Communication studies or communication science is an academic discipline that deals with the process of human communication and behavior, patterns of communication in interpersonal relationships, social interactions and communication within different cultures. Human behaviors and communication trends are always evolving. The ways in which we make connections now are vastly different from the methods we used in the past, especially with technological advancements and the rise of social media. In this constantly changing environment, there ought to be effective resources so we can stay updated on the communication front. British Columbia offers many institutions and programs in this field so you have a variety to choose from.
Simon Fraser University (SFU)
Bachelor of Arts in Communications
SFU works hand in hand with both Langara and Douglas College. Students from Langara College who have graduated from the Journalism Program are given almost a full year of credit at SFU through a pre-approved transfer. When transferring from either Langara or Douglas, students can enter SFU’s Bachelor of Arts in Communications which is within the Faculty of Communication, Art and Technology. Subjects in this discipline relate to “Media and Culture, Technology and Society, Political Economy and Policy.” The Bachelor’s Degree program is four years long unless students have obtained a previous transferable certificate or diploma, in which case the duration would be closer to two years. SFU also offers its own Certificate in Digital Journalism program and its duration is two years. If a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications sounds like something you would like to pursue, SFU’s website would be a valuable page to look into for more details.
Langara College
Department of Journalism Certificate or Diploma
Langara College offers a journalism program that allows students to obtain a Journalism Diploma or Certificate. If students opt for a certificate, the duration of the program is one year however if they choose for a diploma, the duration is two years. The skillset that is taught includes “in-depth research, creative and multi-platform storytelling, knowledge of how the media industry functions.”
After students have received a certificate or diploma from Langara in the Journalism Department, their credits are transferable to other institutions so, if they wish, they can complete their Bachelor’s Degree elsewhere. If you’re interested in learning about the Journalism program at Langara and potentially transferring, later on, take a look at Langara College’s website.
Douglas College
Associate of Art’s Degree in Communications
Douglas College offers its own communications program that allows students to obtain their Associate of Arts Degree in Communications. The program is two years long and enhances students’ “writing, speaking, communication and interpersonal skills to help them excel in careers such as communications, business, marketing, journalism, media and public relations” (Douglas College). Furthermore, in most cases, an associate degree allows students to transfer directly into a third or fourth-year Bachelor’s Degree program at another university. For more information about the program and potentially transferring universities after having completed the Associate in Arts Degree, check out Douglas College’s website.
Transfer between institutions
Both colleges offer Journalism and Communications programs and they are very flexible when it comes to transfers between institutions. Two specific institutions that work very closely with Langara and Douglas when it comes to transfers are the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University, also known as UBC and SFU respectively.
University of British Columbia (UBC)
Bachelor’s Degree of Media Studies
UBC offers a Bachelor’s Degree of Media Studies in the Faculty of Arts that fits well with a previous Certificate or Diploma from the colleges I mentioned. The duration of the program is four years (or closer to two years long, if a previous certificate or diploma has been obtained already) and draws on a number of different studies such as “Art History, Visual Art, English and German critical media theory, Creative Writing, Journalism, Film Studies, Film Production, Information Studies and Computer Science” so there are a number of opportunities for students with various disciplines. If students wish to carry on with a Bachelor’s Degree of Media Studies at UBC, they can further pursue their Graduate studies with a Master’s Degree in Journalism. If this degree interests you, UBC’s website has more information about the program.
BC Transfer Guide
It is crucial to make sure that the courses you choose among the Colleges mentioned are transferable. For students who want to transfer between institutions, please check out our article on the BC Transfer Guide for more information on the complexities of transferring.
An Ever-Changing Discipline
No one can deny the fact that communication is an ever-changing discipline. British Columbia has some of the world’s best institutions if you want to pursue this subject. Colleges such as Langara and Douglas allow students to learn in many different fields with various programs. If you’re looking into post-secondary studies, I would encourage you to start your research with these two institutions. I hope you would make full use of this information and will choose your College and courses wisely depending upon your requirements. Happy communicating!
