Okanagan University College

What you'll study

Students take foundational media and writing courses, along with breadth electives from related social-science and humanities departments. The program combines writing-intensive classes with media theory and elective options to build transferable analytical and communication skills.

• Foundational (Year 1 required courses): CMNS 100 Introduction to Communications; CMNS 110 Introduction to Mass Communication; CMNS 120 Journalism Fundamentals; CMNS 130 Introduction to Digital Media; ENGL 100 University Writing; ENGL 153 Critical Writing and Reading: Narrative.
• Breadth (choose three): ANTH 121 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology; CMNS 160 Introduction to Film Studies; INDG 100 Introduction to Indigenous Studies; PHIL 114 Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking; SOCI 111 Introduction to Sociology I; GSWS 100 Introduction to Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies. (Note: students interested in SOCI 216 or SOCI 217 should take SOCI 111 in first year.)

Entry requirements

Regular applicants need B.C. secondary graduation or equivalent and English 12 with a minimum grade of 60% (alternatives accepted). Applicants with an English 12 passing grade below 60% may be admitted conditionally but cannot register in first-year English and must meet the English entrance requirement during the first year—either by completing English 12/English 12 First Peoples/TPC 12 with a 60% or through equivalent adult or distance education. Mature applicants (age 19+, out of full-time secondary school for at least one year) may be admitted without secondary graduation but must satisfy the English requirement.

Career prospects

The diploma is primarily intended to prepare students for further study and transfer into bachelor’s programs (examples include SFU BA in Communication, UBCO BA in Cultural Studies, Thompson Rivers University Bachelor of Journalism). Graduates who enter the workforce may find entry-level roles in small-market or independent environments such as journalist, communications coordinator, public relations specialist, marketing coordinator, new media consultant or social media manager.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Tuition and mandatory fees are published by the institution and differ for domestic and international students; domestic fees are listed per year and there are program-cost totals available. The program may be student loan eligible and the college provides Financial Aid and Awards information. Students should consult the institution’s detailed fee pages and speak with an Education Advisor for up-to-date guidance on scholarships, bursaries and funding options.