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  3. Degree Options in MACS

Degree Options in MACS

How to become a MACS student

First year students who are registered in the Faculty of Information and Media Studies (FIMS) spend their initial year in general studies before declaring their degree intentions. If you are interested in becoming a MACS student moving forward, you will need to successfully complete a number of required courses with minimum grade thresholds:

  • MediaCom 1020E - Introduction to Media and Communication Studies (full-year course)
  • MediaCom 1025F/G - First Year Foundations for Media and Communication Studies (half-year course)

OR

  • MediaCom 1021F/G - Introduction to Media and Communication Studies I (half-year course)
  • MediaCom 1022F/G - Introduction to Media and Communication Studies II (half-year course)
  • MediaCom 1025F/G - First Year Foundations for Media and Communication Studies (half-year course)

During that first year, you will have the opportunity to discover which academic path best suits you. In MACS, we have a dedicated team of academic advisors who can help you decide where you fit in so that you can feel confident about your academic decisions.

MACS Degree Options & Admission Criteria

MACS Honors requires four academic years to complete, and is declared during the first year of general study.

Admission Requirements

Completion of all first-year requirements with no failures. Students must have an average of at least 72% in 4.0 principal courses, with no mark in any principal course below 60%, and including a minimum grade of 70% in each of MediaCom 1021F/G and 1022F/G, or MediaCom 1020E, and MediaCom 1025F/G.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a position in the program.

Once admitted to the MACS Honors program, students are required to continue meeting progression requirements, as outlined by university policy.

MACS Major requires four academic years to complete, and is declared during the first year of general study.

Enrolment in all modules in Media and Communication Studies is limited. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee that students wishing to enter any module in Media and Communication Studies will be offered enrollment.

Admission Requirements

Completion of first-year requirements, including a minimum grade of 60% in each of MediaCom 1020E or MediaCom 1021F/G and MediaCom 1022F/G, and MediaCom 1025F/G.

Once admitted to the MACS Major, students are required to continue meeting progression requirements, as outlined by university policy.

The MACS Minor requires completion of the first year of general study.

Media Studies complements every field of study. If you are enrolled in another faculty, consider a Minor in MACS. The Minor will provide you with imperative, cutting-edge critical media literacy skills and help you understand the complex ways that media, information, and technology inform our world.

Admission Requirements

  • Completion of first-year requirements, with an average of at least 65%
  • Completion of MediaCom 1050A/B is recommended

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a position in the program.

The Honors Specialization in MACS/Business Administration requires five academic years of study to complete.

Admission Requirements

Students apply for the combined program during their HBA1 year. Admission to the combined program is competitive and limited. Students must complete all requirements for the first two years of the Honors Specialization in MACS, obtain a minimum two year average of 80% with no failures, and achieve a minimum 70% in Business Administration 2257. Demonstrated participation in extracurricular and/or community activities, leadership and work experience are also admission criteria. Students applying to the Ivey Business School's Advanced Entry Opportunity (AEO) are also eligible to be considered for the combined program.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a position in the combined program.

Once admitted to the Honors Specialization MACS/HBA program, students are required to meet progression standards, outlined by university policy.

Want to get started off on the right foot? Talk to MACS Academic Advisors

It is highly recommended that, prior to arriving at Western, first-year students receive assistance through Western's 1-1 Course Advising service to help them choose the correct courses to meet their goals. It is important for students in all years to take responsibility for knowing their degree requirements throughout their time at university. Academic Advisors in MACS are always available to help you stay on track.

Sign up for 1-1 Advising

What happens after first year?

Example course progression for a student enrolled in a MACS Major

If you are accepted into a MACS degree program going into your second year, there will be some additional required courses you need to take, along with lots of opportunities in Years 2, 3, and 4 to take elective MediaCom courses or courses from other faculties, according to your interests. Elective courses are non-required courses that are eligible to be applied towards your degree credits. They are offered on a wide array of topics, and in MACS they include both theory courses and production courses.

MACS Major - Year 2 Required and Elective Courses

MACS Major students entering Year 2 still have a number of required courses to take, but also have room to choose several electives.

If you've chosen a degree option other than MACS Major, your requirements may vary.
MACS Major - Years 3 and 4 Example Elective Courses

A MACS Major student entering their third or fourth year would be able to select from a wide array of MediaCom and non-MediaCom electives according to their own interests, including eligible courses from other Faculties.

Students following other degree paths may have required courses in these years.

The listed courses are examples and are not offered every year. Check the MACS course catelogue for the most recent options.