Format
5 required courses (105 hours)
Delivery
Online | Learn more
Duration
Complete in 4 months, or up to 3 years
Public relations and communications management involves understanding and managing how information is spread between an organization and its audience.
Public relations and communications professionals are in high demand across business sectors, including corporations, government, non-profits, charitable organizations and PR agencies. Get the public relation skills to enhance your current work or volunteer commitments, or enter into a new career with our updated Public Relations and Communications Management Extension Certificate.
Explore new and relevant information about this evolving industry, guided by experienced PR professionals who share their real-world knowledge. Learn PR strategies and skills to successfully design, implement and evaluate communication projects in any organization.
Learn to harness the power of digital media and communication, including the application of analytics and the use of big data and artificial intelligence. Develop and apply your grammar and writing skills in crafting materials such as news releases, public service announcements (PSAs), speeches, web communications and more.
Discover how to create, build and maintain organizational relationships and reputations. Review social media strategies for public relations and communication management. Gain valuable direction and guidance on preparing for and navigating your organization through crisis communications situations.
Highlights and benefits
Earn a recognized credential | Enhance your career prospects
Enhance your life | Develop your personal and professional skills
Real-world knowledge | Learn from experienced industry professionals
Gain hands-on experience | Demonstrate workplace competencies to potential employers
Course schedule
Online (asynchronous)
| Fall (Sept. - Dec.) |
Winter (Jan. - April) |
Spring/Summer (May - Aug.) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Fundamentals of Public Relations and Communications Management | ON | ON | |
| Applied Writing and Editing for Public Relations | ON | ||
| Business Basics for the PR Practitioner | ON | ||
| Social Media Strategies and Crisis Communication | ON | ON | ON |
| Communication Research, Evaluation and Analytics | ON | ON |
Live, online (synchronous)
| Fall (Sept. - Dec.) |
Winter (Jan. - April) |
Spring/Summer (May - Aug.) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Fundamentals of Public Relations and Communications Management | ON* | ON* | ON* |
| Applied Writing and Editing for Public Relations | ON* | ON* | |
| Business Basics for the PR Practitioner | ON* | ON* | |
| Social Media Strategies and Crisis Communication | |||
| Communication Research, Evaluation and Analytics | ON* |
*This online course is offered in a live, online format. Learn more about our online learning options.
Legend
BL: Blended (Online & Classroom)
CL: Classroom
FT: Fast Track
ON: Online
IDS: Independent Study
P: Practicum
This schedule is subject to change. Courses start on various dates within each semester. Fall schedule and registration is available in June; Winter schedule and registration is available in November; and Spring/Summer schedule and registration is available in March.
Frequently asked questions
Who is this program intended for?
This program is intended for beginner communications professionals looking to gain foundational public relations knowledge and skills. Students may currently be in a communications/public relations role, or be looking to change their career path through formal education.
What type of career options are available if I complete this certificate?
Potential roles include public relations assistant/coordinator, communications assistant/coordinator, social media specialist, account coordinator, content writer, media relations specialist, and marketing coordinator.
Note: additional education and training may be required for some positions.
Do I have to take the courses in order?
No, each course is designed to stand alone, but we suggest you start with XBPR 10100 Fundamentals of Public Relations and Communications Management.
How will I be graded in each course?
Each course has several graded assessments. These assessments vary per course; however, they are all designed to assess the outcomes of each course. These assessments include, but are not limited to, discussion board posts, short answer assignments and quizzes. Please note that for in-class courses you may be required to complete an assignment in the evening between classes or online after the last day.
How many hours am I expected to work on each course?
You should plan to access your D2L course site at least 3 times per week. Depending on the course, you can expect to spend approximately 6 hours per week reading material, completing learning activities or assignments, and attending Google Meet sessions.
Is attendance required for Google Meet sessions?
If you take a live, online course, attendance at Google Meet session(s) is mandatory. If you take an online course, the session is not mandatory, but it is recommended. Attending Google Meet sessions allows you to get to know your instructor and classmates and provides you with the opportunity to ask questions about content, assignments or due dates.
How many courses can I take at a time?
You can take as many courses as your schedule will allow. There are no restrictions on the number of courses you can take at one time. You may be eligible for a 5% discount if you register for 3+ courses in a term.
Will I get a job once I'm done the certificate?
While having a professional certificate will certainly put you in a favourable position when looking for employment, there are many factors to consider for each individual that it would be impossible to pre-determine your employment success. Our graduate statistics have shown that a significant percentage of past students have experienced a measurable increase in salary, responsibility, and/or activity after completing our programs.
Will Mount Royal help me locate career opportunities?
No, Mount Royal does not have a system in place to assist students with career opportunities upon completion of our certificate. However, there are periodic job postings advertised on our website.
Additional information
Refer to CE Student Information for more information.
Program questions?