Bachelor of Arts (Communication and Sociology)

University at Buffalo

Programme Overview

Academic Level
Academic Level

Bachelor's Degree, double major

Awarded by
Awarded by

University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, US

Programme type
Programme type

Full-time, 4 years

Campus location
Campus location

SIM Campus

Application Dates
Application Dates

Now till 9 December 2024 (January (Spring) 2025 intake) | Starting 10 December 2024 (May (Summer) 2025 intake)

Estimated Fees (incl. GST)
Estimated Fees

(incl. GST)*

S$60,887.40 - S$84,496.80 (Singaporean & PR) / S$64,092.00 - S$88,944.00 (International student)

* Exclude application fee, preparatory or bridging course fee, and other fees. Refer to the Fees & Financial Aid section for details.

Programme Outline

Awarded and developed by: University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, US

Learn insights and skills in the art and process of inter-personal communication with an international focus.

Founded in 1964 and ranked among the top 25 communication programs in the US, UB’s BA (Communication) provides you with a comprehensive knowledge of human communication, its media, and its effects.

You will learn insights and skills in the art and process of the dynamic social systems and issues related to each other and societal issues.

Department of Sociology in UB is a member of the American Sociological Society and the undergraduate Sociology program was founded in 1920. Sociology is a study of all people, for all people.

Sociology is the broadest of the social sciences and can give us an understanding of the social world. This program provides students with the technical and analytic tools, critical thinking skills, and global perspective needed to navigate the 21st century successfully and succeed in many careers.

  • The SIM-UB scholarship allows deserving students at SIM to spend one semester at the UB’s New York campus.
SIM-UB Newsletter Fall 2022
SIM-UB Newsletter Fall 2023
SIM-UB Newsletter Fall 2024

learning-outcome

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this programme, you will:

  1. Learn the finer points of interpersonal communication
  2. Apply critical thinking to the use of mass media
  3. Discover the complexity of delivering information in organizational and mediated communication situations
  4. Broaden your horizon through the study of international and inter-cultural communication
  1. Study the finer points about an individual, social groups, and social systems and their relationship
  2. Learn about the causes, characteristics, changes, and consequences of human behaviour in groups
  3. Understand the structure and dynamics of social systems and issues relate to each other and societal issues

Further Studies & Career Prospects

Graduates have gone on to graduate schools for further studies.

With these double major qualifications, you have better job opportunities in

  • Public relations consultants and advertising agencies
  • Mass media
  • Corporate communication & marketing communication
  • Civil and social agencies
  • Research
  • Special education industry
  • Medical and health industry
  • Policy making
  • Other professions

Hear from our students
A Valedictorian's Double Degree Journey at SIM
A Valedictorian's Double Degree Journey at SIM

Meet Tan Li Jie, affectionately known as Sam, a recent graduate from the Bachelor of Arts programme from University at Buffalo in Psychology and Sociology. Find out more about Sam's academic journey, her passion for criminal psychology, the skills she honed, and the invaluable experiences that shaped her success.

Read story

Why study at SIM x University at Buffalo

uni-at-buffalo-leading-private-edu
SIM is the leading private education institution in Singapore.
uni-at-buffalo-excellent-value
Excellent value with lower tuition costs in SIM, with opportunities for overseas exchange and transfer.
uni-at-buffalo-high-quality
Enjoy a high-quality and interactive American education.
uni-at-buffalo-regular-ub-students
Students admitted are regular UB students (no distinction between Singapore and Buffalo)
Learn more about the University at Buffalo

Intake Dates

2025 Spring (January) Intake

PROGRAMME DURATION

Early Feburary 2025 to December 2028

APPLICATION PERIOD

Open now until:
25 November 2024 (Intl' Students)
9 December 2024 (Local Students)

2025 Summer (May) Intake

PROGRAMME DURATION

End May 2025 to May 2029

APPLICATION PERIOD

Starting 10 December 2024

View Academic Calendar
Full-time course is over 12 semesters (3 per year) and can be completed in 4 years for double major programs. Each semester is 12-15 weeks.

Maximum allowed period to complete:
Double major / double degree program – 8 years
If a student fails to complete the course within the candidature period, they will not be entitled to any recourse or refund.

