Public Relations Program

Program Overview

Niagara College's Public Relations program is a one-year Graduate Certificate designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the fast-paced and diverse world of PR. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, industry relevance, and networking opportunities, and prepares graduates for a variety of careers in the field, including media relations, corporate communications, and special event management.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Program Description: The Public Relations (PR) program at Niagara College is a one-year Graduate Certificate designed for detail-oriented storytellers who excel at relationship building and possess strong skills in writing, research, strategic communications, and analysis.
• Objectives: The program aims to develop the public relations and strategic communication skills necessary for success in the fast-paced and diverse world of PR.
It emphasizes hands-on learning, industry relevance, and networking opportunities.
• Program Highlights:
• Develops public relations and strategic communication skills.
• Offers a 152-hour field placement and applied learning projects with industry clients.
• Curriculum informed by a program advisory committee to ensure industry relevance.
• Exceeds current provincial PR program standards.
• Runs three days a week in both terms.
• Provides multiple networking opportunities with industry professionals.

Outline:

• Program Structure: The program is delivered over one year, divided into two terms.
• Course Schedule:
• Term One (Fall):
• PREL9131 - Public Relations Principles I (3 credits)
• PREL9130 - Writing Principles (4 credits)
• PREL9134 - Media Relations (3 credits)
• PREL9232 - Social Media Strategies (2 credits)
• PREL9236 - Organizational Communications (3 credits)
• Term Two (Winter):
• PREL9230 - Advanced Writing (3 credits)
• PREL9241 - Public Relations Principles II (2 credits)
• PREL9233 - Special Event Development and Management (3 credits)
• PREL9244 - Public Relations Applied Projects (3 credits)
• PREL9332 - Social Media Strategies II (2 credits)
• PREL9673 - Desktop Publishing II (3 credits)
• PRAC9143 - Field Placement - Public Relations (3 credits)
• Module Descriptions:
• Public Relations Principles I & II:
Focus on the fundamentals of public relations, including planning, strategy development, stakeholder management, and ethical considerations.
• Writing Principles & Advanced Writing: Develop strong writing skills for various PR purposes, including press releases, media pitches, and website content.
• Organizational Communications: Understand internal communication within organizations, including employee communication, change management, and crisis communication.
• Special Event Development and Management: Gain skills in planning, organizing, and executing successful events, including budgeting, logistics, and event promotion.
• Public Relations Applied Projects: Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world projects, working with industry clients to develop and implement PR campaigns.
• Field Placement - Public Relations: Gain practical experience in a PR setting, working alongside professionals and applying learned skills.
• Computer Applications Design I & Desktop Publishing II: Develop proficiency in using software tools relevant to PR, including design programs and desktop publishing software.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:
• Written assignments
• Presentations
• Case studies
• Group projects
• Field placement evaluations
• Communication skills (written and verbal)
• Research and analytical skills
• Strategic thinking and planning
• Creativity and innovation
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Ethical considerations

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Group discussions
• Case studies
• Guest speakers
• Hands-on workshops
• Field placements
• Faculty: The program is taught by experienced PR professionals with industry expertise.
• Unique Approaches: The program emphasizes hands-on learning and industry relevance, providing students with practical experience and networking opportunities.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the Public Relations program are prepared for a variety of careers in the field, including:
• Change management
• Community relations
• Corporate social responsibility
• Crisis, internal, or marketing communications
• Investor relations
• Issues management
• Media relations
• Public affairs
• Publicity
• Special event management
• Social media/digital communications
• Career Opportunities: The program provides students with the skills and knowledge to pursue careers in various sectors, including:
• Public relations agencies
• Corporate communications departments
• Non-profit organizations
• Government agencies
• Computer/Technology Requirements: Students are recommended to have access to a personal computer or laptop, preferably a Mac with specific minimum specifications.
• Transportation: Students are responsible for their own transportation to complete program requirements, which may not be readily accessible by public transportation.
the information provided in the "Assessment" and "Teaching" sections is based on general assumptions and best practices within the field of public relations education.