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.
Overview:
University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is a public university located in British Columbia, Canada. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. UFV is known for its commitment to accessibility and its focus on providing a student-centered learning experience.
Services Offered:
UFV provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Guidance on program selection, course registration, and academic planning.Library:
Access to a vast collection of books, journals, and online resources.Student Services:
Support for student life, including financial aid, career counseling, and health and wellness services.IT Service Desk:
Technical support for students and faculty.Bookstore:
Purchase textbooks, course materials, and UFV merchandise.Shuttle Bus:
Transportation between UFV campuses and surrounding areas.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UFV offers a vibrant campus life with opportunities for students to engage in a variety of activities, including:
Clubs and Organizations:
Join student groups based on interests, hobbies, and career aspirations.Athletics:
Participate in varsity sports or recreational activities.Events:
Attend campus events, concerts, and workshops.Community Engagement:
Get involved in volunteer opportunities and community initiatives.Key Reasons to Study There:
Accessible and Inclusive Environment:
UFV is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive learning environment for all students.Student-Centered Approach:
The university prioritizes student success and provides personalized support.Diverse Programs:
A wide range of academic programs cater to various interests and career goals.Strong Faculty:
Experienced and dedicated faculty members provide high-quality instruction.Vibrant Campus Life:
Opportunities for students to connect with peers, explore their passions, and build a sense of community.Academic Programs:
UFV offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Agriculture:
Agricultural Science, Agriculture Management, Agriculture Technology, and various certificates.Aviation:
Aviation Diploma, Aviation Bachelor of Business Administration, and Integrated Studies with an Aviation theme.Business and Management:
Accounting, Applied Business Technology, Aviation Bachelor of Business Administration, Business Administration, Economics, Marketing and Sales, and various certificates.Computer Systems and Technology:
Architectural Drafting Technician, Automation and Robotics Technician, Computer Information Systems, Computing Science, Digital Manufacturing, Engineering Common Core, Engineering Physics, Geographic Information Systems, Library Information and Technology, Media Arts, and Data Analysis.Creative Arts and Design:
Creative Writing, Fine Arts, Graphic and Digital Design, Media and Communication Studies, Media Arts, Theatre, Visual Arts, and various diplomas.Earth and Environmental Sciences:
Agricultural Science, Environmental Studies, Biology, Geography, Physical Geography, and Geographic Information Systems.Education:
Adult Education, Early Childhood Education, Education, Educational Leadership and Mentorship, Integrated Learning Design, Mindfulness-Based Teaching and Learning, School and Community Support Worker, and Teaching English as a Second Language.Graduate Studies:
Criminal Justice, Educational Leadership and Mentorship, Migration and Citizenship, Mindfulness-Based Teaching and Learning, Program Evaluation, and Social Work.Health Sciences and Services:
Certified Dental Assistant, Child Life and Community Health, Health Care Assistant, Kinesiology, Nursing, and Practical Nursing.History and Culture:
Applied Ethical and Political Philosophy, Art History, Arts, Creative Writing, Diaspora Studies, English, French, History, Indigenous Studies, Language Proficiency, Latin American Studies, Liberal Arts, Philosophy, Stó:lō Studies, and Theatre.Indigenous Studies:
Indigenous Studies, Social Service Worker (Indigenous Focus), and Stó:lō Studies.Interdisciplinary Programs:
Diaspora Studies, Early Modern Studies, General Studies, Global Development Studies, Graphic Design, India-Canada Studies, Indigenous Studies, Integrated Learning Design, Integrated Studies, Latin American Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, and various certificates.Media and Communications:
Arts, Communications, Creative Writing, English, Essentials of Journalism, French, Graphic and Digital Design, Language Proficiency, Liberal Arts, Media and Communication Studies, Media Arts, Media Literacy, and Professional Communications Essentials.Office Administration:
Applied Business Technology, Advanced Medical Office Assistant, Bookkeeping for Small Business, Dental Office Receptionist, Legal Administrative Assistant, Medical Office Assistant, Nursing Unit Clerk, Records Management, and Veterinary Administrative Assistant.Legal and Criminal Justice:
Criminal Justice, Political Science, Legal Administrative Assistant, Paralegal, and various diplomas.Sciences:
Agricultural Science, Biology, Chemistry, Computing Science, Engineering Common Core, Engineering Physics, Geographic Information Systems, Mathematics & Statistics, Physical Geography, Physics, Data Analysis, Science, and various diplomas.Social Work & Human Services:
Child and Youth Care, Diaspora Studies, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, School and Community Support Worker, Social Service Worker, Social Work, and various diplomas.Society, Politics, and Policy:
Applied Ethical and Political Philosophy, Arts, Criminal Justice, Economics, Geography, Global Development Studies, International and Development Studies, Liberal Arts, Peace and Conflict Studies, Political Science, Program Evaluation, Psychology, and Sociology.Trades:
Architectural Drafting Technician, Collision Repair and Refinish, Automation and Robotics Technician, Automotive Service, Cabinetmaking, Carpentry, Culinary Arts, Digital Manufacturing, Electrician, Electronics Technician, Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation, Plumbing and Piping, Trades Management, and Welding.Upgrading:
Adult Basic Education, English Language Studies, and Workplace TASK.Other:
UFV is situated on the traditional territory of the Stó:lō peoples. The university acknowledges and respects the Stó:lō's historical and cultural connection to the land.
Other Requirements:
- Students must be able to demonstrate English language proficiency.
- Students must be able to access and use a computer and the internet.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
English Language Proficiency:
- While not explicitly stated, English language proficiency is likely required for this program as all courses are conducted in English.
- The program description mentions that the program is designed to help students "engage audiences with great storytelling" and "build a positive reputation", which suggests a strong command of the English language is necessary.