Public Relations (Graduate Certificate)

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Program Code: 04561
CIP Code: 9.0902
Credential: Ontario Graduate Certificate
Start Dates: January, September
Program Length: 3 semesters
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Program Availability

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

Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International students in Canada could be eligible for an automatic scholarship*.  Apply now!

Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.

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

Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International applicants outside of Canada can apply through Humber International. Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.

Apply for September 2025 and get your chance to win $5,000 toward tuition* See details.

Program Overview

Humber’s Public Relations graduate certificate program is recognized by the industry as one of Canada’s leading training grounds for public relations (PR) and communications professionals. This intensive program is focused on preparing you for the first day of your field experience and a rewarding career in communications. Train to be a trusted advisor to clients and organizations in agency, corporate, government or non-profit industries. Hone your creative and strategic thinking to ensure messages and tactics achieve success. Be on the frontline of making a difference, amplifying stories not yet heard and ensuring meaningful change in the organizations where you work.

In this program, you will build critical skills, learning how to plan, develop and execute effective communications strategies. Experienced professors will help you develop writing skills, strategic thinking, business acumen, and research and planning abilities. The program emphasizes a high degree of social and traditional media literacy. Practical and interactive courses are delivered through case studies, client projects and industry participation in the classroom. Learn the most up-to-date thinking and delivery in all courses including PR theory, marketing, design, public affairs, media relations, corporate social responsibility, investor relations and change/crisis management. Your teamwork, collaborative, and leadership skills will be honed through group assignments.

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 Downtown DL/Online
Semester 1
PRC 5000 Event Planning and Management N/A In-person N/A N/A
PRC 5001 Public Affairs N/A In-person N/A N/A
PRC 5002 Public Relations Practice and Theory N/A In-person N/A N/A
PRC 5003 Social and Digital Media N/A In-person N/A N/A
PRC 5004 Corporate Public Relations and Investor Relations N/A In-person N/A N/A
PRC 5006 Integrated Communications Strategy N/A In-person N/A N/A
PRC 5007 Public Relations Writing and Lab 1 N/A Hybrid N/A N/A
Semester 2
PRC 5500 Public Relations Writing and Lab 2 N/A In-person N/A N/A
PRC 5501 Public Relations Presentation Skills N/A Hybrid N/A N/A
PRC 5503 Corporate Responsibility and Internal Communications N/A In-Person N/A N/A
PRC 5504 Research for Public Relations N/A In-Person N/A N/A
PRC 5505 Media Relations and Crisis Communications N/A In-Person N/A N/A
PRC 5507 Design for Public Relations Practitioners N/A In-Person N/A N/A
PRC 5509 Professional Practice N/A Online (A) N/A N/A
Semester 3
WORK 5502 Field Experience - Public Relations GC N/A Hybrid
In-Person
Online (A)
Online (S)
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 280 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.

Expert Faculty

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Annette Borger-Snel

Having educated and mentored thousands of communications professionals, Annette has been on the leading edge of innovative, strategic, and memorable stories and events for over 20 years. She has a global perspective, a commitment to meaningful communications and an entrepreneurial drive rooted in helping others achieve success. Her ability to build authentic relationships enables her to create positive change and amplify voices needing to be heard in the world. She is an award-winning educator, program co-ordinator and professor.  

Annette holds a master of science in communication management from Syracuse University, and she is a winner of the American Women in Public Relations Award for Professional Development. Currently, she is an award-winning PR professor, program co-ordinator and distinguished faculty at Humber College. Connect with Annette on LinkedIn: Annette Borger, MSc.

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Vince J. Ciarlo

Vince J. Ciarlo has been a communications professional for over 20 years and has been teaching in Humber College’s Faculty of Media & Creative Arts since 2008. He has worked in an agency environment, as well as an entrepreneur, with a variety of clients in a variety of industries, including arts, culture, lifestyle, and non-profit. In 2017, his boutique-style agency was nominated for the INSPIRE Awards’ LGBTQ Positive Business of the Year. Vince has sat on a number non-profit boards and continues to be an active volunteer. He graduated in 2003 with a BA in Sociology from York University, holds a Public Relations Certificate from Toronto Metropolitan University, and is currently working on a master's degree in adult education from Central Michigan University.

In addition to teaching at Humber, during the fall semester, Vince continues to work in the communications industry and seeks out unique and interesting projects that feed his curiosity and makes life interesting.

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Monika Deeg D'Amato
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Ken Dyment
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Mark LaVigne
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Sharleen Mascoll

Sharleen Mascoll is an experienced public relations professional and accredited corporate responsibility practitioner with over 20 years' experience working in the public and private sectors across North America. She focuses on strategic community relations, effective communication strategies, marketing and diversity-based initiatives and multicultural workplace study projects.  

