Overview
Technical training and practical experience in journalism

The Bachelor of Applied Arts in Journalism is an articulated degree offered by the University of Prince Edward Island in cooperation with Holland College. Students acquire technical training and practical experience in Journalism (primarily during study at Holland College) and also acquire breadth of knowledge, content exposure, and skills in research, problem-solving, and critical thinking associated with a liberal arts education (primarily during study at UPEI). 

Students normally undertake one year of study at the University, then complete the two-year Journalism program at Holland College (earning a Holland College diploma), before undertaking a final year of study at the University. The final year of study normally includes an opportunity for journalistic writing either at the University or arranged through Holland College. Deviations from the normal sequence of study between the University and Holland College are permitted. In such cases, at least five courses (15 semester-hours) of study must be completed after the Holland College diploma is earned.

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Course Structure

Note: Current UPEI students should refer to Student Planning in myUPEI and the UPEI Academic Calendar governing their entry year, and speak to an academic advisor about course requirements. The course structure presented for this program is a recommended, unofficial progression for prospective students.


Note: As per Academic Regulation 1h, all undergraduate degree programs require successful completion of IKE-1040 (new for students beginning or returning after re-application in Fall 2022); one of UPEI-1010, UPEI-1020, or UPEI-1030, and a Writing Intensive Course.


Students complete 20 courses (60 semester hours) at the University. The program is designed to ensure breadth of exposure to areas of knowledge important to journalistic practice.  All students will be required to complete a minimum of 6 (18 semester hours) 3000/4000 level courses.

The 20 courses must include:

1) ENG 1010 (UPEI 1010)
2) JOUR 1010
3) ENG 3810
4) one of: ANY MATH, PSY 2510, 2710
5) WRIT 4040
6) any CST or DSJS course

IN ADDITION to completing the common core courses, students must choose one of the following specializations upon which to focus:

I. General Journalism
II. Law and Politics
III. International Affairs
IV. Business and Economics
V. Environment and Health
VI. Science and Technology
VII. Arts and Entertainment

The courses required to complete these specializations are as follows:

I. General Journalism:

8) one of: BIO 1010, CHEM 1110, PHYS 1110
9) one of: HIST 1010 or 1020
10) one of: POLS 2010 or 2620
11) one of: PHIL 1020 or 2020
12) one of: HIST 3310, 3320, IS 2010
13) any course in: Anthropology, Sociology, Sociology/Anthropology, Asian Studies
14) one Economics course at the 1000 level
15) any course in English, Modern Languages or Fine Arts
16–20) any five electives

II. Law and Politics:

8) P ST 2010 or 2020
9) HIST 1010 or 1020
10–12) three of: POLS 2110, 2120, 3110, 3140, 4010 or 4020
13–14) two of: DSJS 3060, 4040, ENG 2260, PHIL 2020, 2040, 2060, 2510, SOC 1010, 1020, 1050, ANTH 1050, 1070
15–16) two of: BUS 3010,3020, DSJS 3020, PHIL 3030, 3510, 4270
17) POLS 4320 or PHIL 3530
18) any Modern Language course
19–20) any two electives

III. International Affairs:

8–9) two of: POLS 2210, 2220, 2310, 2330, 2820
10) one of: IDS 201, 202, PHIL 207
11–12) two of: POLS 3150, 3530, 3900, 3910, 4710, 4830
13) one of: POLS 3510, 3520, 3540, 4350, 4410, 4420, 4820
14) one of: POLS 3610, 3620, 3630, 3710, 3720, 4220, 4810
15) one of: POLS 3920, 3930, 4450, 4510, 4720, 4750, EC 3310, 3320, 3410, 3420
16–17) two courses in a Modern Language
18) one of: POLS 4320 or PHIL 3530
19–20) any two electives 

IV. Business and Economics:

8) EC 1010
9) EC 1020
10) one of: EC 2030 or 2040
11–12) two other EC courses, 2000 level or above
13) BUS 1010
14) BUS 1710
15) BUS 2410
16) BUS 2650
17) ACCT 1010
18) one of: PHIL 1020, 1050, 1110, 2020, 2210 or 3530
19–20) any two electives 

V. Environment and Health:

8) BIO 1010
9) one of: ENV 2020 or BIO 1020
10–13) any three other ENV courses
14–15) two of: PS 2010, 2020, 2620, PHIL 1050, 2040, 2060, HIST 1010, 1020, IS 2010, EC 1010, F‐N 1010, PSY 2220
16–17) two Science courses, or one Science course and PSY 3330
18) one of: EC 2150, HIST 2220, PHIL 2030, 3010 or 3530
19–20) any two electives

VI. Science and Technology:

8) BIO 1010
9–10) CHEM 1110 and CHEM 1120
11–12) PHYS 1210 and PHYS 1220
13–14) C SC 1510 and C SC 1520
15–16) any two of PHIL 2030, 2040, PHIL 3010, PHIL 3630, ENG 2240, HIST 2220, 4340, HIST 3110, 3330, DSJS 4120
17–18) any two Science courses
19–20) any two electives

VII. Arts and Entertainment:

8) ENG 1950
9) T ST 2440
10) T ST 3440
11–12) two of: MUS 1230, 1240, 2010, 2020
13–15) three of: FAH 1010, 1020, ENG 2220, 3030, 3040, DSJS 3110
16) BUS 1010 or 1710
17) PHIL 2140 or 3530
18) one of:  ENG 3140, 3150, 3410
19–20) any two electives

Please refer to the UPEI Academic Calendar for complete information.

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What can you do with an Arts degree? Anything you want!

UPEI provides a solid education in the liberal arts, committed to rigorous study and inquiry, belief in the value of knowledge, lifelong capacity-building, and the development of the whole person.

Admissions Criteria
What's Required for Arts Admission?

High School Graduates

Canadian High School Equivalency Chart

Successful completion of Grade 12 examinations in a University Preparatory Program with an overall average of at least 70% (75% for Quebec Secondary V students) in the following subjects:

  • English;
  • one Social Studies or Language;
  • any 3 other academic courses. Grade 12 math recommended.
    Note: Grade 12 Math is a prerequisite for some 1st year Arts courses.

Please refer to the UPEI Academic Calendar for complete admissions information.

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Millions in scholarships and awards

Each year we award over 3,000 scholarships and awards to qualified students. Our comprehensive program—valued at over $8 million—includes some awards that are equal to full tuition and renewable!

Fees and Funding
Faculty of Arts Programs Tuition

UPEI's undergraduate tuition is the second-lowest in the Atlantic region, and we offer millions of dollars in scholarships and awards.

Tuition

$6,828 per year, based on 30 credit hours ($682.80 per 3 credit course).
International students pay $8,010 per year in addition to full-time student tuition.

For a complete breakdown of part-time or full-time study as a student in the Faculty of Arts, visit our Tuition and Fees page.

Scholarships and Awards

UPEI supports you and your educational goals. We administer millions of dollars in scholarships and awards to our undergraduate and graduate students every year. Depending on your faculty or program, and year of study, you may be eligible for available awards.

Search the complete list of scholarships for information and application forms.  

Celebrating Student Achievement

Including Guaranteed Entrance Scholarships and Academic Excellence Awards, these awards recognize the academic achievements of all students who meet the eligibility criteria while studying towards their first undergraduate degree.

Visit the Scholarships site for complete information.