Communication Studies Diploma

Communication studies is a new and growing field whose central concern is to examine the role played by communication practices, processes, and media in human societies. Communication studies promotes a critical exploration of connections between the structures of communication (media technologies, industries, and policies) and their impacts on meaning-making, social relationships, cultural practices, power, and the economy.

The Communication Studies Diploma is a two-year, 60-credit program consisting of ten communications courses, all of which transfer to SFU’s Communication BA program, plus ten academic electives. Please see the program description for a list of transfer courses.

Learning outcomes include the ability to think discerningly about communication issues; the development of critical media literacy; an understanding of key historical and contemporary social and ethical issues in media and communication; and an awareness of the various ways in which communication practices support social life and culture.

Successful students graduating from the Communication Studies Diploma Program (60 credits) will have the skills and abilities to pursue undergraduate university courses in communication studies, and will be able to obtain entry-level work in communication industries. The program provides a foundation for students who are aiming at careers in

journalism
public, community and government affairs
media relations
radio or television
audio visual programming
media administration and research
publishing
policy analysis
communications project development
writing and editing

Students planning to transfer to SFU are advised to consult with the program convenor or division chair prior to choosing electives, as the choices should be consistent with lower level requirements for SFU's BA in Communication. Please contact the division for a list of courses with SFU transfer equivalents and suggested electives.

View the Communication Studies Program in the online calendar.