Bachelor Of Arts - Honours Arts - 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

Learn how our everyday communication creates meaning and shapes our perspective with a Communication Studies degree. This program offers a unique experience-based study of verbal, non-verbal, visual, and digital communication practices. Throughout your studies, you will develop essential skills in written and oral communication, teamwork, research, visual and digital literacy, and critical analysis. These skills are highly sought after by employers, making this degree a valuable asset in today’s job market. By choosing the co-op option, you will gain insights into potential careers while also acquiring paid work experience, enhancing your educational journey.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of communication in various contexts. The program is structured as follows:

Program Length: Typically spans four years.
Available as a co-op program, allowing students to gain practical experience.
Students can choose to study through either Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.
After the first year, approximately 40% of classes will be focused on the major.
Students have the option to customize their degree by adding minors from various disciplines.

Throughout the program, students will engage in a mix of theoretical and practical learning, preparing them for diverse career paths in communication.

Featured Experiences

The Communication Studies program offers several unique features and experiences that enhance learning:

Co-op opportunities provide relevant paid work experience, allowing students to explore different career areas.
Small class sizes ranging from 15 to 35 students foster meaningful connections with classmates and professors.
Professional development workshops equip students with skills for careers in public relations, digital design, politics, marketing, teaching, and broadcasting.
Hands-on digital design projects in the Communication Arts and Design Practices major enhance practical skills.
Students can participate in undergraduate research opportunities to explore their passions beyond the classroom.

Career Options

A degree in Communication Studies opens the door to a variety of career opportunities in Canada. Graduates can pursue roles such as:

Marketing Coordinator: Develops and implements marketing strategies to promote products or services.
Public Relations Specialist: Manages communication between organizations and the public, enhancing brand image.
Digital Media Designer: Creates visual content for digital platforms, focusing on user experience and engagement.
Human Resources Specialist: Oversees recruitment, employee relations, and organizational development within companies.
Communications Analyst: Analyzes communication strategies and effectiveness, providing insights for improvement.

These roles highlight the versatility of a Communication Studies degree, equipping graduates with the skills needed to thrive in various industries.

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

To apply for the Bachelor of Arts - Honours Arts - Communication Studies program at the University of Waterloo, students must meet the following Academic Requirements:

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 apply:

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

It is important to apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is considered. For any clarification or 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 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!