Curriculum

Structure

  • Blended Learning. Activities, consultations, discussions, exercises, lectures, online learning and presentations.
  • Each lesson consists of 1.5 hours of lecture and 1.5 hours of consultation.
  • To ensure parity in standards, rigors of the program, integrity of the UB degree, more than 50% of modules are taught by US /overseas visiting faculty, covering the full semester throughout the entire program. The rest of the modules are taught by qualified local faculty with the experience and academic expertise approved by UB.
  • Average teacher-student ratio = 1:43.
  • Minimum class size to commence: 25 students. Students will be informed at least one month prior to course commencement if class cannot commence due to low take up rate

View a list of lecturers’ teaching modules (PDF 452 KB)

Assessment & Attendance

  • The normal module load for students is 12 to 15 credit hours a semester.
  • Students may register for modules and make changes to their class schedule. Students who choose to drop or resign from any modules, are on official leave of absence or have to repeat any failed modules, may take more than three years to complete their studies.
  • Continuous assessment comprises tests, quizzes, assignments, projects, presentations, participations and activities scheduled throughout the semester.
  • The final exam is held in the 2 - 3 weeks after the semester ends.
  • Students progress through each semester till they satisfactorily complete the conferral requirements.
  • Attendance requirement:
    • Local students – Minimum attendance requirement as stipulated by UB or 75%, whichever is higher.
    • International students – Minimum attendance requirement is 90% as mandated by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore (ICA).

Requirements to Graduate

  • Completion of min. of 120 credits with a min. overall and UB GPA of 2.0 to be awarded the degree.
  • With the credit exemptions, students may be able to complete the course of study in less than 3 years.
  • Students who successfully complete all the requirements of the program will be awarded Bachelor of Arts (Communication and Sociology) degree by the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, US.
  • Students earning baccalaureate degrees are eligible to receive Latin Honors based on their UB cumulative GPA on the following scale:
    Average (based on 4.0 = A)
    • 3.20 cum laude (Distinction)  
    • 3.50 magna cum laude (High Distinction)  
    • 3.75 summa cum laude (Highest Distinction)  
    To qualify for Latin Honors, students must present a minimum of 60 credits of UB undergraduate coursework, at least 54 of which must be graded credits (i.e. not satisfactory or unsatisfactory – grades of ‘S’ or ‘U’)

Modules

 

Total credits required for degree: 120

Credits Required for Major 92
Credits Required for UB Curriculum 24-30
Credits Required for Free Electives (Any Level) 0-4
Credits Required for Free Electives (Upper Division, at least 300-Level) 0

  • COM 101 Principles of Communication (3 credits)
  • COM 217 Communication in Organizations (3 credits)
  • COM 225 Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)
  • COM 240 Introduction to Mass Communication (3 credits)
  • COM 337 Communication Theory (3 credits)
  • CSE 111 Introduction to Quantitative Analysis and Reasoning with Computing (4 credits)
  • SOC 294 Basic Statistics for Social Sciences (4 credits)

  • LIN 207 Language, Society and The Individual (3 credits)
  • SOC 293 Social Research Methods (3 credits)
  • COM 300 Written Communication (3 credits)
  • PSY 101 Introductory Psychology (3 credits)
  • PSY 331 Social Psychology (3 credits) or
  • PSY 333 Industrial/Organizational Psychology (3 credits) or
  • PSY 341 Cognitive Psychology (3 credits) or
  • PSY 342 Introduction to Cognitive Science: Concepts of the Mind (3 credits) or
  • SOC 371 Individual And Society (3 credits)
  • SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)
  • 8 Communication Electives (24 credits)
  • – at least seven courses (21 credits) must be 300/400 level.

  • SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)
  • SOC 293 Social Research Methods (3 credits)
  • SOC 294 Basic Statistics for Social Sciences (4 credits)
  • SOC 349 Classical Sociological Theory (3 credits)
  • 8 Sociology Electives (24 credits)
  • – at least seven courses (21 credits) must be 300/400 level.

