, Communication Studies Major is a degree-completion program that brings together your real-world knowledge and experience with theory and research from the communications field.
In the program, you will apply your professional knowledge within the national and international context of mass media and communication. You will explore topics including
- the history of mass communications media
- the effects of media and technology on individuals and society
- emerging trends and issues in communications
When you graduate, you will have a sound knowledge of the many contexts you practice your profession in
- theoretical
- historical
- economic
- political
- cultural
You will also be prepared to take on leadership positions, administrative responsibilities, and coordinating and consulting functions in your field.
Why take the Bachelor of Professional Arts?
AU’s Bachelor of Professional Arts program lets you turn your diploma into a degree while still being able to work and meet personal commitments. You bring your knowledge and professional experience, and we bring you the wider context, including relevant theories and issues.
Completion times
Finish this program in as little as 2 years of full-time study or work at your own pace and take as long as you need. There is no time limit for completion.
Admission requirements
The program is designed for students who have completed an approved 2-year diploma or equivalent from an accredited college or institute of technology. You can also apply to the program with a combination of post-secondary education and related work experience.
You will be considered a pre-program student until your admission requirements are confirmed. You can still take courses during this time.
In addition, applicants must also complete AU’s English Language Assessment (ELA) prior to being enrolled in the program.
To self-enrol in the English Language Assessment, please follow the steps below:
How to apply
You can apply to AU online anytime. Once you’ve completed the online application form and paid the one-time general application fee (and transfer credit evaluation fee, if applicable), you’re officially an AU student and can start registering in courses.
Make sure we get your transcripts if you want us to consider your previous post-secondary education for transfer credit.
Transfer and advanced credit
If you have significant life and work experience that relates to this program, you may be eligible for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). You can use PLAR credits either toward program entry, if you don’t have a related diploma, or toward program requirements, which could mean fewer courses to get your AU degree.
You must complete a minimum of 30 credits at AU.
Program requirements
To complete the program you will need to complete the common core courses of the Bachelor of Professional Arts, plus those specific to your major.
Our program plans can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program, and how to plan the order you’ll take them in. If you’re feeling stuck, our academic advisors can help.
Note:
- Preparatory (100) level courses are not permitted in this program.
- Program allows a maximum of 12 credits at the junior (200) level.
- Program requires a minimum of 18 credits at the 400 level including at least 12 credits in elective major courses.
- CMNS 401 may not be used to count toward the requirement of a minimum of 12 credits at the 400 level from elective major courses; however, it does count towards the requirement of 18 credits at the 400 level overall.
In addition, applicants must also complete AU’s English Language Assessment (ELA) prior to being enrolled in the program.
To self-enrol in the English Language Assessment, please follow the steps below:
Required courses
Detailed information about courses in this program can be accessed using the following links:
Tuition and fees
Once you have paid the initial application fee, tuition is pay-as-you-go for each course registration. Course fees vary depending on your location and other factors.
You can estimate your total program cost by multiplying the cost of a 3-credit course by the number of courses you need to take for the program. Remember that tuition costs may increase each year.
Program learning outcomes
Graduates from the Bachelor of Professional Arts-Communication Studies (BPA-CMNS) program will demonstrate the ability to:
- Develop a foundational understanding of contemporary communications practices and technologies in historical perspective.
- Critique theoretical approaches to understanding communications as social, cultural, political and economic phenomena.
- Implement media literacies including analyzing and interpreting messaging in different media for diverse audiences.
- Apply complex ideas in practical and professional contexts as well as in formal academic research, writing and argument formats.
- Communicate clearly, adhering to legal, ethical and professional standards of conduct, including academic integrity.
Possible career options
- Social media manager
- Media planner
- Corporate communications manager
- Press secretary
- Marketing and advertising
- Publicist
- Special events promoter
- Public relations coordinator
- Legislative press secretary
- Community affairs director
- Public affairs analyst
- Media consultant
- Communication trainer
- Media consultant
- Media planner/consultant
- Telecommunications manager
- News researcher
- Media analyst
- Communications/cultural policy analyst
- Academic research/teaching
Continuing education
At Athabasca University:
At other educational institutions*
- graduate studies in communication studies, public relations, journalism or other related/unrelated disciplines
- education: bachelor/master
- social work
- law
- teaching English as a second language (TESL)
* Entrance requirements vary among educational institutions. It is the students’ responsibility to research the entrance requirements of other universities.