Bachelor of Digital Communications (Honours) Humber College - Lakeshore Campus, Canada

Humber’s Bachelor of Digital Communications degree program explores the dynamic media environment and the cultural, social, economic and political implications of digital innovation. Communications studies are becoming recognized as one of the most significant social sciences in the 21st century. Increasingly, worldviews are shaped through messages received from television, film, the internet, social media and a host of media arts, with profound impacts on how the world and the self are viewed. The construction of everyday lives and identities are negotiated through digital media and social networks which influence how we live, the products we produce and consume, and how we connect.

This program is rigorous and innovative, developing digital storytellers who are skilled in writing, visual communication, web applications and social media. You will build significant business acumen while working in an environment where creative ideas and methods cross-pollinate. As you gain technical competency, you will collaborate and innovate with peers, faculty and visitors, building personal communication and networking skills. Intensive lectures and labs provide direction and practical experience, sharpening technical skills and stimulating critical discourse, using student work as a starting point. Access to studios and computing spaces enables reflective and collaborative project work. Historical, legal, ethical and theoretical considerations are built into the creative process.

As part of the program, you will engage with an array of courses designed to deepen your awareness of your roles as a citizen conscious of the social, political, environmental and cultural contexts of their work. Senior students in this program specialize in advanced communication theory and techniques. A culminating capstone project showcases their abilities and learning, and serves as a platform for launching a career in digital and social media co-ordination, media relations, and many other mass communications fields. Graduates may also choose to further their studies at the master’s level.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Employ distinctive communication styles grounded in a thorough understanding of communication theories, and historical and contemporary trends in visual design and media technologies.
• Create effective media strategies based on insightful audience analysis, principles of branding and marketing and revenue generation and media law and ethics.
• Critically analyze and interpret media messages, comprehending the historical, social, commercial and cultural impact of representational, explanatory, abstract and symbolic images.
• Gather, review, evaluate, interpret and express information using a range of well-developed analytic and creative methodologies.
• Operate as informed producers and consumers of media communications recognizing the aims of commercial business, nonprofits, government, and community enterprise.
• Apply innovative media strategies to effectively analyze and express themes and issues from a range of contexts and perspectives.
• Interpret and apply theoretical and ethical frameworks to identify and solve communication problems in a variety of contexts.
• Present ideas and information accurately and creatively using written, oral, audio-visual and web-based formats.
• Reflect on communication strategies and practices from a range of perspectives and willingly adapt, revise, edit, and develop improvements.
• Manage communication projects effectively, employing a professional attitude towards responsibility, initiative, collaboration, adaptability, accountability and ethical use of resources.
• Integrate leadership and influence skills with accountability in media content creation.
• Direct own continuous learning, pursuing opportunities for constant renewal of skills and knowledge.

Work Placement
Students will participate in one mandatory work placement in the summer between Semester 6 and 7. The placement provides students with an opportunity to gain experience and meet professionals in the digital communications sector. Many of the placements are offered in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), a hub for the communications industry in Canada and home to numerous media, non-profit, marketing, public relations and other private sector companies.