  • UB Seminar (3 credits)
  • Foundations (21 credits)
    • Communication Literacy I (4 credits)
    • Communication Literacy II (3 credits)
    • Mathematical and Quantitative Reasoning (4 credits)
    • Scientific Literacy and Inquiry (7 credits)1
    • Diversity in the United States (3 credits)
  • Pathways (18 – 19 credits)
    • Thematic Pathways (9 credits) 
    • Global Pathways (9–10 credits)
  • UBC 399 UB Curriculum Capstone (1 credit)
UB-Curriculum-chart-Rev-2023-2-27-(1).jpg
 

View module descriptions for UB Curriculum (PDF 615 KB)

  • 0 – 4 credits

  • Communication Minor
    The Communication minor is designed to increase the practical experience and theoretical knowledge of students interested in developing a broad communicative skill set to augment their primary academic career.
    The minor will provide students with the latest social science developments with an eye toward how that knowledge can be effectively applied in real-world contexts such as health, business, law, and so forth. Thus the minor can facilitate their communication knowledge and skills to become more effective in their workplace or graduate career.
     
  • Economics Minor
    The Economics minor allows students to understand core ideas in economics and their applications.
    There is a balanced emphasis on instruction in theory, economic data, and applied economics. Instructional methods include lectures, presentations, debates, discussions, research term papers, and exams, with each chosen as appropriate to achieving course objectives.
    These objectives include critical thinking, analysis of significant economic issues, evaluations of current economic policies, and data-driven measurements of the gains and losses that must be balanced when determining economically desirable policies.  
     
  • Geography Minor
    Geography is concerned with the location and arrangement in space of human and natural phenomena, and with the interrelationships between people and their environments.
    Geographic Information Systems focuses on the theoretical foundations geographical information science, the development and use of state-of-the-art software and emerging technology, and the collection, processing, and interpretation of geospatial information. International Trade focuses on economic and business geography, and it prepares students to critically assess the process of globalization operating in the world today, including the growth of multinationals and foreign direct investment, international trade, the internationalization of capital and financial markets, new international divisions of labor, and the rapid development of technology and innovations.
    Urban and Regional Analysis focuses on a wide variety of economic and social problems related to transportation, land use, urban environment, housing, work and welfare, population changes and migration, and health within a geographical context.
     
  • Management Minor
    The management minor provides a foundation 
    in the basic language and principles of business and complements advanced study in engineering, social science, health-related professions and other undergraduate majors. 
    Managers are needed in every organization and in every profession. By gaining an understanding of the basic functional areas of management, you’ll have a competitive advantage in the marketplace and throughout your career.
     
  • Marketing Minor
    The marketing minor provides a focused view of marketing for the student with little or no background in business.
    Modules address issues such as identifying and selecting the right consumers, understanding the interaction between these consumers and businesses, and being able to translate consumer needs and wants into products and services. The marketing minor may be particularly attractive to students majoring in communication.
     
  • Psychology Minor
    The Psychology Minor is designed to address different standards for Knowledge Base in Psychology, Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking, and Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World.  Students should demonstrate fundamental knowledge and comprehension of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings to discuss how psychological principles apply to behavioral problems.
    The scienfic inquiry and Critical Thinking skills in this domain involve the development of scientific reasoning and problem solving, including effective research methods. The skills for Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World in this domain involve the development of ethically and socially responsible behaviors for professional and personal settings in a landscape that involves increasing diversity.  
     
  • Sociology Minor
    The Sociology provides students a platform to identify the major research methods used by sociologists, compare and contrast the utility and relevance of a range of methods to the study of different social issues, and apply some basic research methods to the analysis of social issues.
    Students obtain knowledge of basic social science statistical methods and be able to conduct basic statistical analysis. They learn to describe the significance of social theory to society, compare and contrast basic theoretical orientations, and apply some basic theories to social issues.
    The sociology minor allows students to have comprehension of the theory, methods, and content of one or more of the areas of Family and the Life Course, Law and Social Policy, Social Inequalities, Urban and Community, or Work and Organizations. Students who choose among the major electives 
    in our core areas will obtain more knowledge of 
    the major historical and contemporary approaches, theories, and methods associated with the subarea within the discipline. 

View Required Modules for each Minor


View module descriptions (PDF 440 KB)

Notes:

The modules offered are subject to change.

1These are online modules. Local resource persons may conduct weekly sessions for selected module.  

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Admission Criteria

Applicants will be assessed based on all the qualifications they have submitted. Meeting the minimum requirement does not mean automatic admission.
 

