Discover Your Future Through Communication Studies

Find flexible Communication Studies pathways at Capilano University to help build your career.

This article was written for Capilano University by Jasper Chu.

If you want to figure out who you are professionally and have a positive impact on your community and the world, Communication Studies at Capilano University provides a versatile skillset to help you realize that in a way that's unique and personally meaningful to you.

Learning to communicate effectively is critical—especially in civil society, public policy, and industry—when informing and convincing your audience. This is why we cover social science approaches to media, communication, and cultural situations, help you apply practical skills in professional writing, editing, and public speaking, and offer a variety of electives to help you find your niche. Throughout the program, you will not only learn about communication theory but also how to apply it every day in your professional life.

Flexible program pathways

Even if you aren't certain about your long-term professional future, CapU offers multiple credentials so you can find exactly what works for you.

Our four-year Bachelor of Communication Studies Degree offers extensive coursework across visual, mass, strategic, intercultural, and interpersonal communication, alongside targeted classes in photojournalism, publishing, media studies, cultural criticism, and communication policy and law.

Alternatively, if you are looking for a shorter pathway—especially if you live in the Sea–to–Sky corridor—we offer highly accessible certificate and diploma streams:

• Communication for Professionals Certificate (8 Months): Running out of our Squamish campus, this time-flexible option is designed to help you make an immediate impact in media-rich workplaces. It covers workplace communication, mass media, public speaking, advanced business writing, interpersonal communication, and advanced presentation skills.
• Communication Studies Diploma (2 Years): This program accelerates your skills in writing, editing, media literacy, and analysis, focusing closely on legacy and digital media and their evolving roles in society and Canada's cultural industries.

Mentorship and small class sizes

With a student-to-faculty ratio of 22:1—among the lowest averages in Canada—you will learn directly from instructors with years of professional experience in communications who will be there for you when you need them.

As an instructor in the program, Masaji Takei explains that through his courses, students' “ability to form new connections has profound implications for their wellbeing.” He adds, “even if they find it daunting at first, students have reported back that they found it the most rewarding part of the process.”

Grace Kim, another dedicated instructor in the program, reflects on her teaching career at the university: “It's an exciting time, even though I have only worked here for about eight years. I can create opportunities and help students be critical, foster curiosity for learning and growth, and even just spread happiness—I think that is an exceptionally powerful responsibility.” Professionally, she notes, “you never know what people are going through on a personal level,” but adds a reassuring reminder for those navigating their early careers: “it is okay not to know what you are doing, and it is also okay to not be okay.”

Real-world success: From CapU to Tesla

The program's focus on practical application prepares graduates to handle complex, real-world dynamics seamlessly. Alumni Teresa Grant shared how the program's built-in practicum “was fundamental to my career success. Both my placements demanded operating effectively in ambiguity and limited direction.”

Now working for Tesla, Grant credits CapU for her professional versatility. “I have been able to navigate my way into a unique position… Building out regional education and community programming has been incredibly rewarding.”

Among the most lasting lessons to her was learning the value of resilience. “Navigating failure effectively… Being able to pursue ‘moon-shot' projects and navigate failure with supportive instructors and classmates instilled a professional resiliency I still carry today.”

Ultimately, Grant's experience speaks for itself: “I have had the privilege of working with post-secondaries across the world, and given the opportunity, I'd choose CapU again.”

Her former instructor, Sue Dritmanis, remembers her as “a memorable student for all the right reasons. Her assignments were thoughtful and well-written, and she asked challenging questions in class.”

Take the next step

If you are interested in learning more about finding your professional niche, you can visit the Capilano University website to explore our Bachelor of Communication Studies Degree, Diploma, and Certificate-level options and learn how to apply now.

We also regularly post about upcoming information sessions on our Events page, where we go into greater detail about everything the program has to offer.