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Faculty
Business & Professional Studies

School
School of Communication

The Bachelor of Communication Studies degree at CapU combines theory and practice in a project-based curriculum in various areas of strategic communication.

A background in communications is vital to getting into the job market. You can find CapU communications grads working in city halls, non-profits and major industry.

In the program, you'll learn critical approaches to media, communication and culture together with applied skills in writing, editing and public speaking.

You can focus your expertise by taking classes across the spectrum of communication.

Start building the career you want in the fast-paced field of communications. Contact us today to learn more. 

A student listening in one of the Communications classes at CapU.

Courses geared toward careers

Interested in PR as a career? There are courses in public relations, media relations, crisis communication and organizational communication.

Career paths

  • Copywriter
  • Editor
  • Journalist
  • Marketer
  • Strategic planner
  • Writer

Fancy yourself a writer? Communications is for you!

If creative writing is closer to your heart, we offer options in visual communication, photojournalism, publishing and cultural criticism.

More into public policy and strategic planning?

Or if general communications are more your speed, there are classes in communication policy and law, interpersonal and intercultural communication and more.

Related links

Request more info

Find out about your program of interest and learn about upcoming events, workshops, virtual and in-person campus tours.

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Contact us

For more information about the School of Communication program contact us today.

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Information sessions

Plan ahead with this calendar of important program information sessions and open houses.

Upcoming info sessions

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Apply Now to CapU

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Intakes

Spring 2023

Location
North Vancouver

Course load
Full-time or part-time

Important dates

Applications open

Feb 1, 2022 – Jan 3, 2023

Course Registration & Waitlisting start

Nov 14, 2022

Fee payment deadline

4:00 PM - Dec 19, 2022

Fall 2023

Location
North Vancouver

Course load
Full-time or part-time

Important dates

Applications open

Oct 4, 2022 – Sep 5, 2023

Course Registration & Waitlisting start

Jul 4, 2023

Fee payment deadline

4:00 PM - Aug 21, 2023

NOTE: Important dates may change.

How to Apply

Are you applying as a domestic or as an international student?

Review this program's admission requirements

First-time applicants submit your application on EducationPlannerBC

Every student must apply to CapU through EducationPlannerBC (EPBC), a website for applying to universities and colleges across British Columbia.

Visit Apply Now to make sure you're ready to fill in your application.

  • When you submit your application, you will need to pay an application fee of $50, which gives you the opportunity to apply for 2 programs. 
  • You will need to upload a digital (PDF) copy of your transcripts and supporting documents at this time.
  • If you are currently in Grade 12, you must request that the Ministry of Education submit your transcript directly to Capilano University.
  • Documents must be in the original language of issue and translated into English by a recognized translator, if required.
Apply on EPBC

Receive an acknowledgement email

After submitting your application on EducationPlannerBC you will receive an acknowledgement message from us to your personal email.

  • This email will include your Student ID number and your myCapU account and email address.
  • Instructions on how to track your application will also be included.
  • All future messages from us will be sent to your myCapU email.
  • If you're applying to CapU as a new student, you can use your myCapU account to apply for entrance awards.

Submit your official transcripts

For students who have previously attended post-secondary, even though you submitted a digital copy of your transcripts on EducationPlannerBC, you must submit official university or college transcripts for transfer credit.

Please send all official documents to:

Registrar's Office
Birch Building, Room BR230
2055 Purcell Way
North Vancouver, BC
V7J 3H5

Official documents may include:

Official university or college transcripts

These documents must be sent directly from that institution to Capilano University. They must include the seal of the institution and the signature of the authorizing school representative.

We will accept photocopies of transcripts if certified by the authorizing university or college officer. Notarized copies are not acceptable.

Certified documents

Students may also submit photocopies of academic documents verified by the issuing authority. These authorities include the Ministry of Education, the high school, university, or college, the apostille* or by the appropriate examination board.

Notarized copies are not acceptable.

*Apostille countries refers to an international form of a notary seal as certified by the Hague convention. These would be official notary documents from countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, etc. and can be accepted in place of original or school-certified documents. The Apostille is prepared by either the Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Justice in these countries.

Please note: Documents issued in a language other than English must also include certified English translations. Documents must be in the original language of the issue and translated into English by a recognized translator, if required.

Original academic documents

An academic document is original if issued to the student by the institution following that institution’s policies.

Notarized copies are not acceptable.

Get ready for your first day

Once you've been accepted into a program, you'll need to start planning your courses.

  • You will be notified of your acceptance through your CapU email and your myCapU account.
  • View our page for admitted students to learn how to prepare for your first day.
  • If you wish to receive transfer credits, please submit official university/college/International Baccalaureate (IB)/Advanced Placements (AP) transcripts either electronically or by mail:

     

    Registrar's Office
    Birch Building, Room BR230
    2055 Purcell Way
    North Vancouver, BC
    V7J 3H5

Admitted Students

Review this program's admission requirements

Learn about CapU's admission requirements and submit your application

Most CapU programs need proof that you:

Every student must apply to CapU through EducationPlannerBC (EPBC), a website for applying to universities and colleges across British Columbia.

