- Level
- 2-Year Associate Degree
- Duration
- 2 Year
- Open intakes
-
Off-shoreSep 2026, May 2027
- Field
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Institution
- Private College
- Offer speed
- Fast Offer Speed5–7 days
- Next deadline
- 2026-09-01
Program overview
The Associate of Arts Degree in Communication Concentration at Columbia College provides a comprehensive foundation in communication theories, media studies, and cultural analysis, equipping students with critical skills to navigate the evolving landscape of media and technology. This 2-year program is designed as a pathway to higher education, equivalent to the first two years of a four-year bachelor's degree. It prepares students to seamlessly transfer to a university to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Media Studies, or related fields such as journalism, public relations, or digital media. Offered at the Main Campus in Vancouver, British Columbia, this program is classified as a STEM field by IRCC, making it eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) upon completion.
As part of Columbia College's university transfer offerings, the program emphasizes critical approaches to media in historical, cultural, and social contexts, fostering literacy in information technologies and intercultural understanding. With a diverse student body from over 60 countries, including a significant international cohort, students benefit from a multicultural learning environment that enhances global perspectives on communication practices.
Learning Outcomes and Key Benefits
Upon completing the Associate of Arts Degree in Communication Concentration, students will:
- Develop awareness of social, organizational, and global issues, including the interplay between media, ideology, and popular cultures.
- Gain a strong understanding of the relationship between media and society, exploring dimensions like political economy, cultural industries, and digital transformations.
- Acquire professional verbal and written communication skills transferable to business and creative settings, including intercultural and nonverbal communication.
- Enhance critical thinking skills to evaluate media content, solve communication-related problems, and engage in ethical research.
- Learn to share information effectively using various information and communication technologies, including hands-on media production and analysis.
- Build transferable credits that align with university requirements, ensuring a smooth transition to bachelor's programs.
- Benefit from an accelerated pathway via the trimester system, potentially completing the degree in 16 months, and qualify for PGWP to gain Canadian work experience.
The program promotes personal growth by integrating social sciences, humanities, and arts, helping students become well-rounded communicators adaptable to diverse industries like journalism, advertising, and public relations.
What it costs per year · indicative
Living cost is an estimate; tuition is the institute's published international fee. We confirm exact, current figures before you pay anything.
Do you qualify?
These are the published minimums. Whether your profile fits — with your marks, gap and budget — is exactly what a free counsellor check confirms.
Admission requirements
- Minimum average on the best four academic Grade 12 subjects: 65% for CBSE/ISCE applicants.
- 70% for PSEB and other state boards (reduced by 5% from standard thresholds).
- Up to a 2-year academic gap is accepted.
- Admission is conditional on official transcripts, including CBSE admit cards where applicable.
- Note: Punjabi is not considered for admission calculations in science-related streams, though this program is arts-based.
Backlogs are permitted for undergraduate programs. Conditional admission is available based on Term 1 results.
Open schooling (e.g., NIOS, IGNOU) and private certificates are not accepted. Agent changes are not allowed after deposit or rejection.
English requirements
Documents you'll need typical · we confirm yours
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Class 10 & 12 marksheets and certificates
- English test scorecard (IELTS / PTE / TOEFL) or MOI certificate
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Financial proof — bank statement / loan sanction + GIC
- Passport-size photographs
- Study-gap affidavit or work-experience letter (if applicable)
Getting documents right is the #1 reason applications succeed or get refused — our team checks every file before submission.
Career opportunities
- Journalism and Media: Pursue positions such as journalist, multimedia writer, sports reporter, or news anchor, with starting salaries around $41,770–$63,624 CAD in Canada.
- Public Relations and Advertising: Work as a public relations specialist, advertising consultant, or fundraiser, earning approximately $50,000–$70,000 CAD, focusing on communications strategy and client relations.
- Marketing and Social Media: Become a social media strategist, marketing coordinator, or content specialist, with average salaries of $60,000 CAD, handling digital campaigns and community management.
- Event Planning and Non-Profit: Enter roles like event planner, volunteer coordinator, or community outreach worker, with salaries around $45,000–$65,000 CAD, involving organization and stakeholder engagement.
- Corporate Communications: Secure positions as communications specialist or assistant, earning $50,000–$75,000 CAD, focusing on internal/external messaging and crisis management.
- University Transfer: Seamlessly enter the third year of a Bachelor's degree in Communication, Media Studies, or Journalism at universities like UBC or SFU, leading to advanced roles in media production or communications strategy.
About Columbia College
- Type
- College
- Ownership
- Private
- Rating
- ★ 4.7
- Reference No.
- O19279591302
