Honours Program

Learn more about the Communications Honours program.

An Honours Bachelor of Arts in Communications designation is extended to exceptional students who complete supplementary coursework with distinction.  Qualified students can take advantage of the program to pursue career opportunities or to prepare for graduate study.

The School offers two Honours degree options. Option A pairs students with a faculty member to produce an extended research paper or equivalent project over two semesters. In Option B, students complete more 400-level courses, in addition to the regular degree requirements for upper division courses (see details on required credits below). 

Option A: Honours Project

The Honours Project option is an excellent opportunity for students who:

  • plan to pursue advanced studies
  • want to focus their energies on a particular project, concern or topic
  • want to learn how to prepare a proposal
  •  are curious about project management
  • dream of putting their methods skills to work
  • want to start applying course-based learning to real world issues

This option consists of two courses that are completed in two different semesters.  Students produce a proposal in CMNS 497, which is then implemented in CMNS 498.  Students are paired with a faculty member who is qualified to assist with the design and implementation of their project.

Participants in this program are required to give a 10-minute public presentation about their work at the end of each semester. This presentation always takes place on the day that falls between the end of term and beginning of the exam period. Students considering the honours project option are encouraged to attend these presentations to learn more about the program.

The SFU library maintains an archive of past Honours projects. To browse a collection of past projects, please visit the CMNS Honours Archive in Summit.

For full program details, including admissions requirements, please consult the SFU Calendar.

If you have questions about the Honours Project option, or intend to apply, please contact the program coordinator, Cait McKinney.

Option B: Course Based honours

The Course-Based Honours option is an excellent opportunity for students who:

  • plan to pursue advanced studies
  • would like to explore a range of upper year seminar courses
  • benefit from the structure of a classroom setting
  • prefer to study alongside others
  • intend to combine their Honours with other program options, such as the Dialogue Minor

In order to receive the Course-Based Honours designation, students complete more 400-level courses, in addition to the regular degree requirements for upper division courses. Honours Option B studies must complete a total of 12 Upper Divison CMNS courses:

  • One of CMNS 304W, CMNS 323W, or 455W
  • CMNS 362
  • A minimum of six 400 level CMNS courses

For full program details, including admissions requirements, please consult the SFU Calendar.

Questions?

Cait McKinney

Assistant Professor

T: 778-782-7143
E: cait_mckinney@sfu.ca
Room: K9666