Communications Studies is a widely applicable and deeply challenging liberal arts degree that explores various forms of communication and their relationship to culture and society. In Communications Studies, students use a variety of approaches to understand how knowledge and culture are produced and reflected in speech, writing, television, film, radio, digital media and interactive entertainment, the internet, and wireless networks.  Our program is particularly strong in critical media studies, rhetorical studies, and the study of communication in the areas of health, science and technology.

• Communications Studies 369 - Learn rhetorical perspectives on elements of communication such as argumentation, persuasion, audience, situation, genre, and ethics and apply rhetorical theory to instances of public communication. 
  
• Communications Studies 473 - Study the role and nature of media and cultural industries, including popular culture, by examining television, radio, newspapers and other print media, film, sound recording, book publishing and advertising.
  
• Communications Studies 481 - Examine the nature, origins, and social implications of new media with a focus on the Internet and evolving forms of interpersonal, group and public communication.
  
• Co-operative Education - Paid work terms allow you to bring your academic training together with the world of work and learn first-hand what you can do with a degree in Communications Studies.

 Career Paths

• Editor
• Communications Specialist
• English as a Second Language Instructor
• External Communications Officer
• Marketing Coordinator
• Media Buyer
• Policy Analyst
• Public Relations Professional
• Publicity Assistant
• Staff Writer
• Technical Writer
• Volunteer Coordinator
• Website Administrator

How can I improve my chances of getting a job with my degree?

Although the breadth of knowledge that a Communications Studies degree represents may improve your flexibility and long-term career prospects, there is no substitute for a solid base of skills as a way to obtain an entry-level position.

To obtain that base:

• build up a writing portfolio containing samples of your best writing. This should ideally be non-academic writing and reflect your involvement in projects, organizations or activities outside of your course work.
• build a media portfolio containing samples of projects and work in video, photography, design or other multimedia.
• volunteer in communications-related areas
• apply for a position as a communications intern
• work with student clubs/organizations such as the Gauntlet, NUTV, Students in Communications, CJSW Radio, etc.
• take workshops & short courses in areas such as desktop publishing, fundraising, and designing a publicity campaign
• take a Communications Studies Co-op degree or the B.C.S. degree

Communications Studies (COMS) has the status of a Minor Field of study for students registered in either a Major or Honours Degree Program in the Faculty of Communication & Culture or in a Faculty such as Humanities, Social Sciences or Science .

Students are advised that there is limited enrollment in the required courses for the Communications Studies Minor. Continuing students in the Faculty of Communication & Culture whose Major program requires these courses will receive registration priority for the courses until a University determined date.

Note: Students may not take Communications Studies 591 unless they are registered in the Major program.

Get involved in your university experience! - An article about a Communications Studies Graduate

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