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Public Relations

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Program Code: 04761
CIP Code: 9.0902
Credential: Advanced Diploma
Start Dates: N/A
Program Length: 6 semesters
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Program Overview

Humber College’s Public Relations advanced diploma (PRD) is the standard for public relations programs in Canada. The program continues to evolve to meet our students’ unique needs and those of the industry. Our students are in demand by employers across the country and beyond.

What sets PRD apart is the common first semester which exposes students to complementary communications disciplines: advertising, marketing, graphic design and journalism. Students can remain in PRD or move into another area of study if they choose.

PRD prepares students for this demanding, deadline-driven career through foundational courses and practical, hands-on experience. As students move into the following semesters, the focus is on creating and executing effective communications strategies through a selection of tactics that resonate with the target audiences. Faculty (who continue to work in the industry) assist students to hone their skills in practical courses in four PR Writing Labs including strategic communications planning; social and digital media content development/analytics; media relations; research; public affairs and issues/crisis management. The successful completion of this coursework culminates in a field experience.

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 6, students immerse themselves in the Field Experience course, committing 420 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.

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.

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One Common Semester

The Communication Platform offers a shared first semester between four programs giving you the freedom to change your area of study in the second semester to any of the four.

Core Skills Gained in Semester 1

  • Innovative Design
  • Web Design
  • Presentation Skills
  • Interviewing Skills
  • Digital Imaging
  • Visual Communications
  • Intro to Media Studies

Trevon Mendez

Did you know that a Humber intern worked on McDonald's bonus McNugget Valentine's Day campaign? Hailing from our Public Relations advanced diploma program, Trevon has been working with Weber Shandwick for his work placement experience.

As the integrated media intern, Trevon works with some of Weber's biggest clients, like McDonald's, Coca-Cola, Ancestry, and Air Canada. A few of his most important responsibilities include creating media and influencer lists, monitoring issues, and creating pitches.

Keep an eye out in the near future as Trevon has yet another campaign coming out for McDonald's - created from one of his pitches! #InspiredWIL #HumberWILPower


Devan Diamond

Say hello to Devan! One of our amazing Public Relations advanced diploma students. Devan is interning as the senior technical student at Toronto Hydro, supporting their Media and Public Relations team with a variety of portfolios and functions. More specifically, he's been hard at work helping Toronto Hydro's spokesperson by managing the company's media relations. His most recent success was the creation and the distribution of a news release that was organized amongst Ontario’s largest utility companies.

As he continues his internship at Toronto Hydro, he has been learning the ins and outs of what it takes to work in public relations. We wish him all the best for the remainder of his work experience! #InspiredWIL #HumberWILPower

Expert Faculty

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Marlo Palko Taylor

Marlo is the Managing Partner of Gage Communications Inc.
Marlo has more than 20 years’ experience in public relations and communications, providing senior-level counsel to clients across a variety of Canadian industries.
In addition to strategic communications planning and execution, Marlo also helps her clients navigate complex industry issues and mitigate crisis.
Marlo also helps her clients activate powerful traditional and online communications campaigns that engage key stakeholders and/or decision makers in the process of positive and productive change.
Marlo is a graduate of Queen’s University, has a certificate in graphic design from Lambton College and holds a post-graduate certificate in Public Relations from Humber College. Marlo has taught at Humber College in the Public Relations program since 2016.

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Andrew Pelletier

Andrew Pelletier holds more than 30 years of high-profile public relations experience across the corporate, government and consulting sectors. His background includes the roles of vice president of corporate affairs and sustainability for Walmart, communications executive for the Sears corporation, communications officer for the Ontario Government, and consultant with one of Canada’s oldest public relations firms.

Andrew’s work has been both national and international in scope, taking him across the globe to Europe, Asia, Latin America, throughout the United States and across Canada. His expertise spans high-stakes issues and crisis management, marketing communications, labour relations, government affairs, corporate social responsibility and investor relations. He has guest lectured at several institutions including the University of Toronto, York University and Queen’s University.

