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Journalism (Graduate Certificate)

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Program Code: JR511
Credential: Ontario Graduate Certificate
Start Dates: September
Program Length: 3 semesters
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Make September 2025 your time to shine. Apply on us and get your $150 application fee back*. See details.

Program Overview

The Journalism graduate certificate program at Humber Polytechnic is designed to prepare you for success in the rapidly evolving media landscape. From day one, you'll be immersed in our state-of-the-art newsroom, learning by doing as you report on the stories that matter most to you and your community. 
 
Say goodbye to traditional lectures and exams. Our program is all about real-world journalism experience with constant feedback, guidance and training from our award-winning faculty. You'll dive into podcasting, community journalism, investigative reporting, and more, building a portfolio that showcases your unique voice and sets you apart in the competitive media landscape. 
 
Flexibility is at the core of our approach. Whether your passion lies in uncovering hard-hitting truths, exploring local stories or creating engaging podcasts, you'll have the freedom to focus on the areas that inspire you most. And with a schedule designed for students who work part-time, you can balance your education with your other commitments. 
 
Your progress will be measured against a broad set of industry standards. When you show you’ve mastered a skill, you'll have the opportunity to take on tougher challenges. If you need more assistance, we’re there to provide the support you need to succeed. 
 
As a graduate, you'll be prepared not just for a job, but for a fulfilling journalism career. Our alumni have won prestigious awards and gone on to work at Canada's top news organizations. Others have launched successful freelance careers, leveraging the entrepreneurial skills and innovative mindset fostered in our program. 
 
Take the first step towards your journalism career. Apply now for Humber's Journalism graduate certificate program and start telling the stories that will change the world.
Courses Open "Courses" to view individual course delivery modes.

Courses

At Humber, courses are delivered in a variety of formats:

In-Person - An in-person course is delivered fully on campus.

Online Asynchronous (A) - An online asynchronous course has no fixed class schedule and allows students to engage with the course at different times according to their needs. Faculty provide modules, which are completed independently by the students according to established deadlines.

Online Synchronous (S) - An online synchronous course is delivered fully online and requires faculty and students to participate in real-time according to a fixed schedule. Classes are scheduled for a specific day and time.

Hybrid - A hybrid course is a combination of in-person and online classes and follows a set schedule. Students must be available to attend in-person classes at scheduled times during the semester.

The chart below outlines the delivery options available for each course in this program, by campus. For some academic terms, there may be more than one delivery option available. You’ll be able to select your preferred options when building your course schedule during open enrolment. Preferences for course delivery will be considered on a first come, first served basis. Some Humber programs are also delivered fully online, where all courses are delivered online.

International students: the impact of studying from outside of Canada on Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility differs significantly based on when you start your program. Please review the PGWP eligibility before choosing your program and course delivery.

Course code and Name Delivery Type by Location
Course Code Course Name North Lakeshore IGS DL/Online
Semester 1
JNAL 5100 Journalism Fundamentals N/A N/A N/A N/A
JNAL 5101 Reporting Fundamentals N/A N/A N/A N/A
JNAL 5102 Writing Fundamentals N/A N/A N/A N/A
JNAL 5103 Making Accessible Media N/A N/A N/A N/A
JNAL 5104 Community Reporting N/A N/A N/A N/A
JNAL 5105 Multimedia Fundamentals N/A N/A N/A N/A
JNAL 5106 Investigative Fundamentals N/A N/A N/A N/A
JNAL 5107 Production Fundamentals N/A N/A N/A N/A
JNAL 5108 Independent Online Study N/A N/A N/A N/A
Semester 2
JNAL 5200 Entrepreneurial Fundamentals N/A N/A N/A N/A
JNAL 5201 Advanced Reporting Portfolio N/A N/A N/A N/A
JNAL 5202 Newsroom Production N/A N/A N/A N/A
JNAL 5506 Professional Practice Online (A) N/A N/A N/A
Semester 3
JNAL 5600 Field Experience - Journalism GC In-Person N/A N/A N/A

Work-Integrated Learning  

Work-Integrated Learning courses serve as the vital link between academic learning and real-world application. Within this framework, students actively participate in the Professional Practice course, equipping you with the necessary skills and confidence to secure your own field experience. Throughout this journey, a dedicated career & work-integrated learning advisor offers personalized guidance and support. 

