Courses & Institutions

PUBLIC RELATIONS FOCUS - course comparison
MARKETING AND BUSINESS MANAGEMENT FOCUS
COMMUNICATIONS FOCUS - course comparison
GRADUATE PROGRAMS

PUBLIC RELATIONS FOCUS

British Columbia Institute of Technology (www.bcit.ca)
Contact: Vicki Forbes 604-432-8611 or Randal Singer 604-432-8572
Associate Certificate in Public Relations
A specific set of Public Relations courses designed for students who are new to the industry or for those who wish to add certification and job skills to their existing degrees. This program is part of the overall and more general marketing management program for students with or without a post-secondary degree. Courses include introduction to fundraising, written communication, public speaking and marketing management. It is a field recommended for those with strong team-oriented skills who thrive best in socially engaging environments.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (www.kwantlen.ca)
Contact: Terri Smolar 604-599-2625, terri.smolar@kwantlen.ca or Barbara Duggan 604-599-2525
Public Relations Diploma Program (in cooperation with the Canadian Public Relations Society) (http://www.kwantlen.ca/applied-design/pr.html)
PR courses offered at Richmond Campus
This two-year, full-time diploma program was established in 1991 and has been designed to follow the academic criteria developed by the Canadian Public Relations Society. The first year incorporates basic skills such as media relations, PR writing, special event coordination, graphic design and layout for print publications and web sites, etc. In the second year, the program adds a more in-depth, managerial focus for courses such as issues management and crisis response, PR management, organizational communications, writing for corporate communications, and communications planning. Applicants must meet the English requirement and submit a complete package in order to be considered. The program only accepts 22 students each year, so it is important to register early and complete the full application process by the deadline date. This program is serious about crafting well-informed, well-educated and ethical future practitioners of public relations. Graduates enjoy better than average success in attaining excellent jobs in the PR community and, once employed, advance quickly in their organizations.

Note: In 2008, Kwantlen PR added a category of Professional Studies. Applicants who are currently working and already have the basics, but would like to take their PR skills to the next level, can register for four courses to get a statement of completion in PR management. http://www.kwantlen.ca/applied-design/pr/ProfessionalStudies.html

Langara College (www.langara.bc.ca/cs/pr)
Public Relations Certificate Program (www.langara.bc.ca/cs/pr)
Contact: Peter Walton 604-323-5311, pwalton@langara.bc.ca
Part-time or full-time studies — you choose. Now you can learn the fundamentals, tools, techniques and tips of modern public relations practice at a pace that suits your schedule. Learn the best PR practices from top experts in the business. Every instructor works in the real world of PR.
• Full-time focus: 12 weeks, 360 hours, including an on-the-job practicum. Program starts in January. Student loans available.
• Part-time focus: Evenings and weekends, A flexible approach to adult learning; take any course in any order.
Classes in both programs are limited to just 15 students.

The University of Victoria (www.uvic.ca)
Contact: 250-721-6129 or publicrelations@uvcs.uvic.ca
Certificate Program in Public Relations (www.uvcs.uvic.ca/pr)
Public Relations is one of the fastest growing professions, and the University of Victoria is responding to this demand. This program of study allows learners to work full-time while obtaining their certificate in this exciting field. Students can also choose to fast-track their studies seeking employment sooner. Graduates of the program are eligible for employment in public, private, and non-profit organizations. 

Vancouver Community College (www.vcc.ca)
Contact: Anne Tollstam 604-443-8668 or Lynda Boothby 604-443-8383
Although this program does not offer a certificates or diploma, it is a series of workshops that offer newcomers a solid introduction to the important elements of public relations. As an overview of the industry, it is an interesting way to determine if you are interested in pursuing future studies in the field.

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MARKETING AND BUSINESS MANAGEMENT FOCUS

BCIT (www.bcit.ca)
Contact: or Randal Singer 604-432-8572, randal_singer@bcit.ca or Vicki Forbes 604-432-8611, vicki_forbes@bcit.ca
Management Certificate (http://www.bcit.ca/study/programs/630yacert)
Promotional strategy is at the heart of this certificate program. Students are taught the building blocks of devising promotional strategies, marketing campaigns, and advertising fundamentals that they can apply in various operations of communications in the corporate sector.
Diploma in Marketing Management
This is a full time, two years program that includes first year of covering general business and economic background, and then the second year will focus primarily on marketing management with optional marketing communications.

