University Program Information

Program Overview

The University of the Fraser Valley offers a two-year Associate of Arts degree with a specialization in Media and Communications Studies (MACS). This program provides students with a comprehensive foundation in media and communication, contextualized within the current digital revolution impacting the global economy.

Program Details

• Focus Areas:
  • Evolution of mass media, advertising, and social media channels.
  • The relationship between different media types and society, including their public service functions.
  • Development of media literacy to evaluate and use media effectively and with integrity.
• Skills Development:
  • Critical thinking.
  • Writing proficiency.
  • Communication skills.
  • Presentation capabilities.

Career Outlook

Graduates from the Associate of Arts degree in Media and Communications Studies are positioned to succeed in various entry-level job roles across multiple sectors:

• Human resources
• Sales
• Customer service
• Hospitality
• Education
• Business

Additional opportunities may exist in fields such as:

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

Future Opportunities

The program serves as a gateway for further academic pursuits, including:

• Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts, English, Visual Arts, Political Science, Sociology, or Peace and Conflict Studies at UFV.
• Transfer options to complete a BA in Communications at UBC, UVic, UNBC, or SFU.

Industry Context

The demand for skilled media and communication professionals is augmented by the growth of digital technologies, with significant opportunities projected through 2028 in advertising, marketing, and public relations. The motion pictures and video industry is thriving, contributing significantly to the economy with an annual revenue of $3.4 billion. Furthermore, the interactive and digital media sector is among the fastest-growing in British Columbia, expanding at a rate of 11% per annum.

This two-year program equips graduates with critical thinking, writing, communication, and presentation skills, preparing them for further studies or entry-level positions in diverse fields.

Objectives:

• Examine the evolution of mass media, advertising, and social media, understanding their impact on interpersonal relationships.
• Analyze how different media serve and shape society.
• Develop critical media literacy skills to evaluate the media consumed daily.
• Hone writing, communication, and presentation skills highly valued by employers.

Outline

Program Content:

The program covers a range of topics including:

• Media and communication history and theory
• Mass media, advertising, and social media analysis
• Media literacy and critical thinking
• Media ethics and responsibility
• Communication and presentation skills
• Writing and research skills

Structure:

The program consists of 60 credits, typically completed over two years. Students take a combination of required and elective courses.

Course Schedule:

Courses are offered throughout the year, with options for full-time or part-time study.

Individual Modules:

• Introduction to Media and Communication: Explores the fundamental concepts of media and communication, including its history, theories, and impact on society.
• Media Literacy: Develops critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate media messages.
• Mass Media: Examines the evolution and impact of various mass media forms, including television, radio, newspapers, and the internet.
• Advertising and Public Relations: Analyzes the strategies and techniques used in advertising and public relations, exploring their ethical implications.
• Social Media: Investigates the rise of social media and its impact on communication, culture, and society.
• Interpersonal Communication: Examines the principles and practices of effective communication in interpersonal relationships.
• Organizational Communication: Explores the communication dynamics within organizations, including leadership, teamwork, and conflict resolution.
• Media Production: Develops skills in producing different media content, such as writing, video, and audio.

Assessment

Assessment Methods:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Exams
• Assignments
• Presentations
• Group projects
• Portfolios

Assessment Criteria:

Assessments are based on the following criteria:

• Knowledge and understanding of course material
• Critical thinking and analysis
• Effective communication and writing skills
• Originality and creativity
• Ability to apply theoretical concepts to practical situations

Teaching

Teaching Methods:

The program utilizes diverse teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Group discussions
• Individual consultations

Faculty:

The program is taught by experienced faculty with expertise in media and communication studies.

Unique Approaches:

The program incorporates hands-on learning experiences, guest speakers, and industry visits to provide students with practical insights and real-world applications of the curriculum.

Careers

Career Paths:

Graduates of the program can pursue careers in various fields, including:

• Media and communication
• Journalism
• Public relations
• Advertising
• Marketing
• Human resources
• Sales
• Customer service
• Education
• Business

Career Opportunities:

The program prepares students for entry-level positions in various industries, such as:

• Television and radio
• Film and video
• Digital media
• Computer games
• Journalism
• Writing and publishing
• Public relations
• Advertising
• Marketing
• Business
• Students have the opportunity to participate in internships and co-op programs to gain practical work experience.
• The program is designed to transfer seamlessly to bachelor's degree programs at UFV and other universities in British Columbia, including UBC, UVic, UNBC, and SFU.
• The program is recognized by the BC Association of Broadcasters (BCAB).
• The program is ideal for students who are interested in pursuing careers in the media and communication industry, as well as for those who want to develop their critical thinking, writing, and communication skills.

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is a fully accredited, public university located in the beautiful Fraser Valley of British Columbia, Canada, just east of Vancouver. Enrolling approximately 15,000 students per year across campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, as well as a growing presence in Chandigarh, India, UFV is a comprehensive university that combines the variety of a large institution with the small class sizes and personal connections of a community-focused one. Students come to UFV to learn in a hands-on environment where they know their instructors and are known in return.

UFV is situated in the traditional territory of the Stó:lō peoples. The Stó:lō have an intrinsic relationship with what they refer to as S'olh Téméxw (Our Sacred Land), and UFV expresses its gratitude and respect for the honour of living and working in this territory.

Changemaking

At UFV, changemaking is not a slogan; it is the organizing principle of the university's identity. As a designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, UFV prepares students to lead collaboratively, think critically and contribute to stronger communities through innovation, reciprocity and a shared commitment to positive social change. Changemaking at UFV means turning knowledge into action, connecting learning to the real challenges facing communities in the Fraser Valley, British Columbia and the world beyond.

