Public Relations (Graduate Certificate)
Ontario Graduate Certificate
Program Code: 04561
Campus: Lakeshore
Length: 3 semesters
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.
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.
Courses
Admission Requirements
Admission selection is based on the following 5 requirements:
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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.
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English Language Proficiency
All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy.
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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.
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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
https://humber.ca/admissions/office-of-the-registrar/registration/submission-instructions.html
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Online Interview
Applicants will attend an online interview with faculty prior to which they must submit the resume and letter of intent. The 20-minute interview 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 interview 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 interview through Calendly.
How to Apply
Applications are made through ontariocolleges.ca. See program page for details.
International Academic Equivalency
Admission equivalencies for Humber depend on your country of study. Please see admission requirements on the program page to enter your location.
Fees
The 2024/2025 fee for three semesters is:
- domestic: $6,187.70
- international: $19,169.12
Fees are subject to change.
Domestic Fees by Semester
| Semester 1 | 2021-22 Fees |
| Tuition | $2,177.08 |
| Compulsory Ancillary Fee | $444.09 |
| Compulsory Student Union Fee | $66.00 |
| IGNITE Health and Dental Insurance Fee | $111.12 |
| Enhanced Student Experience Fee (Optional) | $20.00 |
| Program Ancillary Fee | $0.00 |
| Co-op/Placement | $0.00 |
| Total | $2,818.29 |
| Semester 2 | 2021-22 Fees |
| Tuition | $2,177.08 |
| Compulsory Ancillary Fee | $444.09 |
| Compulsory Student Union Fee | $66.00 |
| IGNITE Health and Dental Insurance Fee | $111.12 |
| Enhanced Student Experience Fee (Optional) | $20.00 |
| Program Ancillary Fee | $0.00 |
| Co-op/Placement | $0.00 |
| Total | $2,818.29 |
| Semester 3 | 2021-22 Fees |
| Tuition | $440.00 |
| Compulsory Ancillary Fee | $0.00 |
| Compulsory Student Union Fee | $0.00 |
| IGNITE Health and Dental Insurance Fee | $111.12 |
| Enhanced Student Experience Fee (Optional) | $0.00 |
| Program Ancillary Fee | $0.00 |
| Co-op/Placement | $0.00 |
| Total | $551.12 |
International Fees by Semester
| Semester 1 | 2021-22 Fees |
| Tuition | $8,667.79 |
| Compulsory Ancillary Fee | $444.09 |
| Compulsory Student Union Fee | $66.00 |
| IGNITE Health and Dental Insurance Fee | $111.12 |
| Enhanced Student Experience Fee (Optional) | $20.00 |
| Program Ancillary Fee | $0.00 |
| Co-op/Placement | $0.00 |
| Total | $9,309.00 |
| Semester 2 | 2021-22 Fees |
| Tuition | $8,667.79 |
| Compulsory Ancillary Fee | $444.09 |
| Compulsory Student Union Fee | $66.00 |
| IGNITE Health and Dental Insurance Fee | $111.12 |
| Enhanced Student Experience Fee (Optional) | $20.00 |
| Program Ancillary Fee | $0.00 |
| Co-op/Placement | $0.00 |
| Total | $9,309.00 |
| Semester 3 | 2021-22 Fees |
| Tuition | $440.00 |
| Compulsory Ancillary Fee | $0.00 |
| Compulsory Student Union Fee | $0.00 |
| IGNITE Health and Dental Insurance Fee | $111.12 |
| Enhanced Student Experience Fee (Optional) | $0.00 |
| Program Ancillary Fee | $0.00 |
| Co-op/Placement | $0.00 |
| Total | $551.12 |
*Plus Mandatory Health Insurance fee once per academic year: Fall start - $420 Winter start - $280 Summer start - $140
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 |
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.
Pathways
Humber offers a number of transfer options and pathway opportunities. Visit humber.ca/transferoptions or refer to the program page.
Contact Information
Annette Borger-Snel, program co-ordinator
Faculty of Media & Creative Arts
416.675.6622 ext. 75494
annette.borger-snel@humber.ca
Admissions Questions
Domestic Students
416-675-5000
enquiry@humber.ca
International Students
Contact the International Centre
international.humber.ca/contact
1-416-675-5067
Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber 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.
Select information only is included in this printable PDF. For complete program details, refer to humber.ca/programs.
Print/Download Date: May 2, 2024