College of New Caledonia (www.cnc.bc.ca)
Contact: Don Precosky  250-5622131 ext. 5830, askcnc@cnc.bc.ca
Diploma in Marketing Management (http://www.cnc.bc.ca/CNC_Programs/Marketing_and_Management.htm)
The two-year Marketing and Management program is for those who would like to enter the marketing industry in a management capacity. This intensive program has a high job placement rate, as graduates will likely enter career positions with large-scale organizations such as financial institutions, the government, and the retail sector.

Northern Lights College (www.nlc.bc.ca)
Contact: Patrick Michiel 250-782-5251, pmichiel@nlc.bc.ca
Certificate or Diploma in Marketing (http://www.nlc.bc.ca/public.course.php?CourseID=193)
The certificate program is usually completed within one year with full-time courses. The concentration is on accounting, economics, and communications at a management level for the introductory student. Upon completion of the certificate program, graduates can pursue the diploma, which increases industry knowledge and allows students to branch out into one of three specific business areas: accounting, marketing, and general business.

Simon Fraser University at Harbour Centre (www.harbour.sfu.ca)
Contact: Kirsten Masse 778-782-5073, masse@sfu.ca
Certificate in Business Writing, Public Relations and Marketing Communication (http://www.sfu.ca/wp/buscert.htm)
This part-time program, which is completed at the student's pace, features instructors who are directly employed in the sector of marketing and communications. Students are given the opportunity to build on their credentials, as well as gain the skills necessary for entry-level positions in marketing communications and public relations. Skills are developed through group workshops, frequent written assignments, and the analysis of current material from noted communications experts.

The University of British Columbia (www.ubc.ca)
Contact: Imelda Wong 604-822-8314 or Undergraduate Office 604-822-8333, bcomquestions@sauder.ubc.ca
Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Marketing and Management
(http://www.sauder.ubc.ca/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Bachelor_of_Commerce&Template
=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDisplay.cfm&TPLID=36&ContentID=16839)
Thought by some to be the most respected program of its kind in BC, the Commerce degree program at UBC allows students to pursue a major in marketing in their third year of the program. Students who earn the full degree will have a substantial background of courses in accounting, business, statistics, and management, as well as mandatory marketing courses, as part of their major. Graduates of this highly-regarded program are most often found in high-profile public relations and management positions throughout governmental and non-profit agencies in the communications sector.

The University of Northern British Columbia (www.unbc.ca)
Contact: Advising 260-960-5705
Bachelor of Commerce with a Marketing Major (www.unbc.ca/commerce)
UNBC's broad Bachelor of Commerce program provides students with exposure to various levels and branches of communications in the business world. Students are introduced to the basics of accounting, mathematics, physical sciences, and economics before they gain marketing specialization in areas like business law, market research, and sales.

Vancouver Island University (www.viu.ca)
Contact: Sara Holding 250-753-3245, sarah.holding@viu.ca
Certificate in Business Management (http://www.viu.ca/business/certificate.asp)
Includes courses in key business areas and provides students with a detailed set of marketing principles and practices that apply to most successful organizations. Practical skills, such as marketing development and analysis, research study, and personal networking are a few essentials of the program. Offering P/T & F/T programs that will introduce key functional areas of business practices.

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COMMUNICATIONS FOCUS

Camosun College (www.Camosun.ca)

Diploma in Applied Communications
http://camosun.ca/learn/programs/acp/index.html
Contact: Lois Fernyhough 250-370-3397, acp@camosun.ca
This 20-month diploma program includes an internship and provides a combination of communication theory and hands-on technical training in all aspects of media production, including radio, video and electronic publishing.

Capilano University (http://www.capilanou.ca)
Contact: Shannon Ash (604 990-7976), cmns@capilanou.ca
University or College Transfer
Capilano offers various part-time ‘open courses’ to students who are planning to
transfer their credits towards a university degree elsewhere. These courses offer solid introductions to public speaking, written communication, and business writing essentials.
Capilano's Communications Department also offers several diverse Communications-based diploma and certificate programs:
- Communications Studies Diploma Program
http://www.capilanou.ca/programs/cmns/communications-diploma.html
- Magazine Publishing Program
 http://www.capilanou.ca/programs/cmns/magazine-publishing.html
- Professional Communications Certificate
http://www.capilanou.ca/programs/cmns/communications-certificate.html
- Advanced Professional Communications Certificate
http://www.capilanou.ca/programs/cmns/advanced-professional.html

