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Program Highlights

Gain the skills and abilities you’ll need start a career in communication, or to move on to upper level university courses in communication studies.

The Communication Studies Diploma is a two-year, 60-credit program that provides a foundation for students who are looking to break into the field of strategic communication. 

In the program, you'll gain an impressive range of skills and competencies, with extensive training in writing and editing, media literacy and analysis.

You'll also sharpen your abilities in research methods, understanding the connections between legacy and digital media, media and its function in society and Canadian cultural industries.

A credential in communications can be applied to most fields of undergraduate and post-graduate study. Contact the School of Communication today to learn more.

  • Identify, evaluate and apply major theoretical traditions in communication studies.
  • Assess and explain the development of communication media, practices and industries.
  • Demonstrate critical media literacy as both producers and consumers of communication.
  • Employ basic research methods for projects in communication and media studies.
  • Analyse the perspectives from which diverse stakeholders engage in communication.

Admission Requirements

English language requirements

English is the language of instruction at CapU. All applicants are required to demonstrate competence in the English language prior to admission.

If English is not your first language or you’ve received your education in a language other than English, you must meet our English Language Requirements.

Basic requirements

  • High school graduation
  • English Studies 12 (C+) or English 12 (C+) or English First Peoples 12 (C+)
  • For students with previous post-secondary experience, a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (on a scale of 4.33) or equivalent

Admission Notes

Please note that the admission requirements are minimum requirements.

ENGL 100 is a required course in the Communication Studies diploma. In order to enroll in any English course, students must submit the results of the Capilano University English Diagnostic Test (EDT) or the Language Proficiency Index Test (LPI) unless they meet the EDT/LPI exemptions.

Program Requirements

Core CMNS Courses

Total credits: 15.00

Choose 3.00 credits from the following list:
CMNS 231Cultural Industries in Canada3.00 credits
SOC 223Media and Society3.00 credits

 

Choice

Total credits: 3.00

Choose 3.00 credits from the following list:
CMNS 209History of Media3.00 credits
CMNS 253Society and Digital Media3.00 credits

 

Choice

Total credits: 6.00

Choose 6.00 credits from the following list:
CMNS 222Communication and Ideology3.00 credits
CMNS 235Understanding News3.00 credits
CMNS 236Understanding Television3.00 credits

 

Choice

Total credits: 6.00

Choose 6.00 credits from the following list:
CMNS 190Writing for Popular Media3.00 credits
CMNS 209History of Media3.00 credits
CMNS 222Communication and Ideology3.00 credits
CMNS 235Understanding News3.00 credits
CMNS 236Understanding Television3.00 credits
CMNS 253Society and Digital Media3.00 credits
CMNS 255Interpersonal Communication3.00 credits
CMNS 270Visual Communication3.00 credits
CMNS 295The Culture of Advertising3.00 credits
CMNS 353Technology and Everyday Life3.00 credits
CMNS 360Strategic Communication3.00 credits
CMNS 370Photography as Communication: Fact and Fiction3.00 credits

 

Electives

Total credits: 30.00

Required:
ENGL 100University Writing Strategies3.00 credits
Choose 27.00 credits from the following list:

Note: At least 3 credits must be designated as Quantitative/Analytical.

Humanities (Art History, History, English, Foreign languages, Linguistics, Philosophy, Studio or Performing Arts and courses designated as Humanities in Women's and Gender Studies) credits9.00 credits
Science/Applied Science (Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Computing Science, Engineering, Geology, Math, Statistics, Physics and courses designated as Science in Geography, Kinesiology and Psychology) credits6.00 credits
Social Science (Anthropology, Criminology, Economics, Political Science, Sociology {except SOC 223} and courses designated as Social Science in Geography, Psychology and Women's and Gender Studies) or Business credits12.00 credits

 

Total program credits: 60.00

Contact

Have questions about this program?

School of Communication


604 990 7939
cmns@capilanou.ca

Student Information Services


604 984 4900
604 984 1798 (fax)
Library Building, room LB152
registration@capilanou.ca