Last updated on 2025-11-18
Program overview
The Bachelor of Arts - Honours Arts - English - Rhetoric, Media, and Professional Communication (Co-op) program at the University of Waterloo is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of rhetoric, professional writing, and digital media. This program combines intellectual rigor with practical skills, preparing graduates for various career paths in communication and media. Students will engage with classical and contemporary rhetoric, allowing them to explore interests in areas such as advertising, technical writing, and document design. The program emphasizes both analytical and creative thinking, equipping students with the necessary tools to succeed in diverse professional environments.
Program structure
The Bachelor of Arts - Honours Arts - English - Rhetoric, Media, and Professional Communication program is structured to provide a well-rounded education over a four-year period. The program includes:
- Core courses in rhetoric and professional communication, digital media, linguistics, and literature.
- Options for a co-op experience, allowing students to gain practical work experience while studying.
- Flexibility to pursue a stand-alone or joint honours degree, or to combine with specializations in creative writing, digital media studies, global literatures, communication design, or technical writing.
- Electives that enable students to explore various interests within the field.
Students must maintain a minimum average of 70% in their English courses and a 60% overall average to remain in the honours program. For those who do not meet these requirements, a four-year general degree option is available, which provides access to the same courses but does not include co-op opportunities.
Featured Experiences
The Rhetoric, Media, and Professional Communication program offers several unique experiences that enhance learning and professional development:
- Co-op opportunities that provide real-world experience in various communication fields.
- Hands-on projects in digital media, allowing students to create and analyze a variety of digital texts.
- Access to a diverse range of electives that cater to individual interests and career goals.
- Engagement with research methods that prepare students for both academic and professional pursuits.
Career Options
Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts - Honours Arts - 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 products and services, ensuring clarity and usability.
- Content Strategist: Develop and manage content strategies for organizations, focusing on audience engagement and brand messaging.
- Digital Media Specialist: Work with digital platforms to create, curate, and manage content that resonates with target audiences.
- Communications Officer: Handle internal and external communications for organizations, crafting messages that align with corporate goals.
- Public Relations Specialist: Manage the public image of clients, developing strategies to enhance reputation and handle media relations.
DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.
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