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Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Code: 52.0501
International students graduating from the Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication program may be eligible to apply for a Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) if they meet all the eligibility criteria as outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

What is Online Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication

The online Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication (BABC) is an interdisciplinary program that will develop your knowledge of media, cultural studies and business alongside theoretical and practical skills. The communication methods learned and media training students get throughout this program are relevant to careers in professional writing, journalism, public relations, communications, and advertising.

Graduates of the BABC program will be able to

  1. Use communication theories to assess basic issues in cultural contexts.
  2. Critique communication media influence on audience perceptions of issues, events, products and services.
  3. Evaluate the effectiveness and integration of all types of media and communications.
  4. Demonstrate communication-oriented research and information-seeking strategies.
  5. Create ethically and legally sound content for a variety of forms of media and markets.
  6. Integrate media and content to communicate persuasively to specific audiences.
  7. Apply communication methods to business problems and contexts.
  8. Demonstrate critical thinking and reflection skills in course deliverables.
  9. Work productively in a collaborative environment.

What are the Benefits of Studying Online?

Studying online comes with a variety of benefits. You can choose flexible hours to fit around any commitments you may have, be it personal or professional. With video lectures, and all course materials provided, you won’t feel any less prepared than those who’ve studied on campus.

Online study is becoming increasingly popular because of the increased flexibility it offers. Studying online means that you can work on professional development while obtaining an academic qualification. This will make you more prepared when it comes to securing employment in a managerial position.

Why study Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication online?

  1. Access to online resources to help with your studies
  2. Learn from dedicated and experienced lecturers, who provide online support
  3. Access to an international network of students
  4. Great flexibility, allowing you to balance your studies with other commitments
  5. Benefit from progression in your professional and personal life

The Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication content is delivered online via:

Explore Our Hybrid BABC

Combine in-person classes and online guided learning to get the best of both world's with UCW's Hybrid BABC.

Online BABC Course Structure

Students will join a cohort when they start their first term and will progress through the first term of their program together by taking three core courses. Core courses will be offered on multiple days and at different times.   
In subsequent terms, students have the flexibility to choose the sequence in which they enroll in courses if they meet the pre-requisite requirements. 
Students pursuing a BABC degree part-time will progress at a different pace through the cohort system.  

Elective courses are offered in accordance with the annual course rotation plan published by the University. Students are encouraged to review the course rotation plan and consult with Academic Advisors to create a program plan that fits their needs.

For further information about the Cohort System see this  FAQ

ENGL 100 - Academic Writing   

BUSI 100 - Business Fundamentals   

CPSC 111 - Business Analytics

Block 1

COMM 140 - Business Communications   

ECON 105 - Economics for Business   

COMM 102 - Mass Media & Society  

COMM 105 - Conversational Writing Tools 3   

COMM 205 - Writing for Media.
Pre-requisite: Completion of 15 credits including ENGL 100 

Elective 1 (1XX or 2XX)

Elective 2 (1XX or 2XX)   

Elective 3 (1XX or 2XX)   

Elective 4 (1XX or 2XX)
Pre-requisite: Completion of 15 credits 

Block 2

COMM 260 - Content Creation
Pre-requisite: Completion of 30 credits including COMM 105 

BUSI 201 - Business Environment
Pre-requisite: Completion of 30 credits 

MRKT 201 - Marketing Management
Pre-requisite: Completion of 30 credits

ORGB 201 - Organizational Behaviour
Pre-requisite: Completion of 30 credits including ENGL 100 

PHIL 210 - Business Ethics
Pre-requisite: Completion of 30 credits 

MRKT 223 - Digital Marketing Strategy
Pre-requisite: Completion of 30 credits including MRKT 201 

WORK 298 - Career Preparation
Pre-requisite: Completion of 30 credits 

Elective 5 (3XX or 4XX)
Pre-requisite: Completion of 45 credits 

Elective 6 (3XX or 4XX)
Pre-requisite: Completion of 45 credits 

Block 3

COMM 360 - Digital Storytelling
Pre-requisite: Completion of 60 credits including COMM 105 

