Public Relations Certificate

Business and Management

In the age of social media, public relations staff play a vital role in ensuring their organization builds a positive reputation while engaging customers and growing in influence. To equip students with the necessary skills in this fast-moving field, the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) offers a Public Relations Certificate program. This program provides practical knowledge in various areas including public relations, social media, image management, public speaking, media relations, and writing. The skills acquired through this program qualify graduates for diverse employment opportunities and career advancement across a wide range of disciplines.

Program Details

• Credential: Certificate
• Format: Part-time
• Delivery: Online courses with no scheduled meeting times; practicum in-person at an assigned work site
• Duration: 13 years
• Tuition: Approximately $3,900, with tuition paid per course
• Practicum Required: Yes
• Application Deadline: Students can apply at any time and will be considered for the next available intake.

Entrance Requirements

Entrance requirements can be found in the UFV Academic Calendar.

Program Outline

To complete the Public Relations Certificate, students must complete 12 courses and a practicum. The courses are designed to be taken in any order, allowing students to initiate their studies in Fall, Winter, or Spring. Although the courses have no prerequisites, all courses must be completed prior to qualifying for the practicum. Each course is typically offered once per year and all courses are conducted online without scheduled meeting times.

Courses Offered

Fall (September to December)

• (PR01) Fundamentals of Public Relations | Online | 15 hours of instruction | 3 weeks
• (PR03) Storytelling that Matters: Public Speaking | Online | 15 hours of instruction | 3 weeks
• (PR07) Persuasive Messaging | Online | 15 hours of instruction | 3 weeks
• (PR10) Building a Media Kit | Online | 5 hours of instruction | 1 week

Winter (January to April)

• (PR02) Social Media and Digital Citizenship | Online | 15 hours of instruction | 3 weeks
• (PR04) Ask and Answer: Skills for Interviews | Online | 15 hours of instruction | 3 weeks
• (PR05) Writing for the Internet | Online | 15 hours of instruction | 3 weeks
• (PR06) Impression Management | Online | 15 hours of instruction | 3 weeks
• (PR12) Marketing 21st Century Style | Online | 5 hours of instruction | 1 week

Spring (May to August)

• (PR08) Visual Communications | Online | 15 hours of instruction | 3 weeks
• (PR09) Copyright and Legal Issues | Online | 15 hours of instruction | 3 weeks
• (PR11) Employment Messaging | Online | 5 hours of instruction | 1 week
• (PR13) Practicum | Off-site | Monday to Friday | 2 weeks

Practicum

At the conclusion of the program, students are required to complete a two-week practicum, which provides meaningful work-like experience and exposure to a professional setting. To be eligible for the practicum, students must have successfully completed the required courses within the program. If students reside in the Fraser Valley or Lower Mainland, UFV will assist in arranging a practicum placement. For those outside the region, students are responsible for locating a suitable practicum site and must submit the relevant details for approval.

Graduation

Upon completion of all required courses and meeting the grade requirements, graduates can apply for graduation. There is a graduation application fee, and the Office of the Registrar will notify graduates via email when their certificate is ready for collection.

Withdrawal Deadlines

Students are advised to refer to the School of Continuing Education's policies regarding refunds and withdrawal schedules.

Employment Facts

The public relations field anticipates high job growth, driven by the rise of social media and non-traditional media outlets. Companies are increasingly seeking professionals to help them engage their audiences and maintain a positive public image. Public relations roles are prevalent not only within agencies but also in-house across diverse sectors including non-profits and public organizations.

Sample Occupational 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
• Nonprofit
• Consulting

Textbooks

Students are encouraged to utilize the UFV Bookstore's search tool to locate required textbooks for the courses offered in this program.

Computer Requirements

A computer or laptop (PC or Mac) with reliable internet access and up-to-date software is necessary to participate in the online coursework.

Additional Supplies

Basic school supplies, such as notebooks and pens, will incur additional costs.

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.

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is a fully accredited, public university located in the beautiful Fraser Valley of British Columbia, Canada, just east of Vancouver. Enrolling approximately 15,000 students per year across campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, as well as a growing presence in Chandigarh, India, UFV is a comprehensive university that combines the variety of a large institution with the small class sizes and personal connections of a community-focused one. Students come to UFV to learn in a hands-on environment where they know their instructors and are known in return.

UFV is situated in the traditional territory of the Stó:lō peoples. The Stó:lō have an intrinsic relationship with what they refer to as S'olh Téméxw (Our Sacred Land), and UFV expresses its gratitude and respect for the honour of living and working in this territory.

Changemaking

At UFV, changemaking is not a slogan; it is the organizing principle of the university's identity. As a designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, UFV prepares students to lead collaboratively, think critically and contribute to stronger communities through innovation, reciprocity and a shared commitment to positive social change. Changemaking at UFV means turning knowledge into action, connecting learning to the real challenges facing communities in the Fraser Valley, British Columbia and the world beyond.