Accepted Entry Qualifications

The following qualifications are accepted:

  • Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (A-Level)
  • Polytechnic Diploma
  • SIM Diploma
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: Most recent 3 years of high school grade of ‘B’ equivalent to IB score 4.5. IB Diploma holders can expect up to 30 credit exemptions with a minimum of 30 total scores.
  • SIM Management Foundation Studies (MFS) or its equivalent
  • Qualifications equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma. Average grade of ‘B’ or better.

Students with Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (A-Level), Polytechnic Diploma and SIM Diploma may be considered for admission with advanced standing credits.

Note: Advanced standing and transfer credits granted are subjected to final approval by UB. UB reserves the right to change credit articulations at any time.

English Language Requirements

Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents with at least 10 years primary and secondary education in Singapore in an English-medium government school, and completed their GCE ‘O’ level with a grade ‘C’ (6 or better) in the English Language, are exempted from the English Language proficiency requirement.

All other applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English in one of the following ways. Only scores from tests taken within 2 years prior to the time of enrolment are acceptable.

English Language qualification

Minimum score

Paper-based TOEFL

550

Internet-based TOEFL (IBT)

79

IELTS

6.5

PTE Academic

55

SAT 1 ERWS

550

ACT (English and reading sections)

20

International Baccalaureate (IB) – Diploma Higher Level English A1 or A2

4

Duolingo (DET)

120
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Fees & Financial Aid

Programme fees are charged based on the number of credits taken during the semester.

First semester programme fees are payable prior to commencement of semester. Subsequent semester programme fees are billed after the commencement of semester. Each semester typically has 4-5 modules (12 to 15 credits).

View all payment modes

Programme Fees (2024 Summer intake onwards)

Students with Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate Education Advanced Level (A-Level) or Polytechnic Diploma may be considered for admissions with advanced standing credits or transfer credits. UB may approve some advanced standing credits or transfer credits to be applied toward specific UB major or general education course requirements.

Local students: S$621.30 / International students: S$654.00 per credit (inclusive of prevailing GST)

GST Notes
•    Fees published are inclusive of current GST of 9%. 

Description

^Credits Required

Singaporean & PR

International Students

Duration

Students without advanced standing credits or transfer credits

120 - 136 credits 

S$74,556.00 - S$84,496.80

S$78,480.00 - S$88,944.00

3 - 4 years

A-Level students with advanced standing credits

104* – 136 credits

S$64,615.20 - S$84,496.80

S$68,016.00 - S$88,944.00

2.5 to 4 years

Polytechnic Diploma holders with transfer credits

98* – 136 credits

S$60,887.40 - S$84,496.80

S$64,092.00 - S$88,944.00

2.5 to 4 years

SIM Diploma holders with transfer credits

104* – 136 credits

S$64,615.20 - S$84,496.80

S$68,016.00 - S$88,944.00

2.5 to 4 years

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma holders with advanced standing credits

104* – 136 credits

S$64,615.20 - S$84,496.80

S$68,016.00 - S$88,944.00

2.5 to 4 years

Notes: Students with Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate Education Advanced Level (A-Level) or Polytechnic Diploma may be considered for admissions with advanced standing credits or transfer credits. UB may approve some advanced standing credits or transfer credits to be applied toward specific UB major or general education course requirements.
* with advanced standing credits / transfer credits
^ Credit requirements for each program may differ according to Double Degree / Double Major. Refer here for this program's credit requirements

Fees published are inclusive of current GST of 9%. 

Student Development Fee

Applicable to all students embarking on a full-time Diploma or Undergraduate programme at SIM. This fee goes towards activities that will help in students’ personal growth and equip them with functional skills that enhance their employability.

Payable with the programme fees’ first instalment.

S$512.30

International Student Induction Fee

A one-time fee payable by new full-time international students. This fee covers pre-arrival and arrival support, including activities to enhance the international student learning experience.

As applicable, payable with the programme fees’ first instalment.

S$436

Application Fee

Payable for each application form that is submitted. Fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. The fee will be refunded fully only if the intake does not commence. Unpaid applications will not be processed.

Local applicants: S$109.00

International applicants: S$545.00 (not inclusive of Student’s Pass application)