Public Relations (Graduate Certificate)
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Humber is proud to have the highest graduate employment and employer satisfaction rate of the GTA colleges based on Colleges Ontario’s key performance indicators for college graduates in 2022-2023.
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
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 | |||||
| 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 | Online (S) | N/A | N/A |
| PRC 5004 | Corporate Public Relations and Investor Relations | N/A | Online (S) | N/A | N/A |
| PRC 5006 | Strategic Communications | N/A | In-person | N/A | N/A |
| PRC 5007 | Public Relations Writing and Lab 1 | N/A | Hybrid | N/A | N/A |
| PRC 5008 | Marketing Communications | N/A | In-person | 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 | Communicating CSR and Sustainability | 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 | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| PRC 5506 | Change Management and 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
Many students choose our program because of our outstanding program. After successfully completing two academic semesters, students will complete a mandatory field experience. This experience will allow you to gain valuable job skills and industry knowledge while building your network. Historically, students find field experiences in PR agencies, corporations, entertainment organizations and not-for-profits including arts organizations, hospitals, associations and government. While many placements are located within the GTA, students may also find field experiences outside the city, province or country.
The Humber Advantage
BuildingF (formerly the AdCentre) brings marketers and agencies together with advanced students from virtually any Humber program to produce strategic creative content and technology solutions.
Instead of just being given a grade for assignments, students are provided with a chance to work with real clients, on actual accounts, receiving first-hand experience in the field.
The disciplines that can be accessed through BuildingF include anything found in a modern advertising, design or PR agency, including brand experience design, communications marketing, advertising design, writing, production, and much more.
Expert Faculty
Andrew Bartucci
Andrew is a multi-award-winning communicator with a talent for leveraging social media and digital communications to fulfill business objectives. He has been teaching in the Humber PRC program since 2017.
As the director of external communications at Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), he oversees the media relations, digital communications, social media and events teams.
Andrew is also the PR and events manager for Always Bearded Lifestyle, Canada's premier beard-care brand and creator of the Beard Tarp.
In his free time, Andrew loves to shop/eat local, play golf and support the Blue Jays and Raptors.
Connect with him online: @bar2cci.
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.
Monika Deeg D'Amato
After an exciting thirty+ year career with the Government of Canada, Monika Deeg D’Amato retired to pursue another one of her great passions, that of teaching. As an academic professor at Humber College, she serves to inspire post-grad students in the Faculty of Media and Creative Arts. In addition to teaching, Monika also works to give back by eagerly accepting speaking opportunities on a range of topics including her own mental health journey, and by volunteering within her community.
Prior to retiring, Monika held an executive position as the director of corporate learning and national service delivery with Employment and Social Development Canada managing teams across Canada. In her career with the federal government, she has held a variety of positions in communications, corporate affairs, change management, HR, strategic planning and operations, and worked in a number of departments’ including Heritage Canada, Citizenship and Immigration, Department of National Defence, and the Ontario Federal Council.
Monika holds a master's in public administration from Dalhousie University, a bachelor of arts degree and a bachelor of social work degree from McMaster University, a diploma in human resources from Seneca College, and is a graduate of the Government of Canada CAP program and Direxion Leadership Development program for aspiring executives.
Ken Dyment
Ken began working as an environmental graphics designer in sports marketing and event management for clients such as the National Hockey League, Major League Baseball, and General Motors. He transitioned to senior design and art direction roles with marketing and design agencies prior to opening a design business in 2003.
Having obtained a Bachelor of Design from OCAD University, Ken practices in various segments of design including visual brand development, publication design, package design, and copy writing/editing.
Ken maintains an active clientele that includes publishers, boutique wine and commercial food producers, municipalities, and public relations agencies. His design business is focused on prioritizing inclusive, accessible, and sustainable design practices while working with clients who share and practice similar values within their organizations.
Ken began teaching at Ontario colleges in 2010 and deems it the most rewarding aspect of his career.
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.
Erin Neumann
Daniel Schneider
Daniel Schneider is a professor in the Bachelor of Public Relations program. He brings over 15 years’ experience working in PR specializing in media relations and brand development.
For eight years, Daniel was an associate publicist at Pennant Media Group doing entertainment and lifestyle PR promoting artists, actors, musicians, filmmakers and production companies. In 2011, he founded Brand Management Agency with the tagline: “Every brand has a story to tell. We help you to discover it.”
In March 2021, Daniel presented a virtual TEDxHumberCollege talk, called “Pivoting better during a time of crisis,” discussing how companies need to predict the future and pivot quickly to develop competitive solutions that drive change into the future.
With background in the visual arts, Daniel entered the field of communication to raise awareness for artistic talent in Canada. He completed a Master of Fine Arts at the University of Guelph where he researched social influence in the art world.
Louise Sheedy
Study Abroad
We offer many global opportunities for you to explore during your time at Humber! We live in a very interconnected world and by participating in a global opportunity, not only will you gain new skills, but you may also be eligible for academic credits and/or co-curricular record (CCR). Some of the global opportunities at Humber include Summer Abroad, Semester Exchange, faculty-led trips, Humber Global Summer School and many others! To learn more, please visit Humber Global Opportunities.
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.
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Program Availability
| START | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2024 | Course-Based | Lakeshore | Open |
| Jan 2025 | Course-Based | Lakeshore | Open |
| START | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2024 | Course-Based | Lakeshore | Open |
| Jan 2025 | Course-Based | Lakeshore | Opening Soon |
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 May 2024 start could be eligible for a $1,000 Scholarship*. Apply now
Please note the new International Admissions Process and Provincial Attestation Letters. Read the update
| START | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2024 | Course-Based | Lakeshore | Open |
| Jan 2025 | Course-Based | Lakeshore | Opening Soon |
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
How #HumberPR is a Pathway to Communications Careers
Watch the video to learn about Humber's Public Relations programs.
News Feed
Senior Dean Update: Media & Creative Arts Anti-Racism Action Plan
Fri, October 15, 2021
In June 2020, I committed the FMCA to seven action items to address the attitudes, behaviours and structures that act as barriers for students from Indigenous and equity-deserving communities.
Update: Humber Music Solidarity One Year On
Fri, October 15, 2021
In June 2020, Humber Music faculty pledged to address systemic racism and gender discrimination in the music programs by working with students, alumni, administrators, and industry experts
A Message from the Senior Dean: Music Degree Update
Tue, April 27, 2021
Over the past few months, the Faculty of Media & Creative Arts began a review of our Bachelor of Music program delivery.
Maria Saba Wins 2020 Writers-in-Exile Scholarship
Mon, October 26, 2020
Meet thethe recipient of the 2020 PEN Canada-Humber College Writers-in-Exile Scholarship, Maria Saba.
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