APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE
Winter 2023: Currently accepting applications
Summer 2023: Currently accepting applications
Fall 2023: Applications open Oct. 3, 2022
Program
Communications (Certificate)
Department
Credits
30.00
Length of Program
Two semesters
Credential Type
Certificate
Campus
Coquitlam
New Westminster
Learning Format
Full-time
Part-time
Admission Type
Open Enrolment - General Admission Requirements
Offered
Fall
Summer
Winter
Overview
Get hands-on instruction in spoken and written communications in the Certificate in Communications program. Choose from courses covering topics including intercultural communication, global media, and communication and interpersonal conflict, as well as courses from other areas that will enhance your education, such as sociology, philosophy and modern languages. Participate in discussions and presentations and engage in classroom lectures to develop your critical thinking, writing, research and presentation skills.
The Communications Certificate gives you a solid foundation to work in entry-level positions in the fields of communications and public relations after you graduate, or to go on to further education in other fields.
Further education
Douglas offers seven first- and second-year courses that transfer directly into Simon Fraser University’s School of Communications. Plus, many Douglas College Communications courses transfer into other related programs at the University of British Columbia, Kwantlen Polytechnic University and the University of the Fraser Valley.
Not sure which courses to take? Check out the British Columbia Transfer Guide or make an appointment with Academic Advising at Douglas College.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants must meet the admission requirements listed below:
Cost
You can get an average cost for your program - tuition and student fees, books, uniforms, lab fees etc - on the Program Cost page.
Only programs approved for student loan funding are listed on the Program Cost page. For all other programs, refer to the Tuition Fee page.
Program Requirements
Curriculum Framework
Graduation Requirements For Students Completing By Summer 2023:
- Successful completion of 30 credits
- 50% (15 credits) of all coursework must be completed at Douglas College
- Time limit to complete program graduation requirements: four (4) years
Graduation Requirements For Students Completing After Summer 2023:
- Successful completion of 30 credits
- 50% (15 credits) of all coursework must be completed at Douglas College
- Graduate in Good Academic Standing (Cumulative GPA of 1.50 - See Academic Performance Policy)
- Time limit to complete program graduation requirements: four (4) years
Course Requirements:
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|
Required CMNS courses: |
||
|
Foundations of Intercultural Communication |
3.00 |
|
|
Business Communication |
3.00 |
|
|
Public Speaking |
3.00 |
|
|
Interpersonal Skills for the Workplace |
3.00 |
|
|
Introduction to Media and Communication Studies |
3.00 |
|
|
Select one additional CMNS course from the following options: |
||
| Communicating and Working Effectively in Groups |
3.00 |
|
|
Intercultural Communication in the Workplace |
3.00 |
|
|
Communication and Social Change |
3.00 |
|
|
Advanced Business Communication |
3.00 |
|
|
Advanced Public Speaking |
3.00 |
|
|
Global Media and Communication |
3.00 |
|
|
New Media and Society |
3.00 |
|
|
Understanding and Managing Interpersonal Conflict |
3.00 |
|
|
Intercultural Conflict in Interpersonal Relationships |
3.00 |
|
|
Select two courses from the following options: |
||
| PHIL 1101 | Critical Thinking |
3.00 |
| PHIL 1102 |
Values and Contemporary Issues |
3.00 |
|
Business Ethics |
3.00 |
|
|
Logical Reasoning |
3.00 |
|
|
Introduction to Political Science |
3.00 |
|
|
An Introduction to Psychology (I) |
3.00 |
|
|
An Introduction to Psychology (II) |
3.00 |
|
|
Introduction to Sociology |
3.00 |
|
|
Social Issues |
3.00 |
|
|
Behaviour in Organizations |
3.00 |
|
|
Select two elective courses: |
||
| 1000 level or higher university transferable Arts or Science* |
6.00 |
|
|
Total Credits |
|
30.00 |
* A University Transferable course is a course that transfers to one of the Research Universities - SFU, UBC (UBCV or UBCO), UNBC or UVIC in the BC Transfer Guide.
All 30 credits in the Communications Certificate also apply towards an Associate of Arts (AA) degree. The 18 credits of CMNS courses in the Certificate fulfill the minimum CMNS credits required for an AA degree with a specialization in CMNS. Students wanting to continue their studies to complete an AA (CMNS) will have to complete an additional 30 credits and meet other degree requirements, including taking 3 credits in ENGL and some science/math/computing/breadth requirements. For details, see the Associate of Arts (CMNS) degree.
Program Guidelines
Program Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this program and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the program, consider the previous version as the applicable version.
Testimonials
Media maven in the making
Communications student Domunique Booker will bring her game off the court with a career as a sports broadcaster.
Career Pathways
Graduates of the Communications Certificate Program work in entry-level positions in the fields of communications and public relations. Those who want to continue their studies can complete an additional year in communications and other arts courses to earn an Associate of Arts Degree with a specialization in Communications.