Bachelor of Arts - Communications and Public Policy at St. Thomas University - Program overview

This program is currently under review and being updated. For the most up-to-date information, please contact us.

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-05-13

Program overview

+16

Program overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Public Policy at St. Thomas University is a unique program that explores the vital connection between effective communication and the development, implementation, and evaluation of public policy. This program prepares students to become skilled communications professionals across various sectors, including public, private, and non-profit organizations. With a strong emphasis on practical experience, students engage in for-credit internships that enhance their resumes and professional networks. As the only undergraduate major of its kind in Canada, this program offers a comprehensive education that integrates communications with policy understanding, making it an excellent choice for those interested in the dynamics of participatory democracy.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Public Policy is structured to provide students with a robust educational experience over a four-year period. The program includes:

Mandatory for-credit internships in upper years, allowing students to gain hands-on experience.
Small class sizes that foster personal interaction, discussion, and debate.
Courses taught exclusively by professors, ensuring students learn from experts in the field.
Special topics courses in upper years that address current issues impacting communications.

Students are encouraged to explore specific areas of public policy through options such as double majors or minors in related disciplines. This flexibility allows for a breadth of knowledge across various fields, enhancing the overall learning experience.

Featured Experiences

The Communications and Public Policy program offers several unique features that enhance student learning and professional development:

Mandatory for-credit internships in professional settings such as communications agencies, non-profit organizations, or government offices.
Access to the Frank McKenna Centre for Communications and Public Policy, which hosts symposiums and brings distinguished speakers to campus.
Engaging lectures and seminars led by experienced professors, not teaching assistants.
Opportunities to participate in discussions on significant topics, such as the 2020 US presidential election and cultural phenomena like Taylor Swift.

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Public Policy can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Marketing Specialist: Develops strategies to promote products and services, utilizing communication skills to reach target audiences.
Public Relations Officer: Manages the public image of organizations, crafting messages and responding to media inquiries.
Policy Analyst: Researches and analyzes policies, providing recommendations to improve public programs and services.
Communications Coordinator: Oversees internal and external communications, ensuring consistent messaging across platforms.
Journalist: Reports on news and events, utilizing strong writing and communication skills to inform the public.

These career options highlight the diverse opportunities available to graduates, equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in various fields related to communications and public policy.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit St. Thomas University official website

Last updated on 2025-05-13

Program overview

Academic Requirements

International applicants must demonstrate academic strength in a high school program of college/university preparatory courses with subject distribution, other minimum requirements, and academic standing comparable to that required of Canadian applicants. Criteria such as academic achievement and rank in class will also be considered in admission decisions.

Please note that meeting the minimum admissions requirements does not guarantee admission.

International applicants are encouraged to submit applications and supporting documents by June 1st for September admission and October 1st for January admission. While applications will be accepted beyond those dates, students who apply later risk having insufficient time to obtain student visas and other authorization. Please note that processing times at embassies can take up to three months.

For international students, the following requirements must be met:

Completion of secondary school or equivalent.
Meet all Bachelor of Arts Program and English Language Proficiency Academic Requirements.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

Students from specific countries may have additional requirements:

Vietnam: Specific details regarding Vietnamese students are not provided, but they must meet the general international requirements.
Other Asian countries: Similar to Vietnam, students must adhere to the general international admission criteria.

For any clarification and support, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

Applicants whose primary language is not English must submit evidence of proficiency in English by writing one of the following tests:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB)
Canadian Academic English Language Test (CAEL)
Cambridge English Qualifications (CEQ)
Duolingo English Test (DET)
Pearson Academic: Pearson English Language Test (PTE)

Official test scores must be submitted directly to the Admissions Office by the testing centre. St. Thomas University's ETS number is 0803.

Students who meet the following minimum English Language Proficiency scores and the St. Thomas academic Academic Requirements are eligible for the ESL program:

TOEFL 61 (Internet-based)
TOEFL 500 (Paper-based)
MELAB 69
IELTS 5.0
CAEL 40, 50
CEQ B2 First
DET 90
PTE 50-61

Students with the scores below are eligible to take five regular academic courses but may take integrated and assisted courses if they wish:

TOEFL 89 (Internet-based)
TOEFL 573 (Paper-based)
MELAB 80
IELTS 6.5
CAEL 60
CEQ C or higher (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency)
DET 115
PTE 61

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!