Visit Apply Now to make sure you're ready to fill in your application.

  • When you submit your application, you will need to pay a non-refundable application fee of C$135, which gives you the opportunity to apply for 2 programs.
  • You will need to upload a digital (PDF) copy of your transcripts and supporting documents at this time.
  • If your original transcripts and supporting documents are not written in English, please submit a translated copy.
Apply on EPBC

Receive an acknowledgement email

After submitting your application on EducationPlannerBC you will receive an acknowledgement message from us to your personal email.

  • This email will include your Student ID number and your myCapU account and email address.
  • Instructions on how to track your application will also be included.
  • All future messages from us will be sent to your myCapU email.
  • If you're applying to CapU as a new student, you can use your myCapU account to apply for entrance awards.
Funding for International Students

Submit your official transcripts

You've already sent digital copies of your transcripts to EducationPlannerBC as part of your CapU application, but we also need physical copies of your official high school, college or university transcripts.

If you're applying to CapU as a new student, you can use your myCapU account to apply for entrance awards.

Please send your official documents to:

Capilano University
Centre for International Experience, Room LB127
2055 Purcell Way
North Vancouver, B.C.
V7J 3H5

Official documents may include:

Official high school, university, or college transcripts

Students must submit official high school and university or college transcripts for admission.

These documents must be sent directly from that institution to Capilano University. They must include the seal of the institution and signature of the authorizing school representative.

We will accept photocopies of transcripts if certified by the authorizing high school, university, or college officer. Notarized copies are not acceptable.

Certified documents

Students may also submit photocopies of academic documents verified by the issuing authority. These authorities include the Ministry of Education, the high school, university, or college, the apostille* or by the appropriate examination board.

Notarized copies are not acceptable.

*Apostille countries refers to an international form of a notary seal as certified by the Hague convention. These would be official notary documents from countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, etc. and can be accepted in place of original or school-certified documents. The Apostille is prepared by either the Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Justice in these countries.

Please note: Documents issued in a language other than English must also include certified English translations. Documents must be in the original language of the issue and translated into English by a recognized translator, if required.

Original academic documents

An academic document is original if issued to the student by the institution following that institution’s policies.

Notarized copies are not acceptable.

Receive letter of offer

If you are accepted into a program, you will receive a letter of offer in your myCapU email inbox.

  • You will need to confirm your acceptance into the program by paying a tuition deposit outlined in your letter of offer.
  • This deposit will go towards your first-semester tuition once you are registered for courses at CapU.

Receive letter of acceptance and apply for a study permit

After paying your tuition deposit, you will receive a letter of acceptance in your myCapU inbox. This may be used to apply for, or renew, a study permit.

  • Depending on your citizenship, you may also need to apply for an entry visa.
Permits & Visas

Get ready for your first day

Once you've been accepted into a program and have applied for your study permit, you'll need to start planning your courses.

  • You will be notified of your acceptance through your CapU email and your myCapU account.
  • View our page for admitted international students to learn how to prepare for your first day.
Info for Admitted International Students

Admission notes

Please note that the admission requirements are minimum requirements. 

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

Apply Now

Are you ready to rise to the challenge?

Apply now to CapU

Transfer Students

Find out how you can transfer your credits from another post-secondary institution to CapU.

Applying as a Transfer Student

Returning Students

If you're returning to CapU to complete your program or to apply into a new program, please contact the Registrar's Office.

Contact Registrar's Office

Switching Programs

If you want to change your program of study, you need to submit a new application to CapU.

Re-apply to CapU

Tuition and Fees

Are you applying as a domestic or as an international student?

Tuition Fees Total
Year 1 $4,230 $1,691 $5,921
Year 2 $4,230 $1,691 $5,921
Year 3 $5,744 $1,691 $7,435
Year 4 $5,589 $1,691 $7,280
Total $19,793 $6,764 $26,557
Tuition Fees Total
Year 1 $18,941 $1,691 $20,632
Year 2 $18,941 $1,691 $20,632
Year 3 $20,455 $1,691 $22,146
Year 4 $20,300 $1,691 $21,991
Total $78,637 $6,764 $85,401

Tuition & Fees Estimator

Get a detailed breakdown of the tuition and fees for your program.

Calculate my fees

Entrance Awards

All new CapU students can fund their education with entrance awards.

See if I qualify

Term Awards

Continuing your studies at CapU? You may be eligible for awards, too.

