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Undergraduate advising

New students

Welcome to the Communication Studies department. As you begin your studies, you can consult the information on this page to ensure you complete your first-year requirements and set the foundation to stay on track for the rest of your degree.

Differences between the two programs

A Venn diagram depicting the intersection of two sets: BA Communication Studies (Circle 1) and BA Communications & Cultural Studies (Circle 2). Circle 1 includes production courses in intermedia, sound, and moving images. Circle 2 includes courses such as COMS225 Media Institutions & Policies, COMS325 Approaches to Communication Research, and COMS425 Advanced Seminar in Cultural Studies. The overlapping region represents all other COMS courses shared between both programs.

Our Communication Studies BA focuses on production courses in intermedia, sound and moving images, fostering creative expression.

Meanwhile, our Communications & Cultural Studies BA delves into Media Institutions & Policies, Approaches to Communication Research and Advanced Seminar in Cultural Studies, emphasizing critical analysis and cultural understanding.

Both programs share a common ground in various other COMS courses, facilitating interdisciplinary learning and collaboration.

Starting off on the right foot

This session will introduce you to your department and provide important information for your academic journey.

Courses

The following courses are the core courses that you will be required to take as a new student in the Department of Communication Studies next year. Spaces in the following sections have been reserved for you. 

A full-time student takes between 12 and 15 credits a term (4-5 courses). Students who wish or need to maintain full time status are advised to begin the Fall term with 12 credits (4 courses). Once comfortable you can register for 15 credits (5 courses) in the winter.

Communication Studies (BA) First-Year Courses

We highly recommend separating the 6 following required introductory COMS courses evenly and taking 9 credits (3 courses) in the fall term and 9 credits (3 courses) in the winter term. In addition, do not take Moving Images and Intermedia in the same term.

Each required introductory course is for 3 credits and has a tutorial or lab component. Please note these courses are not offered in the summer.

  • COMS 205 – Effective Communication Skills (tutorial component)
  • COMS 220 – History of Communication and Media (tutorial component)
  • COMS 240 – Communication Theory (tutorial component)
  • COMS 274 – Communication Media: Intermedia I (lab component)
  • COMS 276 – Communication Media: Sound I (lab component)
  • COMS 284 – Communication Media: Moving Images I (lab component)

Sample schedules

Fall – Term 1

  • COMS 220
  • COMS 240
  • COMS 284
  • Elective

Winter – Term 2

  • COMS 205
  • COMS 274
  • COMS 276
  • Elective

Fall – Term 1

  • COMS 205
  • COMS 274
  • COMS 276
  • Elective

Winter – Term 2

  • COMS 220
  • COMS 240
  • COMS 284
  • Elective

Communication and Cultural Studies (BA) First Year Courses

We highly recommend separating the 4 following required introductory COMS courses evenly and taking 6 credits (2 courses) in the fall term and 6 credits (2 courses) in the winter term. Important to note: COMS 225 must be taken in the fall.  

Each required introductory course is for 3 credits and most have a tutorial component. Please note these courses are not offered in the summer. 

  • COMS 225 – Media Institutions and Policies (offered only in the fall)
  • COMS 205 – Effective Communication Skills (tutorial component) 
  • COMS 220 – History of Communication and Media (tutorial component) 
  • COMS 240 – Communication Theory (tutorial component)

Current students

The following are checklists to track your courses and ensure that you are satisfying your degree requirements. 

Contact

Undergraduate Advisor
Marcella Di Claudio
ugradcoms@concordia.ca
514-848-2424 ext. 5055

Visit the Student Academic Services (SAS) website to find additional advising information and forms.

Useful links

Whether you're seeking essential information and forms, exploring open elective options, considering career pathways, or in need of academic and psychological support services, we're here to guide you every step of the way.

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