Media Studies and Professional Communication Diploma

SUSPENDED
Credential
-Diploma
Duration

-2 years

Location
-Main Campus
The Program

If you are fascinated by the words and images that we see every day in traditional mass media and social media, and you’re looking for an opportunity to work in a fast-paced career that requires maturity and excellent writing skills, consider the Media Studies and Professional Communication diploma at RDP.
 
In this program, you’ll study how mass media such as television, advertising and even video games influence, and are influenced by, society; you’ll also gain valuable knowledge to help you succeed in a variety of careers that require superior strategic communication skills. The combination of media studies and professional communication will allow you to adapt to an ever-changing job market by giving you strong critical thinking skills, and the tools to create effective messaging for your employer.

Completing the diploma program will open doors to employment in corporate, government, and not-for-profit organizations; graduates can also transfer to several universities to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Communications Studies or another discipline.

Our program offers:

  • Small class sizes with dynamic learning activities
  • A blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills
  • An interdisciplinary approach that equips you to evolve in your career
  • Dedicated instructors who will help you succeed
  • A practicum placement that will give you experience in the communications field

Program Outcomes:

  • Demonstrate the oral and written skills necessary to communicate clearly, concisely and persuasively while adapting to different audiences and purposes.
  • Employ current qualitative and quantitative research methods in addressing both complex theoretical questions and concrete professional challenges.
  • Explain the history and application of communication theories related to topics such as mass media production, new media literacy, intercultural and interpersonal relations.
  • Identify historical and contemporary trends and implications of various forms of mass media and technology.
  • Apply critical media theory to oral, written and audiovisual communications in order to appraise sociocultural messaging, power dynamics, and bias.
Program Content

Year 1

COMM 271 Introduction to Communication Studies

COMM 383 Introduction to Public Relations

ENGL 219 Essay Composition and Critical Reading

MSPC 105 Interpersonal and Group Communication

MSPC 110 Visual Design Principles

MSPC 115 Basic Photography

COMM 371 Critical Media Studies

COMM 369 Classical Persuasion

COMM 313 Research Methods

COMM 363 Professional and Technical Communication

MSPC 120 Online Communication and Social Media

 

Year 2

COMM 381 History of Communication

COMM 375 Mass Communication in Canada

MSPC 205 Document Design and Editing

MSPC 210 Marketing and Branding

COMM 341 New Media, Technology, and Society

MSPC 215 Introduction to Project Management

MSPC 220 Issues in Communications Studies: Politics, Economics, Culture and Organizations

MSPC 225 Entrepreneurship and Professionalism

MSPC 230 Practicum Experience

MSPC Options (6 credits):

Any 3 credit college or university-transfer course

Any 3 credit college or university transfer course

Transfer Features

Students who have completed Red Deer Polytechnic's Media Studies and Professional Communication two year diploma will be eligible for 60 credits towards Athabasca University's Bachelor of Professional Arts - Communication Studies.  Students who complete the Media Studies and Professional Communication Diploma with a minimum 3.0 GPA average will be eligible for 60 credits towards Royal Roads University’s Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communication.

Program Cost Estimates