In Semester 3, students immerse themselves in the Field Experience course, committing 200 hours of practical application within the field. Whether pursuing paid or unpaid opportunities, all experiences undergo approval by your career & work-integrated learning advisor to ensure relevance.

Provincial Election Day Coverage Video

Provincial Election Day Coverage

Watch this video of Humber students covering the 2018 Provincial Election.

StoryLab is commited to data-driven storytelling. It fosters multidisciplinary opportunities for Humber staff, students, and industry partners, including Data-Driven--a data journalism symposium for coders, investigative reporters, developers and data advocates--and collaborative journalism projects such as Surviving Hate.

Our state-of-the-art Digital Broadcast Centre is home of Humber TV, Radio Humber and all newspaper, magazine and web production. The professional radio and television studios provide students with the hands-on environment to learn industry expertise and to meet the demands of the profession.

Humber is the only GTA college to have a campus instructional license from the CRTC and a fully operating radio station, Radio Humber FM 96.9, which broadcasts 24/7 from our North Campus.

Group of students using radio equipment

Two students filming a mock news report

Miranda Anthistle

Meet Miranda Anthistle

Anne-Marie Green

Meet Anne-Marie Green

Dina Pugliese

Meet Dina Pugliese

Tim Duboyce

Meet Tim Duboyce

HumberNews.ca is an online news publication produced by Humber Journalism students in the graduate certificate and advanced diploma programs. Visit HumberNews.ca for local, national and international stories, and to subscribe to the student-produced newsletter.

Expert Faculty

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Lara King

Lara King is a program coordinator and professor of journalism at Humber College. She teaches long form, design, and data journalism, and derives joy from working with the next generation of journalists turning out award-winning publications.

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Rob Lamberti

An awarding-winning newspaper and multi-media journalist in Ontario with 30 years of experience in writing news, photography, videography, editing, and assigning. Holds Journalism Diploma, Humber College; B.A. Political Science, York University; and Master of Communication Management, McMaster University.

faculty image
Mike Wise

Mike Wise is a journalism professor and program co-ordinator at Humber College in Toronto. Before joining Humber, Mike spent almost 32 years working for CBC Television, most recently as the anchor of the local 11 pm newscast in Toronto. Mike started working at CBC when he was just 17 and still in high school. One of his first behind-the-scenes responsibilities was to work on a federal election broadcast special, even though he wasn't legally old enough to vote.

Mike is married and has a teenage daughter. He holds a master's degree in Communication and Technology from the University of Alberta and an honours degree in Political Studies from Queen's. While at Queen's, he served as the executive producer of Studio-Q, the weekly student-produced campus TV show. 

Study Abroad

Propel your resume and life story to the next level by taking advantage of the global opportunities offered at Humber. Gain academic credit, develop highly valued employability skills and create connections with people from all over the world through our many offerings:  Summer AbroadSemester ExchangeHumber Global Summer School, and many other opportunities!

To learn more, visit Humber Global, or contact Jennifer Cleary at Jennifer.Cleary@humber.ca.

Your Career

Graduates will emerge with media business skills that can be directly applied to work within established news agencies or as media entrepreneurs and freelance journalists across both traditional media industries and in emerging multiplatform settings.

Program Availability

Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2025   North Open
Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2025   North Open

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students in Canada who apply for September 2024 start could be eligible for an automatic scholarship*. Apply now

Please note the new International Admissions Process and Provincial Attestation Letters. Read the update

Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2025   North Open

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students Out of Canada can Apply through Humber International

Please note the new International Admissions Process and Provincial Attestation Letters. Read the update

Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber Polytechnic reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.

GET YOUR $125 APPLICATION FEE BACK*

Apply On Us This September!

Apply through OCAS between June 14 - July 19, 2024 and be registered full-time on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 and receive a $125 credit equal to the domestic application fee.

To qualify, get started by filling out the APPLY ON US form.

