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Bachelor of Digital Communications

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Program Code: DC411
Credential: Honours Degree
Start Dates: September
Program Length: 8 semesters
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Humber is proud to have the highest graduate employment and employer satisfaction rate of the GTA colleges based on Colleges Ontario’s key performance indicators for college graduates in 2022-2023.

Program Overview

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

Courses


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Work-Integrated Learning  

Students will gain practical, hands-on experience in the industry by completing a mandatory which takes place in the summer semester between years 3 and 4. After completing a field experience preparation course, students will be supported in marketing themselves to prospective employers to find a field experience that aligns with their personal career goals.

The Humber Advantage

Media & Creative Arts Students Vote for the Future

Students from more than eight Media & Creative Arts programs worked with Villamedia to test the company's AI-driven generative art project, Vote for Peace, and to learn how the technology may be used in the future.

valhaven island

In a rapidly changing digital landscape, Transmedia creates multi-dimensional storytelling experiences that provides audiences the opportunity to be engaged like never before. Immersive, collaborative and deeply engaging, Transmedia revolves around the telling of stories using a variety of platforms. The overall narrative experience is intended to be enhanced by audience engagement with each successive platform.

Use your digital media skills to succeed in the evolving field of communications. Human Resources and Skills Development Canada forecasts that communications job openings will increase over the next decade.

Expert Faculty

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You'll learn from professors who have real-world experience, advanced academic credentials and connections to industry. Our professors are committed to providing you with practical, hands-on training as well as rich theoretical perspectives to help you achieve the career you want.

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Alison Gelata

MCM - McMaster University
BA - McMaster University
GC - Humber College

Brian Hastings

MA - Ryerson University
BJ - Ryerson University

Gemma Richardson

PhD – Western University
MA – University of Windsor

BJ - Carleton University
 
Professor and Program Co-ordinator

Jessica Thom

PhD (Media Studies) – Western University
MA (Communication and Culture) – York University/Ryerson University
BFA – Ryerson University
Professor

Jessica Duffin Wolfe

PhD - University of Toronto
MA - University of Toronto
BA - McGill University
Professor

Kenneth Chou

MFA - Ryerson University

BFA - Ryerson University

Naeema Farooqi

PhD – University of Liverpool, UK
MA – Coventry University, UK
MBA - QAU, Pakistan
 
Professor

Robert Sischy

MDM - Ryerson University

BA - York University

Steven James May

PhD (Communication and Culture) - York University & Ryerson University
MA (Media Production) - Ryerson University
BAA (Honours) Radio and Television Arts - Ryerson University
BAS (Honours) Administrative Studies - Trent University
Professor


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Kenneth Chou

Kenneth Chou is a graduate of the School of Image Arts, Ryerson University. He’s had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients spanning industries from the performing arts, literature, and film and television. His work has been published in Macleans, the Globe and Mail, and on the BBC. While working with The Glenn Gould Foundation, Ken had the honour of photographing the renowned soprano Jessye Norman, and the iconic composer Philip Glass. Besides being an educator and photographer, he is also the co-founder of Better than Fine Inc, a production company specializing in digital content creation, and media strategy.

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Alison Gelata

Alison spent more than fifteen years in agency, industry and education leading integrated communications portfolios. Starting out agency-side, she worked for two award-winning public relations firms based in Toronto. Her work has involved integrated campaign management, crisis communications, and, most intensively, digital strategy. Her most recent role before moving to teaching and research was leading digital communications for the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Engineering. In addition to teaching at Humber, Alison is a sessional lecturer with Ryerson University and the University of Toronto Mississauga through a partnership program in Digital Enterprise Management with Sheridan College.

Alison possesses a master’s degree in Communications Management from McMaster University where she completed research focussed on building trust through digital engagement in the health sector. Earlier in her academic studies she completed her bachelor of arts degree at McMaster University, followed by postgraduate certification in public relations from Humber College.

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Steven May

Steven May is a professor in Humber College's Faculty of Media & Creative Arts. May holds a PhD in Communication & Culture from Toronto Metropolitan (Ryerson) University and York University. His core research interest is television distribution in the digital age.

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Sheila Sampath

Sheila Sampath (she/they) is an activist, designer and educator working at the intersection of creativity, capacity-building and social change. Currently, she is a professor in the Bachelor of Digital Communications program at Humber College and a community mentor in Sketch’s NextUp! Mentorship program. She is also the editorial and art director of Shameless, Canada’s intersectional feminist voice for people of marginalized genders, and the principal and creative director at The Public, a community-centred social justice design studio she founded in 2008. From 2014 to 2019, she was an assistant professor of alternative and speculative practices at OCAD University. In 2013, Sheila published her first book, Letters Lived, a collection of reflections from feminist activists.