Douglas College (http://www.douglas.bc.ca/home.html)
Print Futures: Professional Writing (www.douglas.bc.ca/pf)
Contact: Maureen Nicholson 604-527-5292, nicholsonm@douglas.bc.ca
Diploma in Print Futures: Professional Writing
This well-regarded diploma program includes courses in research, writing, editing, and document design. It also has professional-readiness and work-experience components. Among the program's 21 required courses are two introductory courses in public-relations writing, which are typically taught as evening sessions. Diploma students may pursue their studies full-time or part-time, and qualified nondiploma students may request special permission to enroll in selected courses. Enrollment is limited.

Douglas College (www.douglas.bc.ca)
Contact: 604-527-5478 or 604-777-6228
University or College Transfer
This program teaches the basics of communication in the workplace, be it written, spoken, interpersonal, or intercultural communication. Through a variety of group activities, such as collaborative writing, oral presentations, and challenging assignments for organizations in the industry, students will gain valuable experience in a variety of areas before completion of the program.

Simon Fraser University (www.sfu.ca)
School of Communication (www.cmns.sfu.ca)
Contact: Monique Cloutier 778.782.3687, cloutier@sfu.ca
Bachelor of Arts in Communication
The School of Communication at Simon Fraser University bridges the critical and the applied in its programs. It is committed to offering students the opportunities and the means to explore, analyze, and critically evaluate the complexities and interplay between the numerous and diverse dimensions of communication – critical analysis of media; the impacts and assessment of new technology; the nature of information and media in local, national and global environments; telecommunications; communication and cultural policy; the political and economic dimensions of communication media; international media systems; culture and communication; international communication; hands-on production and analysis of media; applied communication research and design; and more – all are key components of the programs in the School of Communication.
In an effort to encourage secondary specialization, SFU also offers joint majors in Business Administration, Anthropology & Sociology, Interactive Arts & Technology, and Latin American Studies to go along with an undergraduate communication degree.

Trinity Western University (www.twu.ca)

Communications Undergraduate Degree Program
(http://twu.ca/academics/fpspa/communications/default.html)
Contact: Bill Strom 604-888-7511, Strom@twu.ca
Bachelor of Arts degree in communications with emphases in professional writing, media studies, and leadership communication. Students receive an arts-based education with a chosen focus on writing, media, or human influence.  Courses range from public relations and journalism to media production, human persuasion, and public speaking. Students may take internships in off-campus public relations or the on-campus student newspaper, yearbook, or video yearbook. The program's blend of theory and practice develops critical thinkers who are able to create, write and speak well. Full time or part time studies available.

University of the Fraser Valley (www.ucfv.ca)
Contact: Lynn Kirkland Harvey 604-851-6323, lynn.kirkland@ufv.ca or Gayle Noel 604-557-4093, gayle.noel@ufv.ca
Communication Undergraduate Degree Program (www.ufv.ca/cmns.htm)
Bachelor’s Degree, Associate of Arts Degree, or Minor in Communication. Campuses in Abbotsford, Mission, Hope and Chilliwack. The University of the Fraser Valley offers two over-lapping, yet distinctly different Communication programs.
- The Communications program focuses on practical, technical writing for research and reports. Composition, public speaking, and desktop publishing courses are also offered.
- The Media and Communications program critically explores the way that society, communication and the mass media are interwoven. This program examines the influence of the mass media, the Internet, and commercial advertising on contemporary society and culture; controversial topics regarding the use of media and communications in the 21st Century are also discussed.

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GRADUATE PROGRAMS

Royal Roads University (www.royalroads.ca/calm)
Contact learn.more@royalroads.ca or toll free 1-877-778-6227

Graduate Certificate in Public Relations Management
Changing technologies, increasingly sophisticated audiences and greater stakeholder expectations, require today's public relations professionals to have strategic management skills. As a member of the senior management team, the role of a public relations manager in steering the direction of the organization and seizing new opportunities is becoming increasingly important and valued. The Graduate Certificate in Public Relations Management provides the opportunity for you to develop your strategic management skills along with a strong foundation in professional public relations practice.

