Public Relations - Graduate Certificate (PRPD)

Ontario College Graduate Certificate | 2 semesters | Barrydowne Campus

Learning at your own pace, you’ll develop a valuable communications skill set that will illuminate your career path to a management position in public relations. Experienced professors and industry professionals will lead as you explore how organizations create and maintain relationships with their publics. You will study communications strategies and learn how to communicate effectively, and manage internal and external forces to maintain and enhance reputations for all types and sizes of organizations. This is a growing business with lots of opportunities for graduates to work in their chosen field.

You will learn the ropes of the public relations industry through classes, labs, and hands-on assignments and gain the range of skills you need to be the great communicator, who so many employers are actively hiring. Areas of study in public relations include:

• Public relations strategies
• Media relations
• Corporate Communications
• Event planning and management
• Writing for the web, social media, print, and broadcast
• Communications research
• Communications design

As a public relations student, it's your choice whether to attend classes in-person or virtually and move seamlessly between the two. All classes are streamed live over the Internet and recorded for viewing at a later time.

Cambrian College is a member of both the Canadian Public Relations Society and the International Association of Business Communicators. Students are encouraged to consider purchasing a student membership in these professional associations.

Program Highlights

• 8 months – 2 semesters
• Delivered as a combination of online courses, classroom experiences, and practical experiences
• Real-world experience from planning and executing community events that raise thousands of dollars to developing strategic plans for community clients
• Courses cover all aspects of public relations, including communication strategies, event management, media relations, digital marketing, and more.

Part-time Pathway

Students may choose to complete this program in six terms while studying part-time.  For more information on the part-time pathway, see the Program Delivery tab.  

Quick Links

How to Apply

Business and Information Technology

Admission Requirements

Applicants must be graduates of a diploma, advanced diploma, or degree program from an Ontario College or equivalent.

OR

Applicant must possess five years of work experience in a related field (or combination of education and work experience) as judged by the College to be equivalent. Applicants must submit a resume detailing their related experience and a cover letter outlining their competencies and preparedness for the program (any and all post-secondary transcripts must still be submitted).

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Program Delivery

2023-2024

This program will be delivered in the following terms:

Fall Term Start

1. SEMESTER 1 Fall 2023
2. SEMESTER 2 Winter 2024

Winter Term Start

1. SEMESTER 1 Winter 2024
2. SEMESTER 2 Spring 2024

Part-Time Delivery

Applicants wishing to study part-time will apply to PRPT at OCAS.  Timelines for completion will extend beyond those indicated above.

For specific term start/end dates and other key dates/deadlines, please see the Academic Schedule on our website.

Program of Study for 2023-24 Academic Year  

Plan of Study Grid

Semester 1		Credits
PRO 1132	Public Relations Strategies I	3
PRO 1133	Digital Marketing	3
PRO 1134	Media Relations	3
PRO 1130	Event Planning & Theory	3
PRO 1131	Public Relations Writing I	3
COM 1161	Communications Research	3
COM 1162	Communications Design	3
	Credits	21
Semester 2
PRO 1143	Personal Branding	3
PRO 1142	Public Relations Strategies II	3
PRO 1145	Public Relations Writing II	3
PRO 1144	PR Agency	3
COM 1171	Crisis Communications	3
COM 1172	Communicating Corporate Social Responsibility	3
PRO 1140	Event Production	4
	Credits	22
	Total Credits	43

Note:

Part-time students will be provided with a pathway to complete this program on a part-time basis.

Fees

Tuition and Ancillary Fees

Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.

Graduate Options

Employment Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for positions in public relations and communications with a skill set that is relevant to many diverse fields in today's economy. For example, thousands of public relations practitioners the world over contributed to crucial communications surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Graduates may choose to open their own agency or perhaps to work at a large corporation or a grassroots not-for-profit. There is a wealth of opportunity for communicators across all sectors in this growing industry. Graduates will find employment opportunities as:

• Social media coordinator
• Communications officer
• Event manager
• Marketing communications manager
• Digital media specialist
• Strategic communications planner
• Publicist
• Media relations manager
• Content marketing manager

College/University Degree Opportunities

Graduates from this program may continue their studies at college/university and may receive credit for their prior College education.

Refer to College/University Agreements for further information.