Sheila has served on the board of the Toronto Rape Crisis Centre/Multicultural Women Against Rape (where she was also a counsellor, organizer and support worker) and the South Asian Visual Arts Centre, and is currently on the program advisory committee of the George Brown assaulted women and children’s counsellor/advocate program.

As an educator, Sheila contributed to building a consent culture at OCAD University, co-creating resources and art installations with students that address sexual and gender-based violence. Her mentorship and feminist pedagogical approach won her a faculty of design teaching award.

Sheila's design work has been awarded an RGD So(cial) Good Award, a Planned Parenthood Toronto Choice in Media award, and multiple community impact awards for her health equity campaign work. Sheila was named one of one hundred people of colour anti-racist activists by the Racism Free Ontario campaign, and a 2021 Woman of Distinction from the YWCA Toronto for advancing the lives of women and girls through the arts.

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Jessica Thom

Jessica Thom has a PhD in Media Studies. Jessica studies audiences and users of new media technologies with a focus on news and credibility. In the past Jessica has studied advertising, news, audiences, filmmakers, film, and media.

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Jessica Wolfe

Jessica Duffin Wolfe teaches interactive design and digital storytelling in the Digital Communications, Journalism, and Film degree programs at Humber’s Lakeshore campus. Before joining Humber, she completed a PhD in English, Book History, and Print Culture, and worked as a critic, magazine editor, and web developer. She’s taught previously at OCAD University and the University of Toronto, and is working to develop Humber’s immersive storytelling capacity. You can learn more about her writing and projects at her website: https://jessicaduffinwolfe.com

Study Abroad

We offer many global opportunities for you to explore during your time at Humber! We live in a very interconnected world and by participating in a global opportunity, not only will you gain new skills, but you may also be eligible for academic credits and/or co-curricular record (CCR). Some of the global opportunities at Humber include Summer Abroad, Semester Exchange, faculty-led trips, Humber Global Summer School and many others! To learn more, please visit Humber Global Opportunities.

Your Career

In the digital age, communicators have far more reach than ever before to tell stories, share images and influence opinions. As many organizations change to reflect the communication needs of the public, there are opportunities for people with modern skillsets to begin their careers. Graduates may find positions in the digital media industry or as communication professionals within commercial, non-profit, governmental or other organizations. Job titles of recent graduates include social media co-ordinator, content production co-ordinator, digital communications specialist, production assistant, portfolio manager, and assistant designer among many others.

Program Availability

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Course-Based Lakeshore Open
Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Course-Based Lakeshore Open

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students in Canada who apply for May 2024 start could be eligible for a $1,000 Scholarship*. Apply now

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Course-Based Lakeshore Open

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students Out of Canada can Apply through Humber International

Recruitment Events

Open House   Book a Tour  

Can't make it to campus?

Experience Humber Virtually  

1st Annual Digital Communications Capstone Presentation: Showcasing Digital Storytellers

Calvin - student of the Digital Communications program

Watch the video to see how students presented a wide variety of digital projects, all created and presented by the program's first graduating cohort!


News Feed

Senior Dean Update: Media & Creative Arts Anti-Racism Action Plan

Senior Dean Update: Media & Creative Arts Anti-Racism Action Plan

Fri, October 15, 2021

In June 2020, I committed the FMCA to seven action items to address the attitudes, behaviours and structures that act as barriers for students from Indigenous and equity-deserving communities.

Read More
Update: Humber Music Solidarity One Year On

Update: Humber Music Solidarity One Year On

Fri, October 15, 2021

In June 2020, Humber Music faculty pledged to address systemic racism and gender discrimination in the music programs by working with students, alumni, administrators, and industry experts

Read More
A Message from the Senior Dean: Music Degree Update

A Message from the Senior Dean: Music Degree Update

Tue, April 27, 2021

Over the past few months, the Faculty of Media & Creative Arts began a review of our Bachelor of Music program delivery.

Read More
From classroom to boardroom: Humber student launches eco-friendly business

From classroom to boardroom: Humber student launches eco-friendly business

Thu, April 15, 2021

Xana Mills is a graduating Bachelor of Digital Communications student. We caught up with Xana via email to hear more about her business and how it developed over her time at Humber.

Read More

No news at this time.

Ministry Consent

Humber College has been granted a consent by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities to offer this applied degree for a seven-year term starting March 10, 2022. Humber College shall ensure that all students admitted to the above-named program during the period of consent will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame.

Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.

Contact Us

Admissions Questions

General Enquiries

Call 416-675-3111 or email enquiry@humber.ca. If you have already applied, be sure to check your application status on myhumber.ca.

Domestic Applicants Enquiries

Domestic applicants can book a one-on-one advising appointment with an admissions representative.

International Applicants Enquiries

Contact the International Centre for information about full-time programs (including the International Graduate School), how to apply and to follow up on your submitted application.

