The need for PR professionals has grown significantly in the past five years, which is evident in the shear number of new programs being offered at schools across Canada.
With the markets a perpetual roller coaster ride and the ongoing changes within organizational structure with the adoption of blogs and social media by large companies and organizations, communications professionals are needed now more than ever to deliver key messages on behalf of their employers.
In Toronto alone, all three of the major universities (U of T, York and Ryerson) offer an undergraduate communications program. Some in conjunction with colleges and others even have the option of obtaining a Masters in PR & Communications.
The fact that these programs are so widely available now shows that in this changing world there is definitely a need for innovative thinkers and writers who can clearly deliver messages and respond to inquiries quickly.
Engaging personalities and people who, quite simply, are quick on there feet are attributes needed in every company. These programs teach the fundamentals but also build on existing skills in writing, editing and clear communication.
One new program that seems to have embraced the intricate nature of pr is the program at Royal Roads University in British Columbia. In many ways it practises what it preaches…after successfully re-branding and becoming a college of the people not just for military types.
The programs they offer include: MA in professional Communication, BA in Professional Communication and an MBA in Public Relations and Communications Management. The programs are also offered with an online component, however for each year you are required to do a 3-week residency at the university.
Innovations in education, like the online component along with real life case studies are very important tools used by the school.
To find out more about Royal Roads University and other schools with PR and Communications programs click here. ( http://toronto.iabc.com/career/resources/EducationInstitutions.asp )
Gina Collymore
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PR education has indeed been heating up in Canada over the past five years. However, even though Toronto’s universities currently offer a variety of courses and certificates, none of them yet offer any studies leading to a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
The closest to date is the joint program between York University and Centennial College. And Humber College is moving towards offering a PR degree.
I just got a flyer in the mail yesterday that advertised for continuing education programs at U of T. One of them was for Publicity & PR! I’m currently a Ryerson cont. ed. student for PR, and I know the U of T program wasn’t available earlier in the year.
Good news for PR and Comm grads, seems like its value as a discipline is improving.
Also check out:
McMaster’s MCM (masters in communications management)a joint McMaster / DeGroote School of Business–Syracuse / Newhouse distance & on-campus module program.
http://www.mcm.degroote.mcmaster.ca/
…and
McMasters brand new post-grad PR certificate program:
http://www.mcmaster.ca/conted/programs/public-relations/
The U of T program is a couple of one-off courses only.
Don't forget the Mount – Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, NS offers a Bachelor of Public Relations and a Masters of Public Relations.