Take me to the awards

On this page

Required Courses

First Year

Total credits: 30.00

Required:
CMNS 112Introduction to Communication Studies3.00 credits
CMNS 132Explorations in Mass Media3.00 credits
CMNS 185Presentation Skills for Public Speaking3.00 credits
CMNS 190Writing for Popular Media3.00 credits
ENGL 100University Writing Strategies3.00 credits
Choose 15.00 credits of electives:
See Elective list below15.00 credits

 

Second Year

Total credits: 30.00

Required:
CMNS 220Advanced Business Writing and Editing3.00 credits
Choose 3.00 credits from the following list:
CMNS 261Interpreting Communication Documents3.00 credits
CMNS 262Qualitative Research Methods in Communication Studies3.00 credits
Choose 15.00 credits from the following list:
CMNS 209History of Media3.00 credits
CMNS 222Communication and Ideology3.00 credits
CMNS 231Cultural Industries in Canada3.00 credits
CMNS 235Understanding News3.00 credits
CMNS 236Understanding Television3.00 credits
CMNS 241Software for Magazine Publishing3.00 credits
CMNS 253Society and Digital Media3.00 credits
CMNS 255Interpersonal Communication3.00 credits
CMNS 270Visual Communication3.00 credits
CMNS 285Advanced Presentation Skills3.00 credits
CMNS 295The Culture of Advertising3.00 credits
Choose 9.00 credits of electives:
See Elective list below9.00 credits

 

Third Year

Total credits: 30.00

Required:
BADM 318Project Management3.00 credits
CMNS 360Strategic Communication3.00 credits
Choose 3.00 credits from the following list:
CMNS 261Interpreting Communication Documents3.00 credits
CMNS 262Qualitative Research Methods in Communication Studies3.00 credits
Choose 9.00 credits from the following list:
CMNS 322Videogames: Culture, Theory and Criticism3.00 credits
CMNS 330Communication Ethics3.00 credits
CMNS 331Communication Policy and Law3.00 credits
CMNS 333Conflict and Communication3.00 credits
CMNS 351Editing for Popular Media3.00 credits
CMNS 352Organizational Communication3.00 credits
CMNS 353Technology and Everyday Life3.00 credits
CMNS 355Intercultural Communication3.00 credits
CMNS 370Photography as Communication: Fact and Fiction3.00 credits
CMNS 380Applied Cultural Criticism3.00 credits
CMNS 395Public and Media Relations3.00 credits
Choose 3.00 credits from the following list:
CMNS 412Special Topics in Communication Studies3.00 credits
CMNS 431Project Group Communication Policy and Law3.00 credits
CMNS 433Project Group in Risk and Crisis Communication3.00 credits
CMNS 453Project Group in Communication and New Media3.00 credits
CMNS 490Project Group in Publishing3.00 credits
CMNS 495Project Group in Media Campaigns3.00 credits
Choose 9.00 credits of electives:
See Elective list below9.00 credits

 

Fourth Year

Total credits: 30.00

Choose 3.00 credits from the following list:
CMNS 322Videogames: Culture, Theory and Criticism3.00 credits
CMNS 330Communication Ethics3.00 credits
CMNS 331Communication Policy and Law3.00 credits
CMNS 333Conflict and Communication3.00 credits
CMNS 351Editing for Popular Media3.00 credits
CMNS 352Organizational Communication3.00 credits
CMNS 353Technology and Everyday Life3.00 credits
CMNS 355Intercultural Communication3.00 credits
CMNS 370Photography as Communication: Fact and Fiction3.00 credits
CMNS 380Applied Cultural Criticism3.00 credits
CMNS 395Public and Media Relations3.00 credits
Choose 6.00 credits from the following list:

Note: CMNS 462 is the prerequisite for CMNS 499.

CMNS 412Special Topics in Communication Studies3.00 credits
CMNS 431Project Group Communication Policy and Law3.00 credits
CMNS 433Project Group in Risk and Crisis Communication3.00 credits
CMNS 453Project Group in Communication and New Media3.00 credits
CMNS 462Advanced Communication Research Practice3.00 credits
CMNS 490Project Group in Publishing3.00 credits
CMNS 495Project Group in Media Campaigns3.00 credits
CMNS 499Communication Research Project3.00 credits
Choose 6.00 credits from the following list:

Note: Students choosing to take CMNS 499 must have completed CMNS 462 as a prerequisite and are required to complete one additional 400-level CMNS elective course from the above list to meet the total program credit requirements.

CMNS 462Advanced Communication Research Practice3.00 credits
CMNS 498Communication Practicum6.00 credits
CMNS 499Communication Research Project3.00 credits
Choose 15.00 credits of electives:
See Elective list below15.00 credits

 

Electives

Choose from the following list:

48 elective credits (excluding CMNS courses), no more than 18 of which are to come from any single subject area and at least 12 of which must be upper level credits. Students must take a minimum of 3 credits designated as Quantitative/Analytical.

Total program credits: 120.00

Additional information

Students starting in their baccalaureate degree on or after Fall 2018 and graduating on or after June 2022 must meet Cap Core graduation requirements in addition to their program requirements.

Learning outcomes

  • 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.
  • Risk and crisis communication
  • Communication and Canadian culture
  • Communication law and policy
  • Events planning
  • Advocacy communication
  • Political communication
  • Social media

For the official publication of programs, course descriptions and admission requirements please view the Capilano University Calendar (pdf).

Have a question?

Get in touch with us!

About this program

School of Communication
604 990 7939
cmns@capilanou.ca

General inquiries

Student Information Services
Birch Building, room BR230

604-984-4900
604-984-1798 (fax)
registration@capilanou.ca