Andrew is a graduate of Simon Fraser University in political science and sociology, and he holds two postgraduate designations in public relations, APR and ABC. He teaches a range of subject areas including government relations, not-for-profit public relations, research for public relations, event management and corporate public relations.

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Robert Plant

Robert J. Plant (ABC, MAIS) is the program co-ordinator and a professor in the Advanced Public Relations program. After graduating from Humber’s PR graduate certificate program, Robert spent most of his career working in the corporate sector at GE Capital, Zurich Insurance and American Express and municipally for the City of Hamilton.

At Amex, Robert managed employee communications and the American Express Foundation’s philanthropic arts and cultural program in Canada. At the City of Hamilton, he supported internal clients including Planning & Economic Development and Community Services along with a stint providing counsel to the Mayor’s Office.

A guest speaking opportunity to Mohawk College PR students piqued his interest in education. Robert began teaching part time at the College in 2008 and joined Humber in 2013 instructing in the PR diploma and PR graduate certificate programs. Robert moved into a full-time position in 2017 and became program co-ordinator in 2020.

Robert holds a BA in political science from McMaster University and a master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) from Royal Roads University. Robert is an accredited business communicator (ABC). A dedicated volunteer, Robert served as president of the International Association of Business Communicators' (IABC) Golden Horseshoe Chapter and chaired IABC’s Canada Eastern Region Board.

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Isa Ransome

Creative Professional with 20+ Years of Expertise in Photography, Graphic Design, Retouching, and Videography

Greetings! I am a seasoned creative professional with over two decades of hands-on experience in the dynamic realms of photography, graphic design, retouching, and videography. My journey has been a passionate exploration of visual storytelling and artistic expression.

Versatile Skill Set:
Throughout my career, I have honed my skills in crafting compelling visuals across diverse mediums. From capturing captivating moments behind the lens to refining them through meticulous retouching, my proficiency extends seamlessly to graphic design and video editing.

Educational Journey:
In addition to my industry commitments, I recently embarked on an exciting chapter as an educator at Humber College. It brings me immense joy to share my insights and guide the next generation of creative minds. Teaching has added a new layer of fulfillment to my professional journey.

Commercial Work and Editorial Art Direction:
My current focus involves actively contributing to the commercial photography scene and steering editorial art direction projects. Working at the intersection of creativity and strategy, I bring a unique perspective to each project, ensuring a perfect blend of aesthetics and purpose.

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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.

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Spencer Wynn

A recognized documentarian and visual journalist, photographer, Spencer Wynn is known for his sensitive eye for human interest stories. Wynn is also an educator at Humber College where he has enjoyed three years of working with students to develop their passion for connecting with others through compelling visual narratives.

Wynn is a restless observer of the world, seeing stories everywhere. Each week, Wynn encourages his students to see again, the world around them while creating visual documentaries with sensitivity and passion.

From the High Arctic, to Tibet, China, Greenland, India, Turkey, Europe and numerous road trips around North America. Wynn has lived in caves, slums, on ice flows and in First Nations communities photographing the stories of diverse cultures, tragedy, triumph and love.

Wynn shares his knowledge and skills as a photographer and observer with those attending his classes, workshops, speaking engagements and photo trips. Patient and understanding, he encourages those with whom he meets to strive for originality and brilliance – all the while having fun and enjoying the process.

Your Career

Upon graduation, you will know how to plan, develop and execute effective communications plans. Opportunities include employment in corporations, government and communications agencies. Our graduates have landed positions at Rogers, ONEX, the Ontario Government, Government of Canada, Molson, Bell, MLSE, BMO, RBC, NKPR, Craft PR, Veritas, Edelman and North Strategic.

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Admissions Questions

Domestic Applicants

General Inquiries 416-675-3111 or fill out the Humber Contact Form. If you have already applied, be sure to check your application status on myhumber.ca.

International Student 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.

Lessons From a Public Relations Alumna and Not-for-Profit Leader

Ingrid Perry

Watch the video to meet Ingrid Perry, a 1981 Public Relations graduate who has dedicated her career to fundraising, corporate communications and strategic development in the not-for-profit sector for over 40 years.


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