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Ministry-approved program title: Public Relations
As one of the top ten in demand professions in Canada, public relations professionals, including communications and media relations specialists, share vital messages through attention-grabbing writing, video, social media, special events and fundraising campaigns. Regardless of the field – sports, fashion, music, television or health-care – a creative PR professional is an essential part of any successful business or non-profit organization. In this growing industry our graduates are highly sought after and enjoy a wide range of career opportunities. The hands-on curriculum includes two unique field placements. Durham College is the only compressed program in Ontario, which allows graduates to enter the workforce in just two calendar years.
NOTE: Students enrolling in this program are required to purchase their own laptop. For specific laptop and software requirements for this program click here.
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One of the top 10, in-demand professions in Canada.
If you like to write then you'll love this program! This fast-track, three-year diploma program, which is delivered over two calendar years, focuses on effective communication strategies in the public relations industry. In this growth business our grads are highly sought after and enjoy a wide range of career opportunities.
Consider the fact that Forbes’ list of 25 Most Successful Jobs for Millennials listed Public Relations Manager and Public Relations Specialist as two of them.
Public relations (PR) practitioners must be versatile and skilled writers and speakers as they help people and organizations explain who they are, what they do and why they do it.
You will develop your writing and editing skills for electronic and print media as well as your practical skills in a workshop setting with a not-for-profit agency for a one day a week field placement, and gain hands-on training in Accessibility standards and compliance. You will also write and produce Reflections, Durham College's award-winning alumni magazine.
Your hands-on skills will be refined through organizing and executing a media conference. Students’ event plan and fundraise for an international field trip during their second year. Examples include: Washington, Chicago and Boston. Travelling to another country provides students with a wide range of real-world connections through professional development sessions and networking with industry professionals.
After completing your course work you will also gain hands-on industry experience working on placement in a corporate PR office.
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.
Courses and course descriptions are subject to change. Please note that as a result of COVID-19 the 2023-2024 program of study may be modified to accommodate program delivery changes.
More than 75% of this program is delivered in-person.
The rest of the coursework will be delivered using hybrid, flexible or online formats. Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
Public relations offers a wide scope of job opportunities as the field crosses into every sector, including:
During the fourth semester, students implement a communications plan at a not-for-profit agency where they work one day a week. Students gain further experience in the fifth semester through a 14-week, full-time corporate field placement.
Students plan and fundraise for an international field trip during their second year. Travelling to another country provides students with a wide range of real-world connections through professional development sessions and networking with industry professionals.
Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions. Sample diploma-to-degree opportunities include:
Please visit our pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.
A Mac notebook computer is recommended. Please see the hardware requirements document for details.
DO NOT PURCHASE THIS SOFTWARE PRIOR TO STARTING THE PROGRAM.
Creative Cloud brings together everything you need to create your greatest work. One simple membership gives you and your classmates to the very latest versions of all the Adobe professional creative desktop applications like Photoshop®, Illustrator®, Premiere Pro® and more — plus new features and upgrades as soon as they're available. And that's just the beginning. With Creative Cloud™, everything you need to create intuitively and collaboratively is included.
Free downloadable software (please download and install prior to the start of classes. Caution: To avoid malware, only download from the actual developer or using the links below):
NOTE: These requirements were accurate at the time of posting and are subject to change. Please be aware that hardware and software versions are subject to change and will be updated as needed. For further information and FAQ click here.
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