Public Relations Certificate

Program Overview

The Public Relations Certificate at UFV is a part-time, online program that equips students with practical skills in public relations, social media, and communication. The program consists of 12 courses and a practicum, and can be completed in 1-3 years. Graduates are qualified for a variety of employment opportunities in the public relations field, including public relations specialist, communications specialist, and social media manager.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Objective: Equip students with practical knowledge and skills in public relations, social media, image management, public speaking, media relations, and writing.
• Benefits:
• Qualify for varied employment opportunities or career advancement.
• Applicable across a wide range of disciplines.
• Gain sought-after skills in a fast-moving field.
• Format: Part-time
• Delivery: Online courses with no scheduled meeting times; practicum in person at an assigned work site.
• Duration: 1-3 years
• Tuition: Approximately $3800.
Paid per course.
• Practicum: Yes
• Application deadline: Rolling

Outline:

• Structure: 12 courses + practicum.
• Start Dates: Fall, Winter, Spring
All courses must be completed before the practicum.
• Schedule: Each course offered once per year.
Online with no scheduled meeting times.
• Modules: (Descriptions provided below)
• Fall:
Fundamentals of Public Relations, Storytelling that Matters: Public Speaking, Persuasive Messaging, Building a Media Kit.
• Winter: Social Media and Digital Citizenship, Ask and Answer: Skills for Interviews, Writing for the Internet, Impression Management, Marketing 21st Century Style.
• Spring: Visual Communications, Copyright and Legal Issues, Employment Messaging, Practicum.

Module Descriptions:

• Fundamentals of Public Relations: Introduces core concepts and principles of public relations.
• Storytelling that Matters: Public Speaking: Develops public speaking skills for effective communication.
• Persuasive Messaging: Explores crafting impactful messages for various audiences.
• Social Media and Digital Citizenship: Navigate the complexities of social media and digital communication.
• Ask and Answer: Skills for Interviews: Hone interview skills for successful job search.
• Writing for the Internet: Master writing techniques for online audiences.
• Impression Management: Understand and manage public image and reputation.
• Marketing 21st Century Style: Explore modern marketing strategies and tactics.
• Visual Communications: Design effective visual communication materials.
• Copyright and Legal Issues: Understand copyright and legal considerations in public relations.
• Employment Messaging: Develop targeted messaging for resumes, cover letters, and job applications.
• Practicum: Gain real-world experience in a professional public relations setting.

Careers:

• Job Growth: High expected job growth in the public relations field.
• Sample Titles: Public Relations Specialist, Communications Specialist, Community Relations Coordinator, Social Media Manager, Media Relations Manager, Brand Ambassador, Advocacy Officer, Press Secretary, Publicist, Public Relations Coordinator, Information Officer, Event Coordinator.
• Sample Industries: Human Resources, Administration, Business, Education, Environment, Marketing, Government, Non-profit, Consulting.

Other:

• Textbooks: Find textbooks using the UFV Bookstore's textbook search tool.
Select "CE - Continuing Education" as your area of study.
• Practicum:
• Two-week duration.
• Schedule reflects the host organization's schedule.
• Location might require travel depending on student residence.
• Transportation to the practicum site is the student's responsibility.
• Completion is a graduation requirement.
• Contact Continuing Education immediately if extenuating circumstances prevent practicum completion.
• StrongerBC Future Skills Grant Funding: Available again in Fall 2024.