Frequently Asked Questions

Is there anyone who can help me decide which courses I should choose, or otherwise advise me with my program?

Due to the nature of interdisciplinary programming, students must carefully plan their course selection and regularly consult with the program coordinator.

What does CMST prepare me for?

Many CMST graduates have gone on to work in the media (electronic and print), public relations, government, human resources, and business. In addition, CMST has proven to be very helpful in preparing students to continue on to law school. Moreover, MUN's CMST program has proven to be excellent preparation for further study at a graduate level.

Can I do a minor in Communication Studies?

At this time, there is no minor available in CMST.

Can I do an honours degree in Communication Studies?

At this point it is not possible to complete a CMST honours degree. The regular BA in CMST has allowed many of our students to continue on to do graduate studies at many North American universities.

Is it possible to complete the Communication Studies major by distance?

At this point in time it is not yet possible to complete the CMST major by distance. However, many of the courses are available through distance delivery and more courses are planned for future distance delivery.

Will more courses be added as CMST or CMST approved courses?

The program will add further CMST approved courses as they become available and continue to develop CMST courses to complement those already offered.

Are there any scholarships available to CMST students?

At this time there are no scholarships specifically dedicated to CMST, though CMST students qualify for all of the general scholarships. As the program matures, dedicated scholarships will most likely become available for students majoring in CMST.

Are any CMST courses available in the evenings?

When available teaching personnel allows, some CMST courses will be scheduled for delivery in the evening.

Can I go beyond the Bachelor's Degree in Communications?

Currently, Memorial does not have a graduate program in Communications. However, there are a number of graduate programs available at other institutions in Canada and the United States. It is recommended that you make an appointment with the program coordinator to discuss your options.

How do I apply to the Communications Studies Program?

No separate application is necessary to major in Communication Studies. Students simply declare Communication Studies (CMST) as their major in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Students may do this by filling out a Declaration/Change of Program Form, or you can visit the Humanities and Social Sciences iDeclare page

Is it possible to do a co-op program in Communications?

At this time there is no co-op program available in Communication Studies.

Is it possible to incorporate an internship into my CMST major?

The development of an internship program is one of the short term goals of the program; however, at this time there is no internship program available in Communication Studies.

I am already a student at MUN and am wondering if courses that I have already completed can be used towards a major in Communications?

Any courses that have been successfully completed and appear on the list of approved CMST courses (Table 1) can be used toward a major in Communication Studies. Note that if you enroled in the program before September 2o18 and are following that program, any course from the former Table 1 and Table 2 remain eligible.

I've already graduated and would like to add Communications as a major. Do I have to start all over again?

Students who have already graduated do not need to complete another 120 credit hours. They only need to complete the requirements of the CMST major. It is best to seek the advice of the program coordinator as to how best to add CMST as a major. Courses already completed by a graduate, and appearing on Tables 1 and 2 of the list of approved courses, may be used to fulfill the requirement of the CMST major. See regulations in the calendar for further credentials.

What is the difference between Table 1 and Table 2 courses?

Note that this is relevant if you began your program before September 2018 when the revised program takes effect, and you are following the old program. Table 1 courses are considered 'core courses' because the content of these courses are considered to be vital for CMST majors and provide broad knowledge and skills development that every graduating CMST should have.

Table 2 courses provide background knowledge and skills that are important to graduating CMST students. However, these courses are more specialized and their inclusion in a program depends on the goals of the individual graduate. Table 2 courses emphasize the questioning and analysis of media and technology, prioritize how communication relates to social and cultural practices, and/or focus on the mass circulation of ideas and values about culture.

I've found a course offered by a department in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences that looks as though it would be a useful course in my CMST major program. May I use Humanities and Social Sciences courses not listed on either Table 1 or Table 2 toward my CMST major?

Students may request that a given course be considered for inclusion in their list of approved CMST courses. The students must notify the program coordinator in writing (email will do) indicating the course in question. The Program Coordinator may then, in consultation with the Head of the relevant academic unit, request permission from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies for a course to be added to the program. Normally, the addition of a course whose Calendar entry clearly establishes that it is highly relevant to the program shall be approved, and the Committee shall request Senate approval to add the course to the program's Calendar entry.

I've found a course in another faculty that looks as though it would be a useful course in my CMST major program. May I use courses from other faculties toward my CMST major?

Up to 6 credit hours (normally two courses) from outside of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences may be used to fulfill the program requirements of a CMST major. Students may request that a given course from outside of the Faculty of Arts be considered for inclusion in their list of approved CMST courses. The students must notify the program coordinator in writing (email will do) indicating the course in question. The Program Coordinator may then, in consultation with the Head of the relevant academic unit, request permission from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies for a course to be added to the program. Normally, the addition of a course whose Calendar entry clearly establishes that it is highly relevant to the program shall be approved, and the Committee shall request Senate approval to add the course to the program's Calendar entry.

May I use CMST approved courses toward both a major in CMST and a major in another single discipline in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences?

A maximum of 12 credit hours (normally four courses) from an interdisciplinary Humanities and Social Sciences Major may be used to satisfy the requirements of a single disciplinary Minor or second Major, provided they are in accordance with the regulations governing both programs.

Which courses am I required to take to complete the major in communications?

As of the 2018/19 calendar regulations, you must successfully complete 18 credit hours in courses designated as CNST, including CMST 2000, 2001, 3000, and 4000. You must complete another 18 credit hours chosen from Table 1. This may include up to 6 credit hours in non-Communication Studies courses eligible for the Certificate in Film Studies chosen from Table 1 Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Courses for the Certificate in Film Studies. Note that of the 36 total credit hours, a minimum of 15 must be at the 3000 level or above, and include at least 6 credit hours at the 4000 level.

Am I allowed to do more than 36 credit hours in CMST approved courses?

Yes, you may. However, you may only count a maximum of 45 credit hours of CMST approved courses toward your CMST major.

Can anyone take CMST 2000 or 2001?

Yes, CMST 2000 and 2001 are open to all students. The only prerequisite is CMST 2000 when registering for CMST 2001.

Seeing how the initial CMST courses (2000 and 2001) appear to be second-year courses, is a first-year student allowed to register for these courses?

Yes, first-year students may register for CMST 2000. Any student, regardless of where they are in their program, may register for the 2000 level CMST courses.

Are there any prerequisites for CMST 2000?

There are no prerequisites for CMST 2000.

Are there any prerequisites for CMST 2001?

Students must have successfully completed CMST 2000.

Are there any prerequisites for CMST 4000?

In order to register for CMST 4000, students must have completed CMST 2000 and 2001. In addition, it is recommended that students successfully complete a further 9 credit hours (usually 3 courses) of courses that count towards their CMST major.