Academic structure

UFV is organized across six colleges, faculties and a school:

• College of Arts
• Faculty of Education, Community, and Human Development
• Faculty of Applied and Technical Studies
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Business and Computing
• Faculty of Science
• School of Graduate Studies

Programs

UFV offers more than 100 programs across academic, vocational, continuing education and trades pathways, including three master's degrees, 21 bachelor's degrees with majors, minors and extended minors in more than 35 subject areas, four graduate certificates, and more than a dozen trades and technology programs. Programs are available across a wide range of disciplines:

• Arts, humanities and social sciences: Bachelor of Arts in History, English, Philosophy, Communications, Political Science, Indigenous Studies, Global Development Studies, Latin American Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, and more
• Business and management: Bachelor of Business Administration, Business Administration Diploma and Certificate, Agriculture Management BBA, Trades Management BBA, Accounting Certificate, Marketing and Sales Certificate
• Computing and technology: Computing Science BSc, Computer Information Systems (Bachelor, Diploma, Certificate), Automation and Robotics Technician Diploma, Engineering Physics Mechatronics Diploma, Engineering Common Core Certificate
• Creative arts and design: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic and Digital Design BFA and Diploma, Creative Writing BA and BFA.
• Education: Bachelor of Education, Adult Education Degree, Early Childhood Education Certificate and Diploma, TESL Certificate, Master of Education (Educational Leadership and Mentorship)
• Health sciences: Nursing BSc, Practical Nursing Diploma, Certified Dental Assistant Certificate, Child Life and Community Health Graduate Certificate
• Social work and human services: Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Child and Youth Care BA, Social Service Worker Diploma (Indigenous Focus)
• Trades: Carpentry, Electrician, Plumbing and Piping, Welding, Automotive Service, Automotive Collision Repair, Cabinetmaking, Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation, Electronics Technician, and Culinary Arts Certificates
• Indigenous studies: Indigenous Studies BA, Stó:lō Studies Certificate, Social Service Worker (Indigenous Focus) Diploma
• Upgrading and access: Adult Basic Education, English Language Studies, Workplace TASK for adults with disabilities

Campuses

• Abbotsford (main campus): 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, V2S 7M8 — the largest campus, home to the majority of UFV's faculties, research institutes, library, athletics facilities, housing and student services
• Chilliwack: a full-service campus offering a wide range of programs in the eastern Fraser Valley
• Mission: delivering programs and services for Mission-area students
• Hope: outreach and programming for the Hope community
• Chandigarh, India (UFV India): UFV's international campus, extending the university's reach to South Asia

Sustainability

UFV has achieved a Gold sustainability rating from AASHE (the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education), recognising its performance across environmental, social, and governance sustainability dimensions. Sustainability is embedded across campus operations, curriculum and community engagement, and UFV's Peace and Reconciliation Centre has earned international recognition for its work in restorative justice and reconciliation.

Open education

UFV is a leader in open education in British Columbia, committed to making learning more affordable and accessible through open textbooks, open educational resources and flexible learning models. Students who take courses using open textbooks save significantly on the cost of materials, reflecting UFV's belief that quality education should be accessible to everyone regardless of financial means.

Indigenous UFV

Indigenous affairs and reconciliation are woven through UFV's institutional identity. The Indigenous Affairs office, the Indigenous Student Centre, and dedicated programs in Indigenous Studies and Stó:lō Studies reflect a deep commitment to supporting Indigenous students, honouring Indigenous knowledge and advancing reconciliation with the Stó:lō peoples on whose territory the university stands. UFV is actively engaged in implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action in its academic programs and institutional culture.

Research

UFV is an active research university, with faculty engaged in applied and community-focused research across all disciplines. The Centre for the Social Sciences and Humanities, the Peace and Reconciliation Centre, the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies, and multiple research chairs bring structured research activity to the Fraser Valley community. UFV's research approach emphasises community engagement and real-world impact, consistent with its Changemaker Campus identity. Alumni have gone on to achieve notable research and professional milestones, including the development of North America's first mobile, modular soil-washing facility by a UFV alumnus in 2026.

Student life and housing

UFV offers a full range of student services, housing, and co-curricular programming to support student success and wellbeing. The new EverGreen residence on the Abbotsford campus offers modern suites and social spaces. A shuttle bus service connects campuses. Cascades Athletics supports varsity and recreational sport. CIVL Radio gives students a student-run campus radio station. The Academic Advising Centre, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights Office, and a dedicated Safe Student Community programme round out UFV's student support offer.

Contact

• Main address: 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, Canada V2S 7M8
• Phone: 1-604-504-7441
• Toll-free: 1-888-504-7441
• Email: info@ufv.ca

Why UFV

1. A fully accredited Canadian public university enrolling approximately 15,000 students, offering more than 100 programs from trades certificates through to master's degrees
2. A designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, preparing graduates who lead collaboratively, think critically and contribute to positive social change
3. Small class sizes with accessible, dedicated faculty across campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, plus a growing international campus in Chandigarh, India
4. A Gold AASHE sustainability rating and a nationally recognised Peace and Reconciliation Centre, reflecting UFV's commitment to environmental and social responsibility
5. A leader in open education in British Columbia, making learning more affordable through open educational resources across all programs
6. Deep Indigenous roots, with dedicated Indigenous Affairs and Indigenous Student Centre offices, Indigenous Studies and Stó:lō Studies programs, and active reconciliation commitments on Stó:lō territory
7. Located in the Fraser Valley, one of Canada's most scenic and economically dynamic regions, with easy connections to metropolitan Vancouver