Sharleen is a Concordia University alumni, Organizational Development and Management, and a graduate of McGill University in their Training and Development certificate program. In 2021, Sharleen graduated from the University of London in the United Kingdom with a MSc Sustainable Development.  

With over seven years teaching as a professor at Humber College, Sharleen believes in contributing positively to an inclusive student learning experience by supporting an enriched educational environment where students are motivated to learn in ways that support their personal and academic growth.   

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Helena Moncrieff
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Erin Neumann
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Robert Plant
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Daniel Schneider
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Andrea Tavchar

A full-time professor in Faculty of Media & Creative Arts, the courses Andrea teaches include social media, strategic communication planning, and communication theory, and she is a thesis supervisor. In addition to her teaching, she is an active member of the Canadian Public Relations Society; has presented at a variety of academic and industry conferences; delivered a TEDx talk; and started a podcast, PR Delivered.

She earned her PhD and undergrad degrees at the University of Toronto. Prior to teaching, she spent 14 years in advertising, government public affairs and public relations working for The Region of Peel, YTV, MTV and StarChoice Television.

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Audrey Wubbenhorst

Audrey Wubbenhorst is a professor and board director. She currently teaches public relations and corporate communications at Humber College where she has received several research grants to research and write case studies on the impact of social media on business.

Prior to joining Humber, Audrey spent over a dozen years at BMO Bank of Montreal. She worked in a wide variety of roles including communications, marketing, human resources and commercial banking. She has served on several boards including the National Diabetes Trust (NDT), Central LHIN, Build Toronto, Toronto Community Housing Corporation and Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter.

Audrey has an MA in Communications as well as an MBA. She graduated with a BA (Hons) from McGill University and has a certificate in Corporate Social Responsibility from St. Michael’s College (University of Toronto). She has also completed her ICD.D. designation with the Rotman School of Management.

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

As a PR practitioner, your work will be varied and fast-paced. It may include careers in digital and social media, corporate communications, internal communications, community relations, government relations/public affairs, investor relations, crisis management, event planning, publicity, marketing communications, consulting, and issues management.

Program Availability

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

Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International students in Canada could be eligible for an automatic scholarship*.  Apply now!

Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.

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

Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International applicants outside of Canada can apply through Humber International. Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.

How #HumberPR is a Pathway to Communications Careers

Public Relations at Humber

Watch the video to learn about Humber's Public Relations programs.


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

A Humber education is second to none, benefit from:

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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.

Annette Borger-Snel, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 75494
annette.borger-snel@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 five requirements:

  • Academic

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

    • A bachelor’s degree, advanced diploma, diploma, or equivalent

    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.

  • Resume and Letter of Intent

  • Applicants will submit a detailed resume and one-page letter of intent (350 words). The letter of intent should express why they have an interest in public relations, and in Humber's Public Relations graduate certificate program. 

    Submission Instructions

    To submit your additional requirement(s), please visit the Applicant Portal. You will navigate to Submitted Applications – Actions – View My Applications – View Details.

  • Online Information Session

  • Applicants will attend an online information session with faculty prior to which they must submit the resume and letter of intent. The 20-minute information session explores your interest in learning PR at Humber. Applicants should come prepared to share examples, either work, academic or volunteer, where communications was essential and your approach to team work. During the information session you will be quizzed on the major news, pulled from the Canadian headlines. You will also be given time to ask questions about the program. Applicants must register for the online information session through Calendly.

  • 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.

If you require English language support, please consider the English for Academic Purposes program.

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

Semester 1

Details and Specifications Minimum Specs Recommended Specs
Laptop or Computer Ability to run Microsoft programs Enough memory to run programs - microsoft, canva

Semester 2

Details and Specifications Minimum Specs Recommended Specs
Laptop or Computer Ability to run the most current/latest Adobe creative suite Enough memory to run Adobe creative suite and aligned latest operating system to run Adobe creative suite

Program-Specific Questions

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

Annette Borger-Snel, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 75494
annette.borger-snel@humber.ca


Fees & Financial Aid

The 2025/2026 fee for three semesters is:

  • domestic: $6,270.75
  • international: $19,407.93

Fees are subject to change.

Fees by Semester

Domestic Fees International Fees

Additional Costs

$500 – textbooks, Globe & Mail subscription, portfolio case, student memberships (optional) in Canadian Public Relations Society, and International Association of Business Communicators. A laptop computer is highly recommended.

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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