*This promotion is open to domestic applications for the September 2024 program intakes only. Offer not valid for existing applicants or applications.

International Students with a valid Study Permit or Letter of Introduction (LOI)* can receive a Waiver Code to cover the $100 September 2024 application fee.

Bringing You Our A-Game

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How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by July 15, 2024 to receive your Application Fee Credit. Applications for September will remain open as long as the program availability status shows Open.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Contact Us

Admissions Questions

General Enquiries

Call 416-675-3111 or email enquiry@humber.ca. If you have already applied, be sure to check your application status on myhumber.ca.

Domestic Applicants Enquiries

Domestic applicants can book a one-on-one advising appointment with an admissions representative.

International Applicants Enquiries

Contact the International Centre for information about full-time programs (including the International Graduate School), how to apply and to follow up on your submitted application.

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Mike Wise, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 75483
mike.wise@humber.ca

Campus Information

Book a campus tour to take a closer look at what it's like to be a student at Humber.

Want More Info?

Find out more about the student experience and everything that Humber has to offer Future Students.

for more info on Humber, including programs, special events and more!

How To Become An Apprentice

Becoming an Apprentice

Find an employer willing to sponsor you as an apprentice.

Contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to register as an apprentice.

Work with your employer approximately one year before attending Humber.

View Instructions 

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

If you’re in high school – grade 11 or 12 – you can earn co-op education credits through work placements in some skilled trades.

Visit OYAP 

How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of the space in the program.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Need Advice?

Program Advising Appointments

Get help narrowing down your program options or book a one-on-one pre-enrolment advising appointment with one of our Recruitment Officers.

Transfer & Pathway Advising

Book a virtual appointment with a Student Mobility Advisor learn more about getting Transfer Credit(s) for previous post-secondary experience, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), and Pathways options.

Admission Requirements

Admission selection is based on the academic criteria indicated. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

Admission selection is based on the following four requirements:

  • Academic

    To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following:

    • A bachelor’s degree, advanced diploma or diploma

    Mature Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or other postsecondary school, and will be 19 or older as of the first day of classes. Humber will invite you for testing to demonstrate that you meet all listed course requirements.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or attended postsecondary studies, and will be 21 or older as of the first day of classes. Mature applicants for degree programs will be required to meet course requirements at the U/M level or equivalent.

    College Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent in the program. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

    University Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

  • Essay

  • Applicants must complete a 400-word essay. We'd like to hear why you want to be a journalist and what skills you'll need to succeed. Tell us why you're interested in our program, and about any experience you may have (although that is not required to apply).

    Submission Instructions

  • English Language Proficiency

    All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy.

  • International Credit Evaluation

    Canadian citizens or permanent residents with international education are required to provide a credential evaluation. Note, for international High school education course by course evaluations, ICAS must be used. For international post-secondary education, a WES evaluation must be provided. In situations where you expect to apply for transfer credit, it is recommended that a course by course WES evaluation is completed.

International Academic Equivalency

Admission equivalencies for Humber depend on your country of study. Please enter your location or choose detect my location to see the requirements for your country below.

Post-Admission Requirements

Once you have been accepted, and have confirmed your offer, you may need to complete a further set of requirements related to your program (Post-Admission Requirements).

Equipment & Device Requirements

Fees & Financial Aid

The 2024/2025 fee for three semesters was:

  • domestic: $6,187.70
  • international: $19,168.98

Fees are subject to change.

Fees by Semester

Domestic Fees International Fees

Financial Aid, Scholarships and Bursaries

Understand the costs associated with coming to Humber and explore resources available from first year to your final year on Student Fees and Financial Resources.

Scholarships

Humber Scholarships

Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships. International students can visit International Student Scholarships.

Humber Bursaries

Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.

External Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.

Indigenous Student Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.

Explore Opportunities through Humber Pathways

Humber Pathways include:

  • Opportunities to build on your college education and complete your diploma or degree at Humber.
  • Degree and graduate study opportunities at other institutions in Ontario, Canada and abroad.
View Pathways Into This Program  
View Transfer Out Opportunities From This Program  
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