This program introduces students 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 19 years of age before the first day of classes.
Applicants must meet the Entry-level 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.
Applicants 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.
Program duration
The PR certificate is 230 hours (150 contact hours and 80 practicum hours) in duration, offered in both full- and part-time capacity. Courses do not grant academic credit.
Program outline
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
Program requirements
Students must attend 80% or more of each course and obtain a grade of 70% or better 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 better in all courses will be considered for a course exemption for CMNS 212/MACS 212.
Maximum length of time to complete program
Students must complete the program requirements within three years.
Contact Continuing Education at 604-851-6324, or 604-504-7441 local 6324, or toll-free (within Canada) 1-888-504-7441 local 6324, or continuingeducation@ufv.ca.
