Bachelor Of Arts - Honours Arts - Communication Arts And Design Practice 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 the Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies or Communication Arts and Design Practice. This program emphasizes how everyday communication shapes our understanding and perspective of the world. Students will engage in a unique, experience-based study of verbal, non-verbal, visual, and digital communication practices. Throughout the program, you will develop essential skills in written and oral communication, teamwork, research, visual and digital literacy, and critical analysis. These competencies are highly sought after by employers, making this degree a valuable asset in today’s job market. Opting for the co-op version of the program allows students to gain practical insights and paid work experience, enhancing their career readiness.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies or Communication Arts and Design Practice is designed to provide a comprehensive education in communication. The program structure includes:

Program Length: Typically spans four years.
Available as a co-op program, allowing students to gain relevant work experience.
Students can choose between two majors: Communication Studies or Communication Arts and Design Practice.
Flexibility to customize the degree with minors in various fields.

Students will engage in a mix of theoretical and practical coursework, with a significant portion of classes dedicated to their chosen major. The program encourages exploration of electives from over 100 subject areas, allowing for a well-rounded educational experience. The co-op work-study sequence typically starts in the second year, alternating between academic terms and paid work terms, providing students with real-world experience and networking opportunities.

Featured Experiences

The Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Communication Arts and Design Practice offers several unique features and experiences:

Co-op Program: Students can participate in paid co-op work terms, gaining valuable industry experience.
Hands-on Projects: Engage in practical digital design projects that enhance learning and application of communication theories.
Small Class Sizes: Classes range from 15 to 35 students, fostering close connections with peers and professors.
Career-Relevant Workshops: Professional development workshops prepare students for careers in various fields such as public relations, digital design, and marketing.
Research Opportunities: Students can explore undergraduate research opportunities to deepen their understanding of communication.

Career Options

A degree in Communication Studies or Communication Arts and Design Practice opens the door to a variety of career paths in Canada. Graduates can pursue roles such as:

Marketing Coordinator: Develop and implement marketing strategies to promote products and services.
Public Relations Specialist: Manage communication between organizations and the public, enhancing brand image.
Digital Media Designer: Create engaging digital content and visual designs for various platforms.
Human Resources Specialist: Oversee recruitment, employee relations, and organizational communication.
English Teacher: Educate students in language and communication skills, fostering critical thinking and expression.

Graduates may also find opportunities in advertising, teaching, media, and corporate communication, working in diverse environments such as non-profits, educational institutions, and technology companies.

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

Visit University of Waterloo official website

Last updated on 2025-11-18

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For the Bachelor of Arts - Honours Arts - Communication Arts And Design Practice 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: Not clearly mentioned.

For international students, particularly those from Vietnam and other Asian countries, the following requirements are essential:

General requirement: Bàng Tốt Nghiệp Phố Thông Trung Học (Secondary School Graduation Certificate).
Specific program requirements: English and Mathematics with a minimum grade of 7.5 in each, and an overall average of 8.3.

It is advisable to apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is considered. For any clarification and support regarding the application process, 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
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!