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Jessica Thom, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 3218
jessica.thom@humber.ca

Campus Information

Book a campus tour to take a closer look at what it's like to be a student at Humber.

Want More Info?

Find out more about the student experience and everything that Humber has to offer Future Students.

for more info on Humber, including programs, special events and more!

How To Become An Apprentice

Becoming an Apprentice

Find an employer willing to sponsor you as an apprentice.

Contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to register as an apprentice.

Work with your employer approximately one year before attending Humber.

View Instructions 

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

If you’re in high school – grade 11 or 12 – you can earn co-op education credits through work placements in some skilled trades.

Visit OYAP 

How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of the space in the program.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Need Advice?

Program Advising Appointments

Get help narrowing down your program options or book a one-on-one pre-enrolment advising appointment with one of our Recruitment Officers.

Transfer & Pathway Advising

Book a virtual appointment with a Student Mobility Advisor learn more about getting Transfer Credit(s) for previous post-secondary experience, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), and Pathways options.

Admission Requirements

Admission selection is based on the academic criteria indicated. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

Admission selection is based on the following three requirements:

  • Academic

    To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following:

    • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent including these required courses:
      • Grade 12 English (ENG4U or equivalent) minimum 65 per cent
      • Five Grade 12 U or M courses in addition to the course listed above
      • Overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent

    or

    or

    Mature Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or other postsecondary school, and will be 19 or older as of the first day of classes. Humber will invite you for testing to demonstrate that you meet all listed course requirements.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or attended postsecondary studies, and will be 21 or older as of the first day of classes. Mature applicants for degree programs will be required to meet course requirements at the U/M level or equivalent.

    College Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent in the program. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

    University Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

  • English Language Proficiency

    All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy.

  • International Credit Evaluation

    Canadian citizens or permanent residents with international education are required to provide a credential evaluation. Note, for international High school education course by course evaluations, ICAS must be used. For international post-secondary education, a WES evaluation must be provided. In situations where you expect to apply for transfer credit, it is recommended that a course by course WES evaluation is completed.

International Academic Equivalency

Admission equivalencies for Humber depend on your country of study. Please enter your location or choose detect my location to see the requirements for your country below.

Post-Admission Requirements

Once you have been accepted, and have confirmed your offer, you may need to complete a further set of requirements related to your program (Post-Admission Requirements).

N/A

Equipment & Device Requirements

Fall 2020

Details and Specifications Minimum Specs Recommended Specs
Mac or PC with minimum specs 8GB RAM, 2 GB of GPU VRAM, Windows 10 (PC)
OS 10.15 (Mac) for PCs
Intel® 7thGen or newer CPU – or AMD equivalent, 16 GB of RAM for HD media, 4 GB of GPU VRAM

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Jessica Thom, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 3218
jessica.thom@humber.ca

Fees & Financial Aid

The 2024/2025 fee for two semesters is:

  • domestic: $7,440.86
  • international: $21,470.18

Fees are subject to change.

Fees by Semester

Domestic Fees International Fees

Additional Costs

$100 - $400 - textbooks, subscriptions and printing costs (per semester).

Financial Aid, Scholarships and Bursaries

Understand the costs associated with coming to Humber and explore resources available from first year to your final year on Student Fees and Financial Resources.

Scholarships

Humber Degree Scholarships

Humber awards degree scholarships automatically to graduating high school students based on academic achievement. See this following chart for details. Some of the scholarships are renewable each year if you maintain an average of 80 per cent or more.

95%+ $4,000 renewable
90 - 94.9% $3,500 renewable
85 - 89.9% $3,000 renewable
80 - 84.9% $2,000 renewable
75 - 79.9% $1,500 one time

Degree Transfer Scholarships ($1,500 - $2,500)

Humber automatically awards degree transfer scholarships to students entering any Humber degree program who have completed a one-year Ontario college certificate* or a two- or three-year diploma with a GPA of 80 per cent or more from a publicly-funded college. Students who have achieved a program GPA of 80 per cent or more will be awarded a one-time scholarship of $1,500 for a certificate program or $2,500 for a diploma program in recognition of their academic achievement. Certificates and diplomas do not have to be related to the degree program of choice and are not tied to the eligibility for advanced standing or transfer credit. No application is required

80%+ Certificate | $1,500

One Time 80%+ Diploma | $2,500

Humber Scholarships

Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships. International students can visit International Student Scholarships.

Humber Bursaries

Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.

External Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.

Indigenous Student Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.

Explore Opportunities through Humber Pathways

Humber Pathways include:

  • Opportunities to build on your college education and complete your diploma or degree at Humber.
  • Degree and graduate study opportunities at other institutions in Ontario, Canada and abroad.
View Pathways Into This Program  
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