Elective 7 (3XX or 4XX)
Pre-requisite: Completion of 60 credits 

Elective 8 (3XX or 4XX)
Pre-requisite: Completion of 60 credits 

Elective 9 (3XX or 4XX)
Pre-requisite: Completion of 60 credits including BUSI 100 

CPSC 311 - Data Visualization & Stories
Pre-requisite: Completion of 60 credits including CPSC 111 

COMM 312 - Professional Communications
Pre-requisite: Completion of 60 credits including COMM 140 

PUBR 304 - Risk and Crisis Communication
Pre-requisite: Completion of 60 credits including COMM 205 

Elective 10 (3XX or 4XX)
Pre-requisite: Completion of 60 credits 

Elective 11 (3XX or 4XX)
Pre-requisite: Completion of 60 credits

Block 4

COMM 405 – Writing: Media Communications-2
Pre-requisite: Completion of 90 credits including COMM 205 

MGMT 401 - Project Management
Pre-requisite: Completion of 90 credits 

Elective 12 (3XX or 4XX)
Pre-requisite: Completion of 90 credits 

COMM 496 – Current Communication Topics
Pre-requisite: Completion of 90 credits including COMM 405 

Elective 13 (3XX or 4XX)
Pre-requisite: Completion of 90 credits 

Elective 14 (3XX or 4XX)
Pre-requisite: Completion of 90 credits

COMM 410 - Communication Strategy
Pre-requisite: Completion of 90 credits including COMM 405 

Elective 15 (3XX or 4XX)
Pre-requisite: Completion of 90 credits 

Elective 16 (3XX or 4XX)
Pre-requisite: Completion of 90 credits

WORK 490 - Communication Capstone Project
Pre-requisite: Completion of 90 credits including WORK 298 and COMM 410 

Elective Area

The University follows professional trends in industry closely and develops elective areas that reflect the best professional standards in specific fields. Although students cannot earn a formal credential by completing an elective area, it can be a great way to shape their degree. Currently, UCW offers the following elective area in the Business Communication degree:

One of the fastest growing fields in communication is communication management. By taking selected advanced business courses and applying them to communications projects this elective area provides the training for those who hope to manage complex communications projects and departments in industry. To complete the Communications Management elective area students must, in addition to the required core courses, take:

MGMT 403 (3)—Strategic Management

Students examine the governance, corporate social responsibility and strategy of an organization including the development, formulation and implementation of business level and corporate strategy. Students explore tools used in the development and formulation of strategy and that ensure effective and efficient management of performance. They develop concrete plans for organizational transformation based on case studies using environmental scanning and industry analysis tools. Prerequisite: Completion of 60 credits. Non-Course Prerequisite/ Corequisite: Highly recommended in Tier 4

BUSI 323 — E-Business 

The Internet is growing as a basis of commerce. Issues of website design, transaction effectiveness and financial security are evaluated within the context of the business models used by corporations. The so-called “brick and click” value proposition is compared with pure Internet plays. Legal and intellectual property questions are also discussed. Students learn to match e-business techniques to organizational strategies.

MRKT 302 — Integrated Marketing Communications 

Marketing communication is a key part of business and society. Students examine how the various forms of marketing communications are used to help fulfill the overall strategy of the enterprise. The role of integrated marketing communications in marketing is explored in a practical way and the relationship among the planning process, creative strategies and media selection are examined. Students analyze the social and economic roles that integrated marketing communications play in profit and non-profit organizations. Prerequisite: MRKT 201

OPMT 301 — Operations Management 

This course investigates the development and administration of activities that are involved in transforming financial, human, physical and natural resources into products and services. Quality and productivity are critical outcomes of logistical operating systems. Students explore system-wide methods of integrating efficient processes, both technical and human. Prerequisite: BUSI 100

MGMT 401 — Project Management

In the contemporary business environment, project teams serve as a fundamental component of organizational operations. This course provides a comprehensive examination of project management, focusing on the effective management of project teams and the achievement of successful project outcomes. Upon completion, students will possess the necessary skills to lead and manage project teams, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in alignment with strategic objectives. Prerequisite: BUSI 100 and Completion of 60 credits.