Academic structure

UFV is organized across six colleges, faculties and a school:

• College of Arts
• Faculty of Education, Community, and Human Development
• Faculty of Applied and Technical Studies
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Business and Computing
• Faculty of Science
• School of Graduate Studies

Programs

UFV offers more than 100 programs across academic, vocational, continuing education and trades pathways, including three master's degrees, 21 bachelor's degrees with majors, minors and extended minors in more than 35 subject areas, four graduate certificates, and more than a dozen trades and technology programs. Programs are available across a wide range of disciplines:

• Arts, humanities and social sciences: Bachelor of Arts in History, English, Philosophy, Communications, Political Science, Indigenous Studies, Global Development Studies, Latin American Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, and more
• Business and management: Bachelor of Business Administration, Business Administration Diploma and Certificate, Agriculture Management BBA, Trades Management BBA, Accounting Certificate, Marketing and Sales Certificate
• Computing and technology: Computing Science BSc, Computer Information Systems (Bachelor, Diploma, Certificate), Automation and Robotics Technician Diploma, Engineering Physics Mechatronics Diploma, Engineering Common Core Certificate
• Creative arts and design: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic and Digital Design BFA and Diploma, Creative Writing BA and BFA.
• Education: Bachelor of Education, Adult Education Degree, Early Childhood Education Certificate and Diploma, TESL Certificate, Master of Education (Educational Leadership and Mentorship)
• Health sciences: Nursing BSc, Practical Nursing Diploma, Certified Dental Assistant Certificate, Child Life and Community Health Graduate Certificate
• Social work and human services: Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Child and Youth Care BA, Social Service Worker Diploma (Indigenous Focus)
• Trades: Carpentry, Electrician, Plumbing and Piping, Welding, Automotive Service, Automotive Collision Repair, Cabinetmaking, Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation, Electronics Technician, and Culinary Arts Certificates
• Indigenous studies: Indigenous Studies BA, Stó:lō Studies Certificate, Social Service Worker (Indigenous Focus) Diploma
• Upgrading and access: Adult Basic Education, English Language Studies, Workplace TASK for adults with disabilities

Campuses

• Abbotsford (main campus): 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, V2S 7M8 — the largest campus, home to the majority of UFV's faculties, research institutes, library, athletics facilities, housing and student services
• Chilliwack: a full-service campus offering a wide range of programs in the eastern Fraser Valley
• Mission: delivering programs and services for Mission-area students
• Hope: outreach and programming for the Hope community
• Chandigarh, India (UFV India): UFV's international campus, extending the university's reach to South Asia

Sustainability

UFV has achieved a Gold sustainability rating from AASHE (the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education), recognising its performance across environmental, social, and governance sustainability dimensions. Sustainability is embedded across campus operations, curriculum and community engagement, and UFV's Peace and Reconciliation Centre has earned international recognition for its work in restorative justice and reconciliation.

Open education

UFV is a leader in open education in British Columbia, committed to making learning more affordable and accessible through open textbooks, open educational resources and flexible learning models. Students who take courses using open textbooks save significantly on the cost of materials, reflecting UFV's belief that quality education should be accessible to everyone regardless of financial means.

Indigenous UFV

Indigenous affairs and reconciliation are woven through UFV's institutional identity. The Indigenous Affairs office, the Indigenous Student Centre, and dedicated programs in Indigenous Studies and Stó:lō Studies reflect a deep commitment to supporting Indigenous students, honouring Indigenous knowledge and advancing reconciliation with the Stó:lō peoples on whose territory the university stands. UFV is actively engaged in implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action in its academic programs and institutional culture.

Research

UFV is an active research university, with faculty engaged in applied and community-focused research across all disciplines. The Centre for the Social Sciences and Humanities, the Peace and Reconciliation Centre, the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies, and multiple research chairs bring structured research activity to the Fraser Valley community. UFV's research approach emphasises community engagement and real-world impact, consistent with its Changemaker Campus identity. Alumni have gone on to achieve notable research and professional milestones, including the development of North America's first mobile, modular soil-washing facility by a UFV alumnus in 2026.

Student life and housing

UFV offers a full range of student services, housing, and co-curricular programming to support student success and wellbeing. The new EverGreen residence on the Abbotsford campus offers modern suites and social spaces. A shuttle bus service connects campuses. Cascades Athletics supports varsity and recreational sport. CIVL Radio gives students a student-run campus radio station. The Academic Advising Centre, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights Office, and a dedicated Safe Student Community programme round out UFV's student support offer.

Contact

• Main address: 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, Canada V2S 7M8
• Phone: 1-604-504-7441
• Toll-free: 1-888-504-7441
• Email: info@ufv.ca

Why UFV

1. A fully accredited Canadian public university enrolling approximately 15,000 students, offering more than 100 programs from trades certificates through to master's degrees
2. A designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, preparing graduates who lead collaboratively, think critically and contribute to positive social change
3. Small class sizes with accessible, dedicated faculty across campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, plus a growing international campus in Chandigarh, India
4. A Gold AASHE sustainability rating and a nationally recognised Peace and Reconciliation Centre, reflecting UFV's commitment to environmental and social responsibility
5. A leader in open education in British Columbia, making learning more affordable through open educational resources across all programs
6. Deep Indigenous roots, with dedicated Indigenous Affairs and Indigenous Student Centre offices, Indigenous Studies and Stó:lō Studies programs, and active reconciliation commitments on Stó:lō territory
7. Located in the Fraser Valley, one of Canada's most scenic and economically dynamic regions, with easy connections to metropolitan Vancouver