Communications Studies, Bachelor of Arts

Program Information
Credential: 
Bachelor's Degree
Duration: 

2 years at RDC - 2 years at most universities

Delivery: 
Main Campus
Program Cost Estimates: 
Program Cost Estimates

Contact Information

Contact Name: 
Dr. Nancy Brown
Contact Title: 
Associate Dean
Contact Phone: 
403.342.3400 OR 1.888.732.4630
Contact Email: 
inquire@rdc.ab.ca

Department Information

For more information on the Communications program, visit the Communications Department.

University Transfer Program

Two-Year University Transfer Program:

RDC offers the first two years of the Bachelor of Arts, Major in Communications Studies.

For the most current university program and transfer information, see the Planning Guides in Academic Advising.

Related Careers

A degree in Communications Studies provides students with skills and knowledge that can apply across a variety of professional situations, from the corporate world to the not-for-profit sector to academic institutions.

The following list provides some career areas that draw Communication Studies graduates for employment:

  • Advertising
  • Counselling
  • Industrial Relations
  • Public Relations
  • Management
  • Radio and Television
  • Publishing and Printing
  • Journalism
  • Languages and Linguistics
  • Writing
  • Consulting
  • Social Services
  • Government and Civil Service
  • International Relations
  • Banking and Finance
  • Research
  • Investment Dealing
  • Retail Sales
  • Administration
  • Law Enforcement and Corrections
  • Real Estate
  • Recreation
  • Armed Forces
  • Insurance
  • Urban Planning

Graduates may also go on to professional studies (in fields such as law, business, education, etc.) or may continue to graduate studies (in a Master's or Doctoral program) in Communication Studies or another academic discipline such as Sociology or Women's Studies.

B.A. graduates generally have superior skills in conceptual analysis, evaluation and critical reasoning, leadership motivation, and interpersonal and communication skills.

The Program

For a general discussion of the B.A. program, click here.

Communication Studies provides an awareness of the impact of media, understanding of research and practice involving media, and research and practice in discourse.

Transfer Features

Visit the Bachelor of Arts page for transfer features.

Requirements
Admission Requirements: 

Visit the Bachelor of Arts page for admission requirements.

Program Content
University of Calgary

Students starting a BA in Communications Studies transfer to the University of Calgary. Check the Alberta Transfer Guide for transfer credit information.

Suggested Year 1 Pattern

  • COMM 271, COMM 341 or 369, & COMM 375 or COMM 383 (9 credits)
  • ENGL 219 & ENGL 220 (6 credits)
  • Open Options (12 credits)
  • Science Option (3 credits)
Year 1 Course Descriptions

COMM 271

Overview of the development and key theoretical areas within the field of Communication Studies, with focus on how communication can serve as an agent of social and cultural change. Major topics to be studied include language, rhetoric, mass media, cultural studies, interpersonal and oral communication, and organizational communication. Prerequisite: ELA 30-1 or equivalent, or enrollment in MSPC program.

COMM 341

Study the implications of information technology for political, social and economic organization, individual psychology, and concepts of knowledge. Historical, ethical and legal implications will be discussed. Note: This course assumes only very basic familiarity with computers at the 'user' level. Familiarization with more advanced applications will be provided as required. Pre-requisite: ELA 30-1 or equivalent, or enrollment in MSPC program.

COMM 369

Understand how the ideas of Aristotle and other theorists apply to your work and the media by learning effective persuasion, audience and situational analysis, rhetorical theory, and ethics. Discuss current events; apply classic techniques to improve written and oral arguments; and, critically evaluate texts like news articles, videos, and essays. Prerequisite: Comm 271

COMM 381

Overview of the development of major communication systems throughout history, together with the historical and social contexts in which they occurred and changed. Focus on technological advancements and theoretical understanding of how advancements have shaped and reflected society and individuals. Consider theoretical perspectives on the role of communication in history. Prerequisite: ELA 30-1 or equivalent, or enrollment in MSPC program.

COMM 383

Introduction to the theory and practice of Public Relations, with focus on the Canadian context. Consider the history and development of public relations, various professional roles and occupations in public relations, and key theories. Prepare public relations tools such as press releases, backgrounders, press kits, PR plans and speeches. Prerequisite: ELA 30-1 or equivalent, or enrollment in MSPC program.

ENGL 219

Explore university-level essay composition and the skills related to critical reading, interpretation, and argument. Prerequisite: ELA 30-1 or equivalent. NOTE: Credit will not be granted for both ENGL 219 and ENGL 210.

ENGL 220

The course explores a range of literary genres while continuing to focus on deepening the required structural and critical skills related to thinking and writing about literature. Pre-requisite: Engl 219 NOTE: Credit will not be granted for both ENGL 220 and 210.

Suggested Pattern Year 2

Refer to Academic Advising Planning Guides