Programs commence in the fall of each year and offers the unique advantage of a five-day on-site residency, followed by two online learning courses, and concluding with a final three-day on-campus residency. This gives working professionals an opportunity to benefit from the synergy of an on-campus experience and to learn through the online medium - meeting the demands of career and lifestyle. In addition, all participants are prepared to successfully complete their professional accreditation, Accredited in Public Relations (APR). Graduates can also receive credits that can be applied towards Royal Road's MBA in Public Relations and Communications Management or other graduate degrees.

Simon Fraser University (http://www.sfu.ca/communication/)

Contact: 604-291-3595 or gradcmns@sfu.ca

MA or PH.D in Communications Communication is a comparatively new discipline that builds on traditional social science disciplines. It focuses on analysis of the context and means in which information in its diverse forms is created, packaged, circulated, interpreted, and controlled. As an applied science, communication is important in the creation and critical evaluation of legal and public policies in broadcasting, telecommunications, and community and international development. The school of communication draws on a variety of perspectives, but it is most readily distinguished by the fact that it treats communication as a humanistic social science with both theoretical and applied dimensions. Students are given opportunities to explore communication theory and practice and are encouraged to apply research and theory to issues and problems in contemporary societies and cultures. The School of Communication offers graduate programs leading to a degree of Master of Arts, (MA) or a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).

Royal Roads University (www.royalroads.ca/calm)
Contact learn.more@royalroads.ca or toll free 1-877-778-6227
Bachelor of Arts in Applied Communication
As a completion degree, intended for those with two years of post-secondary study or career equivalent, this program is available as an accelerated twelve-month on-campus or two-year distance and residency program. It is anticipated that graduates will enter into careers in public relations, advertising, corporate, technical, and web-based communication, marketing, and journalism for public, private, and non-profit organizations. Practical courses such as multi-media, presentation skills, public relations and professional writing are combined with a comprehensive selection of academic courses. Communication is a field that examines language, media, culture, and technology, and it applies knowledge from a variety of disciplines to the demands and themes of today.

Royal Roads University (www.royalroads.ca/calm)
Contact learn.more@royalroads.ca or toll free 1-877-778-6227
Master of Arts in Professional Communication
This two-year program is offered through a combination of online courses and an annual three-week residency. This program is designed to meet the specific requirements of learners who are presently working or plan to work in the rapidly expanding field of communication. Applicants will have completed an arts or science undergraduate degree (or equivalent).  The program will provide a broad understanding of communication, as well as the ability to function in environments that require effective teamwork, adaptability, strategic planning, intercultural mediation and a sophisticated understanding of interpersonal discourse.  Graduates will become leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators in such potential careers as: communications managers, professional writers, editors, publishers, teachers, media consultants, journalists, public relations officers, marketing managers, and advertisers.

Royal Roads University (www.royalroads.ca/calm)
Contact learn.more@royalroads.ca or toll free 1-877-778-6227
Master of Arts in Professional Communication with a specialization in Intercultural and International Communication
This two-year program is offered through a combination of online courses and an annual three-week residency. This program is designed for people who have an arts or science undergraduate (or equivalent) and who wish to pursue a communication-based career in the international and intercultural sphere. The program provides a solid theoretical foundation, as well as factual information and interpersonal and professional skills inherent in good communication practice.  Graduates will be able to pursue careers as communication specialists and managers in international governmental or non-governmental organizations, in multi-ethnic and multicultural communities, in international media, in advertising and public relations, in intercultural conflict management, in international business and communication enterprises, and in social marketing and development aid.

Royal Roads University (www.royalroads.ca/calm)
Contact learn.more@royalroads.ca or toll free 1-877-778-6227
MBA in Public Relations and Communications
As today's leading organizations pursue global business opportunities and grapple with complex public policy issues, effective communication has never been more crucial. The speed of technology, the demands of informed consumers, the changing needs of diverse interest groups and a sophisticated public - all this adds to the challenge of public relations today. The Royal Roads MBA in Public Relations & Communication Management meets that challenge, while anticipating the issues of tomorrow.

The program consists of three 3-week residencies, eight courses completed via Internet distance education, and an Organizational Consulting Project. The entire program takes place over a two-year period. The result is accessible, high quality learning with minimal professional disruption.

If you would like your BC-based public relations, communications or marketing course and institution added to our listings, please contact:

Adam Grossman
Education Chair
adamgrossman1@gmail.com

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