Bachelor Of Arts - Honours Arts And Business - Communication Studies at University of Waterloo - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-11-18

Program overview

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Program overview

Discover the fascinating world of communication with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. This program emphasizes how everyday communication shapes our understanding and perspective. Students will engage in a highly interactive learning environment, focusing on verbal, non-verbal, visual, and digital communication practices. The program is designed to enhance both written and oral communication skills, while also fostering teamwork, research capabilities, and critical analysis. By choosing the co-op option, students gain valuable insights into potential careers and acquire paid work experience, making this degree a practical choice for those looking to enter the workforce.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies offers a comprehensive program structure designed to equip students with essential skills for their future careers. The program is available in two formats: co-op and regular. The program length is typically four years, allowing students to immerse themselves in various aspects of communication.

Key features of the program structure include:

Two majors to choose from: Communication Studies or Communication Arts and Design Practices.
Hands-on learning experiences through co-op work terms, providing real-world application of skills.
Flexibility to explore electives from over 100 subject areas at Waterloo.
Opportunities to customize the degree with minors in various fields.

Students will also participate in professional development workshops, enhancing their readiness for the job market. The program encourages exploration and discovery, especially in the first year, where students can choose their major after gaining exposure to different subjects.

Featured Experiences

The Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance learning and career readiness:

Co-op Program: Students can alternate between academic terms and paid work terms, gaining relevant experience in their field.
Small Class Sizes: Classes typically range from 15 to 35 students, fostering meaningful connections with peers and professors.
Hands-on Projects: Engage in practical projects that apply communication theories to real-world scenarios.
Professional Development Workshops: Workshops designed to prepare students for careers in public relations, marketing, teaching, and more.
Research Opportunities: Access to undergraduate research opportunities to explore interests beyond the classroom.

Career Options

A degree in Communication Studies opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities in Canada. Graduates can pursue various roles, including:

Marketing Coordinator: Responsible for developing marketing strategies and campaigns to promote products or services.
Public Relations Specialist: Manages communication between organizations and the public, enhancing the organization's image.
Human Resources Coordinator: Works on recruitment, employee relations, and organizational development within a company.
Digital Media Designer: Creates visual content for digital platforms, focusing on effective communication through design.
Communications Analyst: Analyzes communication strategies and their effectiveness, providing insights for improvement.

Graduates are well-prepared to work in diverse settings, including businesses, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and media companies, making this degree a valuable asset in today's job market.

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

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Last updated on 2025-11-18

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For the Bachelor of Arts - Honours Arts and Business - Communication Studies program at the University of Waterloo, the following Academic Requirements apply:

Minimum GPA: Not specified.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.
Prerequisite courses:
- English and Mathematics with a minimum grade of 7.5 in each.
Overall average required: 8.3.

For international students, particularly those from Vietnam, the following general requirements must be met:

Bàng Tốt Nghiệp Phố Thông Trung Học (Secondary School Graduation Certificate).

It is advisable to apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is considered. For any clarification and support, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

English Language Requirements

English is the language of instruction at the University of Waterloo. Success in our programs requires a high level of English language proficiency.

You need to provide an English language test score if:

your four most recent years of full-time education have NOT been in an English-language school system AND
your first language is NOT English.

Required English Language Scores

Tests that do not appear on this chart are not accepted for admission consideration.

Official test scores must be sent by the testing agency directly to Waterloo's Office of the Registrar. Emails, faxes, and student copies of test scores are not accepted for admission.

Test	Minimum Score	How to Send Test Results
Internet-based TOEFL (iBT), including Home Edition and Paper Edition	90 overall, 25 writing, 25 speaking	Waterloo's institution code is 0996 and our department code is 00. We do not accept electronic TOEFL scores for undergraduate admissions.
IELTS Academic	6.5 overall, 6.5 writing, 6.5 speaking, 6.0 reading, 6.0 listening	We accept the electronic Test Report Form (TRF). Waterloo's e-transfer institution name is University of Waterloo – Undergraduate OR University of Waterloo Admissions.
CAEL or CAEL online	70 overall, 60 per band, 70 writing, 70 speaking	You must log in to your affiliated account and select University of Waterloo as a recipient institution.
PTE Academic	63 overall, 65 writing, 65 speaking	Send your Score Report Code or Registration ID to myapplication@uwaterloo.ca.
Cambridge English test (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency)	180 overall, 176 writing, 176 reading, 176 speaking, 176 listening	Go to the Candidate Results Online portal, input your ID and secret number then click on "Send my result."
Duolingo English test	The minimum requirement for tests completed before July 1, 2024 is an overall score of 120, with minimum Literacy and Production scores of 110. Tests completed after July 1, 2024 require an overall of 120 with Literacy and Production scores of 125 for direct entry to a Waterloo program.	Results will not be accepted without subscores. You must log in to your affiliated account and select University of Waterloo – Undergraduate as a recipient institution.
EFAS - English for Academic Success	75% overall in 400 levels, 75% in each of academic, oral, and writing	Your scores will be sent to us automatically by the English Language Institute.

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!