Program Overview

Media and Communication Studies Program

Overview

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) offers a minor and extended minor in Media and Communication Studies as part of a Bachelor of Arts. This program combines a minor or extended minor in Media and Communication Studies with a major in English, Visual Arts, Political Science, Sociology, or Peace and Conflict Studies.

Program Description

The program examines the evolution of mass media, advertising, and social media channels and their contribution to the flow of information in everyday life. Students learn how society and their own lives change in response to innovations in technology and communications. The program also hones students' ability to weigh the value of the media they consume daily.

Coursework

In upper-level classes, students grow their writing, research, and communications skills with advanced practical courses on topics such as:

• Research methods
• Crisis communication
• Public relations
• Proposal writing
• More

Practical Experience

Students can gain real-world experience by:

• Volunteering with CIVL radio, UFV's student radio station
• Becoming a contributor to the Cascade, UFV's student newspaper
• Participating in optional paid work placements with the UFV Co-operative Education program
• Completing an unpaid practicum to graduate with real work experience, a network of contacts, and references for other employment or graduate school

Career Outlook

In a global knowledge economy, skilled communicators are in high demand. Areas of work include:

• Television and radio
• Film and video
• Digital media
• Computer games
• Journalism
• Writing and publishing
• Public relations
• Advertising
• Marketing

According to Creative BC, the motion pictures and video industry is booming, with annual revenues for film, TV, and digital media adding up to $3.4 billion. The interactive and digital media sector is also growing rapidly, with average salaries of $84K and $2.3 billion in sales. Work BC lists advertising, marketing, and public relations jobs as top opportunity occupations, with median salaries of $30.77 and 6,900 openings expected in B.C. from now to 2025.