The Bachelor of Communications Studies is designed to develop a broad critical understanding of the cultural role of communication and to give students an opportunity to acquire professional skills that can lead to a variety of career paths.

The University of Calgary section of the program provides a broad understanding of intellectual history, cultural perspectives, rhetorical and media theory, and social aspects of media. The SAIT portion of the program complements this background with technical skills suited to students considering careers in journalism, broadcasting, new media, or in related areas such as corporate communications, public relations or administration.

At SAIT, you can take a variety of Communications Arts diplomas too. You can also transfer into the program with a related diploma from another institution. For more transfer information, click here.

Note: Students interested in a broader exposure to academic study or wishing to take a minor should consider the four-year BA in Communications Studies.

  

Admission Requirements:

Because Communications is a quota program, the GPA required for admission varies from year to year but a level of 3.0 or higher is often required. Note: Math 30 or Applied or Pure Math 30 or equivalent is required for admission to all Faculty of Communication and Culture major programs.

Note: Admission to the University of Calgary portion of the degree does not guarantee admission to the SAIT diploma program. You must apply separately to SAIT for this portion of the program by at the latest February 28 of the previous year. Applications in January are appreciated.

  

Courses and Suggested Sequence

(if you are starting your program at the University of Calgary, click here for more)

Before April 1 of the year you intend to begin your program: Apply to the University of Calgary, Faculty of Communication and Culture. Indicate the Bachelor of Communications Studies as your intended major.

First Year

COMS 201: Intro to Communications Studies

GNST201: First Year Seminar (recommended)

2 half-course equivalents in Social Sciences or Humanities

2 half-course equivalents from the Intercultural Requirement (see next page)

4 half-course equivalents Open Options

Before April 1 of your first year in the program: If you have not already done so, transfer to the BCS.

  

Second Year

General Studies 300: Heritage I

COMS 335: Mass Communications and Canadian Society

COMS 361: Written and Spoken Discourse

COMS 367: Intro to Visual Culture

COMS 381: History of Communications

COMS 451: Research in Communication

3 half courses Open Options

February 28: Final deadline to apply to SAIT.

 

Third Year

General Studies 500: Heritage II

First year of SAIT diploma Program

 

Fourth Year

COMS 580: Advanced Communications Project

Second Year of SAIT diploma program

Intercultural Requirement: Two half-course equivalents of any non-English language, a recognized credit travel study program, or two half-course equivalents from a list of courses which familiarize students with various aspects of cultures outside the Western tradition. See the University of Calgary Calendar under Communication and Culture or click here  for a full list. You should normally try to meet this requirement in your first year, but may wish to use your Second Year Open Options toward this requirement.  

Placement at SAIT: Acceptance into the BCS degree at the University of Calgary does not automatically guarantee acceptance at SAIT. You must apply directly to SAIT no later than February 28 of the year before you wish to begin as SAIT. Applications in January are appreciated.  

Post-Diploma Option You may transfer to the BCS if you meet all other requirements and hold one of the following diplomas (or equivalent):

• SAIT: Journalism; Cinema, Television, Stage and Radio; New Media and Design; Radio, Television and Broad cast News; Film and Video Production; Digital Graphics Communication
• NAIT: Radio and Television Arts
• Lethbridge Community College: Journalism/Broadcasting, Advertising/PR, Community Television, Multimedia
• Grant MacEwan Community College: Journalism, Audiovisual Communications, Digital Arts and Media

 

The diploma will be credited toward eight of the required twenty full course equivalents toward the BCS degree. The remaining twelve full-course equivalents must include all University of Calgary requirements for the BCS. If you want to attempting to complete the post-diploma BCS in two years you will have to complete two full-course equivalents in Spring or Summer sessions; otherwise you may need to take an additional year.

For additional information, please contact:

Undergraduate Programs Office
220-5881 upo@ucalgary.ca
(For all technical questions regarding requirements)

Dr. Maria Bakardjieva
Program Coordinator, Communications Studies
University of Calgary
220-7300, bakardji@ucalgary.ca  

Mr. Steve Olson
Intake Co-ordinator
Cinema, Television, Stage and Radio
SAIT
284-7230 steve.olson@sait.ab.ca