The undergraduate program in communication combines both theory and practice, with courses offered in two main areas—media studies (effect of social media and mass media, video and multimedia production, audience research, communication policy) and organizational communication (communication in public and private organizations, interpersonal communication, health communication, crisis communication, public relations, advertising). The interdisciplinary approach of our program will provide you with a broad perspective on the interplay among mass media, human communication, cultural studies, technology, policy, political economy and public relations.

Choose your program

4 years120 units
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Honours BA in Communication

Explore the right field of communication studies in the Honours BA in Communication program. Over the course of your studies, you will ask how the media shape people's lives and how communication functions within businesses and other organizations. Whether you wish to pursue a career in communication or further your studies, you will be well prepared.

Program structure

Course sequence

CMN 3916 Internship

Choose one of the four options

Students can choose one of four contemporary and exciting profiles as part of their honours BA in Communication. The profile will appear on their transcript and can be used to demonstrate expertise in a specific area.

Option 1: Media and Cultural Industries

Courses in this profile approach communication from a critical, social and cultural perspective, with a focus on the conditions under which media contents, art and popular culture are produced, mediated and consumed. Given our strategic relationships with local media and news outlets, many of our students work and volunteer in media and journalism positions.

Option 2: Political Communication

Explore the relationship between communication, power and democracy. This profile covers the social, cultural, economic, technological and regulatory context in which communication institutions and individuals produce and engage with messages, exert influence, inform decision-making and affect social change. Given our strategic position in the heart of Ottawa, many of our students volunteer and work on Parliament Hill and in the federal government, gaining valuable experience in political communication.

Option 3: Communication, Organizations and Organizing

Engage with all aspects of communication in the context of organizations. Courses focus on the communicative processes and relationships that shape all organizations, work environments and small groups, from public companies to universities, social movements, charities and so on. During their time with us, many of our students volunteer and work in a communication role with local corporations, startups and non-profit organizations.

Option 4: Strategic Communication and Digital Design

This profile provides students with theoretical, critical and practical skills required to understand and contribute to the digital communications environment. It aims to foster their ability to analyze, conceptualize, and create communication strategies and contents intended for various audiences. Given the demand for these skills, many of our students volunteer and work in strategic communication roles with many different local, national and international partners including companies, NGOs, hospitals, sport organizations and social service providers.

42 units
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Major in Communication

Explore the rich field of communication studies in the Major in Communication program. Over the course of your studies, you will ask how the media shape people`s lives and how communication functions within businesses and other organizations. Explore other areas that interest you by pairing this Major with a minor in another discipline.

Program structure 

Course sequence

CMN 3916 Internship

30 units
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Minor in Communication

The 30-credit Minor in Communication allows you to explore organizational communication and media studies to gain the tools you will need to see how communication functions in your major field of study.

Program Structure

Course Sequence

4 years120 units
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Joint honours BA in Communication and Lettres françaises

Program offered only in French 

You will develop your writing skills in different organizational and creative contexts in this program. You will also develop an understanding of communication – and media-related issues associated with the dissemination of texts in the information age. 

Program Structure

Course Sequence

4 years120 units
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Joint honours BA in Communication and Political Science

In this program, you will be exploring the role of communication in politics and politics in communication. In addition to course on media and organizational communication, you will take courses on Canadian politics, comparative politics, and international relations. You will be prepared for a wide range of careers in fields in the public and private sectors.

Program Structure

Course Sequence

4 years120 units
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Joint honours BA in Communication and Sociology

Explore the interactions between communication and the structure and functioning of society in this program. You will explore topics on social theory and social issues in addition to your courses on media and organizational communication. You will be prepared for a wide range of careers such as in government or community affairs.

Program Structure

Course Sequence

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Scholarships available

Our scholarship program is one of the most generous in the country. It rewards not only your pre-university academic achievements, but also your achievements every term of full-time study at University. A scholarship is awarded for academic achievements while a bursary is awarded based on financial need.
Discover our Scholarships and Bursaries and learn how to apply.
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The Department of Communication

We form a community passionate about all forms of communication, and focused on the complex challenges of globalization, living together, technological innovations, etc. Our French and English-speaking programs of study echo the challenges that underlie the transformations of today's world.
Learn more about the department.
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