Bachelor of Communications Studies - Degree Partnership with SAIT

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.  The SAIT portion of this diploma will be counted as eight of the twenty full-course equivalents that are required for graduation.

 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.  For 2009-10, the admission average required was 72% for applicants from high school or 2.3 for transfer students. The application deadline is April 1.

 You must have completed one of Applied or Pure Math 30, or a Second Language 30, or a Science 30 in order to be accepted into this program.

 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.

  

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; New Media and Design; Radio, Television and Broadcast News; Film and Video Production; Digital Graphics Communication
• NAIT: Radio and Television Arts
• Lethbridge College: Journalism/Broadcasting, Advertising/PR, Community Television, Multimedia

• Grant MacEwan Community College: Journalism, Audiovisual Communications, Digital Arts and Media

 

Courses and Suggested Sequence

 Note: This is a suggested "fast track" sequence that will allow you to complete your program in exactly four calendar years. Many students prefer a slower pace, and there is room for considerable variation in the details of the course sequence.

 Sequence 1 (for students entering the University of Calgary directly from high school)

 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: Introduction to Communications Studies

GNST201: First Year Seminar

3 half-course equivalents in Social Sciences, Humanities, Science or Fine Arts (breadth option; two must be from different faculties) 

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

3 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

General Studies 313: Interdisciplinary Research Methodologies

COMS 369: Rhetorical Communication

COMS 371: Critical Media Studies

COMS 381: Communications History

1 half-course Communications option (400 level or above)

3 half course equivalents Open Options (or Breadth/Intercultural options if you have not already fulfilled these) 

 

February 28: Final deadline to apply to SAIT. Apply much earlier if possible

 

Summer after Second Year

General Studies 500: Heritage II

 

Third Year

First year of SAIT diploma Program

 

Summer after Third Year

2 half-course equivalents open options

 

Fourth Year

COMS 580: Advanced Communications Project

Second Year of SAIT diploma program

 

Sequence 2 (For students who already hold an eligible diploma):

 

First and Second Year: Diploma Program

 

Third Year:

 General Studies 300: Heritage of Western Thought

General Studies 313: Interdisciplinary Research Methodologies

COMS 201: Introduction to Communications Studies

COMS 369: Rhetorical Communication

COMS 371: Critical Media Studies

COMS 381: Communications History

3 HCE options toward Intercultural and Breadth Requirements

 

Spring/Summer: 

 GNST 500: Heritage II - Integration

2 HCE options

 

Fourth Year:

 One HCE Communications Option (400 level or above)

COMS 580:  Advanced Communications Project

7 HCE options; complete Intercultural and Breadth requirements and use the remainder as open options.

 

Further Notes:

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.  

 

Co-operative Education Option.  You may take the BCS as a Co-op program in which you will add three or more paid work terms of four months each to your program.  This will normally add an extra year to the program.  See http://www.ucalgary.ca/careerservices/coopinternship for more details.

 

For additional information, please contact:

 Undergraduate Programs Office
(403) 220-5881, upo@ucalgary.ca
(For all technical questions regarding requirements)

Dr. Maria Bakardjieva
Head, Communication Division
University of Calgary
(403) 220-7300, bakardji@ucalgary.ca  

Mr. Steve Olson
Intake Co-ordinator
Cinema, Television, Stage and Radio
SAIT
(403) 284-7230,  steve.olson@sait.ab.ca