A new bachelor of communications and media studies (B.CoMS) degree program, with a concentration in media production will be offered at Redeemer this fall. The new degree credential builds on the currently offered digital production program in media and communications studies (MCS). With this addition, Redeemer becomes the only Christian university in Canada to offer this degree and further distinguishes itself with its focus on creative production.
“The introduction of the bachelor of communications and media studies signals a continued investment in the arts at Redeemer, offering a degree intentionally targeted towards the applied fine arts, the practical and commercial application of art and design, of which media production will be the first,” says Dr. Kyle Spyksma, associate vice president, academic and dean of institutional effectiveness. “This new degree program, grounded in Redeemer’s liberal arts and Reformed Christian identity, will make use of and build on the traditional fine arts programming offered in art, music, English and MCS, and will lead to industry-related employment opportunities for students.”
By integrating faith and learning, students gain a deeper understanding of how communication and media impact our world, and how they can use their skills to positively contribute to society.
The new program is the third in a series of new degrees announced, including a bachelor of business administration and a bachelor of kinesiology, since the university gained expanded degree-granting authority in 2020. In addition to the current media production concentration, which emphasizes video and filmmaking, there is the potential to add other new streams in the future, such as a digital communication stream that would focus on writing and communications for a digital marketplace.
“Cultivating a strong foundation in communications and media studies within the context of a Christian university provides students with a unique perspective and valuable skills that can be applied to various fields, such as marketing, social media, filmmaking and commercial videography,” says Dr. Murray Stiller, professor of media and communications studies. “By integrating faith and learning, students gain a deeper understanding of how communication and media impact our world, and how they can use their skills to positively contribute to society.”
Existing MCS students may be able to switch into the new B.CoMS program, but also have the option to remain in their current programs and earn their degrees based on the program requirements in place prior to the program changes in MCS. Students interested in taking programming in this area will have the option to enrol in the consolidated MCS General Major, the minor, or the new B.CoMS media production concentration.