Communication Studies (BA)

Communication is always evolving, and Laurier’s Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies keeps pace with these changes. In our dynamic courses on media, culture, and theory, you'll discover how communication shapes and influences the organization of communities, institutions, and governance both locally and globally. You'll develop essential skills and insights that will open doors to exciting careers in public relations, politics, the non-profit sector, and industry.

If you're passionate about understanding how communication drives our world and want to be at the forefront of its future, this program is for you.

Program Details

Degree Highlights

Your future professors work hard to make sure your academic experience is current, complete and designed to open doors in your career. Here are a few things you can count on:

  • Career Path to Business: Enhance your Communication Studies degree with a Management Option, gaining knowledge in accounting, marketing, HR, operations, policy, and finance through 8 specialized courses. or combine a BA in Communication Studies with an MBA. 
  • Innovative Skills Development: Consider integrating digital humanities courses as a program option or pursuing a Generative AI certificate to expand your expertise and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field.
  • Get Into Public Relations: Explore post-degree Diplomas in Public Relations and Strategic Communications, leveraging skills from your undergraduate degree.
  • Advanced Study Options: Pursue a Master’s in Communication Studies at Laurier, which includes a 4-month paid work experience, or combine a BA in Communication Studies with an MBA with co-op and complete both degrees in six years.

Top Experiences

Here are just a few of our students’ favourite ways to apply their learning in the real world throughout their degree (check out the Experience Guide for even more!): 

  • Co-op: apply to our co-op program and complete three-work terms of four months’ duration and gain valuable experience during their studies. Develop skills and gain real-world experience in the career path of your interest.  
  • Real-world Projects: Engage in simulated workplace projects through courses like Alternative Media, Introduction to Creative Industries, and Technology and Society to apply classroom knowledge in practical settings.
  • Residence Learning Communities: Live in a specialized Film and Media residence community designed to boost both your academic performance and social connections.
  • Student Clubs and Activities: Join the Communication Students’ Association, get involved as a DJ on Radio Laurier, and participate in various student-led initiatives to enhance your campus experience.

Courses, Options and Pathways

First-Year Core Courses

Take our two foundational courses:

  • Media History
  • Canadian Communication in Context

Explore your interest in eight additional first-year courses in topics including Political Science, Film Studies, Digital Humanities, Sociology, Global Studies, and much more.

Sample Upper-Year Courses

  • Public Communication
  • Sport on Screen
  • Critical Advertising Studies
  • Social Media and Social Life
  • Race and Visual Culture
  • Fashion as Communication

Concentrations

Communication Studies examines the forms and practices of communication through six areas of emphasis. Choose up to two concentrations to focus on:

  • Media and communication history
  • Media and cultural theory
  • Visual communication
  • Global communication
  • Cultural and creative industries
  • Digital media studies

Options and Minors

Add an option or a minor to your program of study. Popular choices include:

  • Management option
  • Film Production option
  • Cultural Studies minor
  • Digital Humanities minor
  • Social Entrepreneurship minor
  • Public Policy minor
  • Generative AI Certificate

Check out other options to enhance your degree.

Business Pathways

Enhance your degree with a Management Option or get a head-start on graduate studies by applying to the BA + Master of Business Administration with co-op. Apply directly to either on the Ontario Universities' Application Centre.

Graduate Degree Pathway

The BA+MA pathway allows to graduate in 5 years with a BA and Masters of Arts at Laurier. Apply for the BA+MA and receive an offer of admission to the Honours BA and a conditional offer to graduate studies, where you’ll earn a MA.

Admissions

  • Format: full time or part time
  • Duration: four years
  • Start: September (fall term) or January (winter term)

Your Career Awaits

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.

Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?

Sample Career Options

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

  • advertising planner / buyer
  • announcer / broadcaster / host
  • corporate communications
  • editor / copywriter / publisher
  • journalist / reporter / photographer
  • marketing coordinator
  • social and digital media director
  • technical writer

Explore more careers.

 

Your Co-op Experience

Co-op is a way to integrate what you are learning in the classroom with practical experience in your field of study. Build your resume, earn money, develop your network, and graduate future-ready.

Future Laurier Arts students have two options to engage in co-op. You can apply in first-year to our co-op program and complete three-work terms of four months’ duration and gain valuable experience during their studies.

You can also get a head-start and apply for direct admission to our brand-new co-op program straight from high school in select Arts programs. In both pathways, you will gain 12 months of career experience.

Interested? Learn more about co-op in the Faculty of Arts.

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98%employment rate for co‑op students – 2023 / 2024

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Tuition and Scholarships

Getting a university education is an investment in your future.

At Laurier, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

 

Laurier is among the top 6 percent in the Global 2000 World University Ranking

 

Laurier students engaged in hands-on learning in 2023

 

Laurier graduates employed or in post-graduate studies in 2023

Waterloo Campus

The Waterloo campus is tucked into about one city block, so you’re steps away from your classes, food and your new favourite study spot.

There are many ways to tour our Waterloo campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.

Chat with Current Students

Want to know what it’s really like to be in this program? U Community is our Discord server where future Golden Hawks like you can connect with current students to get their first-hand stories and tips on living and learning at Laurier.

Connect with Us

Questions? Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548.889.8888 or see all contact information.


You Belong Here

Think this program might be the perfect fit for you and your future?