This program introduces the student to public relations theory, social media and digital citizenship, image management, public speaking, media relations, writing, and more. The courses have a hands-on approach to learning and are taught by industry professionals and academic experts.
Program Learning Outcomes
The program focuses on meeting the following employment-related learning outcomes. Upon successful completion of the PR certificate, students will be able to:
Write persuasive messages for traditional public relations and digital media platforms
Design and deliver creative, confident oral presentations
Develop and manage public relations and image management plans
Use visual communication techniques to augment the effectiveness of oral and written communications
Work within ethical guidelines to participate as a digital and global citizen
Entrance requirements
B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent or minimum of 19 years of age before the first day of classes.
Applicants must satisfy the English language proficiency requirement. For details on how this requirement may be met, see the English language proficiency requirement section of the calendar.
When to apply
Applications are accepted on a continuous basis throughout the year. Qualified applicants are considered for the next intake in which there is space. See Continuous application process for more information.
You will be advised of an admission decision and, if accepted, will be provided with registration information. Full tuition is due at the time of registration.
Basis for admission decision
Applicants who meet the entrance requirements will be admitted in order of their application date. This date is set when an application, all required documentation, and the application fee have been submitted.
Financial aid is available from a variety of sources. For more information,
contact the Financial Aid and Awards office at either the Abbotsford or Chilliwack campus.
A variety of bursary applications are also available from the Financial Aid and
Awards
offices. The RM certificate program, specifically some full time schedules, will meet the program eligibility requirements as outlined at www.bcsap.bc.ca.
Program outline
The program length is 230 hours (150 contact hours and 80 practicum hours) and may be completed in a full-time or part-time schedule. Courses do not grant academic credit.
Course
Title
Hours
PR 01
Fundamentals of Public Relations
15
PR 02
Social Media and Digital Citizenship
15
PR 03
Storytelling that Matters: Public Speaking
15
PR 04
Ask and Answer: Skills for Interviews
15
PR 05
Writing for the Internet
15
PR 06
Impression Management: Influencing your Public Image
15
PR 07
Persuasive Messaging
15
PR 08
Visual Communication
15
PR 09
Copyright and Legal Issues
15
PR 10
Building a Media Kit
5
PR 11
Employment Messaging
5
PR 12
Marketing 21 Century Style
5
PR 13
Practicum
80
Grading
The following grading scale will be used.
A+
96 – 100%
A
92 – 95%
A-
88 – 91%
B+
84 – 87%
B
80 – 83%
B-
76 – 79%
C+
72 – 75%
C
68 – 71%
C-
64 – 67%
P
60 – 63%
Program regulations
Academic performance requirements
Students must attend 80% or greater in each course and obtain a grade of 70% or greater to be eligible for a practicum placement and successful completion of the Public Relations certificate.
Future study
Students who complete the Public Relations certificate with a grade of 80% or greater in all courses will be considered for a course exemption for CMNS 212.
Maximum length of time to complete program
All courses must be completed within three years to be eligible for the Public Relations certificate.
For more information
Contact Continuing Education at 604-851-6324, or 604-504-7441 local 6324, or toll-free (within Canada) 1-888-504-7441 local 4626, or continuingeducation@ufv.ca.