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Academic Standing

Students must remain in Good Academic Standing to continue their studies at UCW. For full details about Academic Standing, refer to the current Academic Calendar here.

Entry Requirements

Canadian High School (Grade 12) diploma or equivalent with an overall average of C or better (2.0 on a 4.33 scale)

AND

Academic IELTS – 6.5 or better with a minimum of 6.0 in the writing band, or equivalent (for students whose first language is not English). More information is available in the English Proficiency section of this website.

You can complete the English pathway courses (University Access Program) in order to meet the English proficiency requirements of the Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication program.

Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)

A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is required for prospective international students studying at UCW. To learn more, visit the PAL page on our website.

Graduation Requirements

UCW students must fulfill the program requirements in place at the time of their intake. For full details about Graduation Eligibility please refer to the current or relevant publication of the Academic Calendar.

Alumni and Student Testimonials

Online BABC Tuition Fees

Tuition deposit for international students: $3,000

First term tuition deposit for domestic students: $500

**Additional costs related to textbooks and materials for each course are not included in tuition. Textbooks cost an average of $105 per course.

Tuition and fees at UCW are reviewed annually and adjusted, typically by up to 5%. Any changes take effect in January and will be communicated to students a few months in advance via email, prior to the start of the affected term.

This program is offered under the written consent of the Minister effective July 22, 2024, having undergone a quality assessment process and been found to meet the criteria established by the Minister. Nevertheless, prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and the degree will be appropriate to their needs (for example, acceptable to potential employers, professional licensing bodies, or other educational institutions).

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Online Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication at UCW is fully recognized in Canada, meeting all provincial regulatory and quality standards.

Do’s:

  • Actively engage in lectures, discussions and team assignments.
  • Participate in real-world case studies and collaborative tasks.
  • Practice clear, concise written and multimedia communication.

Don’ts:

  • Avoid letting your participation lapse—online learning needs consistency.
  • Don’t skip deadlines or teamwork—it affects outcomes more in virtual environments.
  • Steer clear of passive learning—ask questions, seek feedback, stay connected.
  • Delivery Mode: Online is fully virtual; hybrid (in-person and online guided learning) involves in-person sessions.
  • Flexibility: Online allows schedule flexibility; hybrid offers face-to-face interaction.
  • Teaching Style: Hybrid offers more live interaction, while online relies on digital materials and self-discipline.

Yes, the degree holds the same value, as it’s the same credential. Employers also generally see both as the same degree.

Yes. Online students have access to the same virtual services as students completing their programs in hybrid delivery mode.

Students completing the online program are able to submit a 'Program Transfer Request' in the MyUCW Student portal should they wish to switch to the hybrid program. These requests are reviewed for approval by the Registrar's Office.

International students are responsible for evaluating whether they will be eligible for the Post-Graduate Work Permit, if they transfer between programs in accordance will the most up-to date criteria provided by Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada.

In many cases, yes, employers treat online communication degrees the same as traditional ones, especially when the degree comes from a recognized, accredited institution.

What matters most to employers is:

  • Accreditation of the school or program
  • The relevance of your skills and experience
  • Your ability to communicate effectively in real-world settings

That said, perceptions can vary by industry and individual employer. Some may still favour traditional degrees for roles that emphasize in-person collaboration, while others value the self-discipline and digital fluency often developed through online learning.

Explore our campuses

University Canada West is an innovative business and technology-oriented institution located in the heart of vibrant Vancouver. Established in 2004, UCW offers a range of career-focused programs including the Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication, Associate of Arts and Master of Business Administration. Courses are offered at our two downtown Vancouver campuses and online too. Offering courses online brings flexibility to education, allowing those who may not have otherwise had the opportunity to gain respected qualifications.