Bachelor of Professional Arts in Communication Studies

Athabasca University’s Bachelor of Professional Arts in Communication Studies (BPA-CS) is a degree-completion program that brings together your real-world knowledge and experience with theory and research from the communications field.

In the BPA-CS program, you will apply your professional knowledge within the national and international context of mass media and communication. You will explore topics including

• the history of mass communications media
• the effects of media and technology on individuals and society
• emerging trends and issues in communications

When you graduate, you will have a sound knowledge of the many contexts you practice your profession in

• theoretical
• historical
• economic
• political
• cultural

You will also be prepared to take on leadership positions, administrative responsibilities, and coordinating and consulting functions in your field.

Why take the Bachelor of Professional Arts?

AU’s Bachelor of Professional Arts (BPA) program lets you turn your diploma into a degree while still being able to work and meet personal commitments. You bring your knowledge and professional experience, and we bring you the wider context, including relevant theories and issues.

Graduates from the Bachelor of Professional Arts-Communication Studies (BPA-CMNS) program will demonstrate the ability to:

• Develop a foundational understanding of contemporary communications practices and technologies in historical perspective.
• Critique theoretical approaches to understanding communications as social, cultural, political and economic phenomena.
• Implement media literacies including analyzing and interpreting messaging in different media for diverse audiences.
• Apply complex ideas in practical and professional contexts as well as in formal academic research, writing and argument formats.
• Communicate clearly, adhering to legal, ethical and professional standards of conduct, including academic integrity.

Possible career options

• Lobbyist
• Public Relations Co-ordinator
• Legislative Press Secretary
• Community Affairs Director
• Special Events Promoter
• Public Affairs Analyst
• Media Consultant
• Corporate Communications Manager
• Advertising Co-ordinator
• Customer Representative
• Communication Trainer
• Human Resources Manager
• Marketing Manager
• Marketing Researcher
• Media Planner
• Publicist
• Announcer
• News Director
• Newscaster/Narrator
• Producer
• Writer (e.g., news, film, documentary)
• Director
• Telecommunications Manager
• Editorial Project Manager
• Reporter
• Managing Editor
• Publisher
• Researcher
• Copy Editor
• Correspondent
• English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher

• Completion of high school in an English-speaking country.
• Completion of 15 university credits from a recognized English-speaking university, or 1 year at a non-university post-secondary institution with an overall average of 75% (GPA of 3.0).

English is the language of instruction and communication in SCIS graduate programs.

Proficiency in English is an essential requirement for admission to SCIS graduate programs. Although working and studying online requires a different level of English language skills than does the classroom situation, students must nevertheless be able to communicate effectively with faculty, administration, and with other students.

For more information on the English Language Prociency Requirements for Graduate Studies please refer to the AU graduate calendar.

• Minimum score of 6 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
• Minimum score of 60% on the Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL).
• Minimum score of 80 on the Michigan English Language Battery (MELAB) test.
• Minimum score of 59 on the Pearson Test of English (PTE).
• Minimum score of 213 on the computer- or paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL PBT), with 4.5 on the Test of Written English (TWE).
• Minimum score of 80 with an essay score of 20 on the Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT).
• Successful completion of AU’s English Language Proficiency Program with an overall average of 75% (GPA of 3.0).
• See the English Language Proficiency Requirements Policy for further details.

How to apply

You can apply to AU online, anytime. Once you’ve completed the online application form and paid the one-time general application fee (and transfer credit evaluation fee, if applicable), you’re officially an AU student and can start registering in courses.

• How to enrol in an undergraduate program

Make sure we get your transcripts if you want us to consider your previous post-secondary education for transfer credit.