Bachelor of Professional Arts
Communication Studies Major
Regulations effective September 1, 2013.
The Bachelor of Professional Arts Communication Studies major is offered by Athabasca University’s Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies. The program encourages students to apply their professional knowledge within a national and international context of mass media and communication.
Enrolment Requirements
The BPA Communication Studies major is available to:
- graduates of an approved two- or three-year communications-related diploma (e.g., public relations, advertising, journalism, multi-media, broadcasting, library and information studies, legal assistant, and marketing);
- graduates of a previous undergraduate university degree in an unrelated discipline (with at least one year of professional practice relevant to the Communications Studies major); or,
- students with a minimum of two years of university-level coursework (with at least one year of professional practice relevant to the Communications Studies major).
Coursework and credentials must have been obtained from a college, university, or institute of technology approved by Athabasca University. Individuals who have questions about the eligibility of their previous education for admission are strongly encouraged to contact the program coordinator.
Some students may qualify for
- a maximum of 60 credits of Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) towards entry to this program, or,
- a maximum of 30 credits towards senior credit once they are accepted into the program.
To learn more about PLAR opportunities within the Communication Studies program, please contact your program coordinator or the Centre for Learning Accreditation.
Classroom Setting
In addition to completing BPA Communication Studies major through online and distance learning, students may have the option to take courses in a classroom setting. Contact your program coordinator for a listing of grouped study courses.
Common Core
The common core courses may be taken at any time; however, students are encouraged to complete the common core courses early in their program. The common core addresses skills and knowledge that will help students succeed with the remaining degree requirements.
Program Learning Outcomes
Athabasca University has developed program learning outcomes that describe the career options that may be available to you upon graduating. For more information regarding this major, contact the program coordinator.
Bachelor of Professional Arts program
Program Structure
| Common Core credits | 12 |
| Major Courses credits | 30 |
| Options credits | 18 |
| Residency requirement. A minimum of 30 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University. | 30 |
| Graduation with Distinction or Great Distinction. At least 24 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University in order to be considered. | 24 |
| Maximum Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) credits | *see Prior Learning above |
Major Courses (30 credits)
Required Major Courses (9 credits)
| CMNS 301 | Communication Theory and Analysis | (3) |
| CMNS 302 | Communication in History | (3) |
| CMNS 401 | Cultural Policy in Canada | (3) |
And 21 credits selected from the following list*
(minimum of 12 credits at the 400 level).
*Note: Students may use any CMNS course to meet the 21 credits required in this area.
Options (18 credits)
18 credits from any discipline (a maximum of three credits allowed at the junior (200) level).
Information effective Sept. 1, 2013 to Aug. 31, 2014.
Updated December 19, 2018
