Bachelor Of Arts - Honours Arts And Business - English - Rhetoric, Media, And Professional Communication (Co-op) 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

The Bachelor of Arts - Honours Arts and Business - English - Rhetoric, Media, and Professional Communication (Co-op) program at the University of Waterloo offers a unique blend of intellectual challenge and practical insight. This program is designed to provide students with a solid grounding in both classical and contemporary rhetoric, while also allowing them to explore interests in areas such as advertising, technical writing, document design, and digital media. Graduates will be well-prepared for various career paths or further studies in literature, language, communications, and composition studies.

Program structure

The program is structured to provide a comprehensive education in Rhetoric, Media, and Professional Communication, with a focus on developing critical thinking and communication skills. The key features of the program include:

Program Length: The program can be completed in a four-year honours degree or a three-year general degree.
Students have the option to pursue the degree in co-op mode, which provides valuable work experience.
Students can choose between a stand-alone or joint honours degree, or as part of an Honours Arts and Business degree.
Specializations are available in areas such as creative writing, digital media studies, global literatures, communication design, or technical writing.

To maintain enrollment in the honours program, students must achieve a minimum average of 70% in their English courses and a 60% overall average. Those who do not meet these requirements can still pursue a four-year general degree.

Featured Experiences

The Rhetoric, Media, and Professional Communication program offers several unique experiences that enhance learning and professional development:

Co-op Opportunities: Students can participate in co-op placements, gaining practical experience in the field.
Hands-on Learning: The program includes courses that allow students to analyze and create various digital media texts.
Research Methods: Students will explore a variety of research methods through rhetoric and professional communication courses.
Electives: A range of electives is available, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests.

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts - Honours Arts and Business - English - Rhetoric, Media, and Professional Communication program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Technical Writer: Create manuals, guides, and documentation for various industries, ensuring complex information is accessible.
Marketing Specialist: Develop marketing strategies and content to promote products and services effectively.
Communications Coordinator: Manage internal and external communications for organizations, ensuring clear messaging.
Content Strategist: Plan and create content for digital platforms, focusing on audience engagement and brand consistency.
Public Relations Officer: Build and maintain a positive public image for clients through media relations and strategic communication.

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 - English - Rhetoric, Media, And Professional Communication (Co-Op) 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 of 8.3 is required.

For international students, particularly those from Vietnam and other Asian countries, 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!