Public Relations

Learn how to act as the bridge between organizations and the public, helping them navigate complex issues and protect their brand reputation.

  • Gain valuable experience working on the annual charitable fundraising campaign
  • Faculties' industry connections allow for guest speakers who can bring their experience into the classroom
  • Work for real clients, forging industry connections and helping create a seamless transition into a work environment.

Program Availability and Schedule

Availability

Open

Closed

Waitlisted

Start Term

Availability

International
Availability

Competitive?

Fall 2024

No

Winter 2025

No

Schedule

Fall 2024
Level 01
Winter 2025
Level 02
Spring 2025
Break
Fall 2025
Level 03
Winter 2026
Level 04
Winter 2025
Level 01
Spring 2025
Level 02
Fall 2025
Break
Winter 2026
Level 03
Spring 2026
Level 04

Program Summary

Credential

Ontario College Diploma (2 Years)

Program Delivery

Program Code

Area of Interest

Creative Media and Communications

School

School of Media and Design

Campus

Ottawa

Work Integrated Learning

The two-year Public Relations Ontario College Diploma program, which blends theory with practical experience, emphasizes professionalism and attention to detail, effective planning, as well as creative and critical thinking in all public relations activities. In this program, you acquire both theoretical and applied knowledge, and gain real-world experience by working with not-for-profit organizations to help them reach their target audiences.

Learn how to deliver strategically sound, creative and robust public relations solutions that make the most of the modern communications landscape. The program combines theory with hands-on experience in:...(read more)

Overview

Learn how to act as the bridge between organizations and the public, helping them navigate complex issues and protect their brand reputation.

The two-year Public Relations Ontario College Diploma program, which blends theory with practical experience, emphasizes professionalism and attention to detail, effective planning, as well as creative and critical thinking in all public relations activities. In this program, you acquire both theoretical and applied knowledge, and gain real-world experience by working with not-for-profit organizations to help them reach their target audiences.

Learn how to deliver strategically sound, creative and robust public relations solutions that make the most of the modern communications landscape. The program combines theory with hands-on experience in:

  • writing
  • editing
  • visual communications
  • communications planning
  • time/resource management
  • research and measurement
  • public speaking
  • teamwork
  • media monitoring and social listening

You also gain experience in design, content management, social media engagement and business basics. This prepares you for work with:

  • all levels of government
  • national associations
  • public relations agencies
  • private companies
  • not-for-profit organizations

Improve your skills throughout the program, and gain valuable experience working on the annual charitable fundraising campaign. In the last semester of the program, you put your skills into practice by completing a 280-hour field placement or a PR project built around a simulated client need.

Graduates from this program work across Canada and around the world, and have a thorough understanding of all media channels, from working with journalists and other influencers to managing digital media campaigns.

Graduates may find employment in:

  • public relations
  • social media
  • communications departments
  • fundraising and advocacy

Graduates may also consider self-employment, freelancing and contract work.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

  • Have strong written communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Are motivated, energetic, creative and flexible.
  • Enjoy working in a team environment.
  • Are detail-oriented, organized and committed to achieving excellence in their work.

Courses

Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.

Careers & Pathways

Careers

Graduates may find employment in public relations, social media, or communications departments in corporations, associations, government and not-for-profit organizations. For those with entrepreneurial spirit, freelance, self-employment or contract work may be an option.

Pathways

Please note: There may be more pathways available for this program than are listed here. Please use our Pathways search tool to see every option.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Participate in the planning of public relations activities, including the development of clear, measurable communication objectives and project budgets and selection strategies, tactics, tools and resources to support a range of stakeholder relationships and organizational objectives.
  2. Support the implementation and management of strategies, tactics, budgets and resources for a range of public relations activities communications and meet activity guidelines and requirements.
  3. Write and edit clear, accurate, targeted copy appropriate for the chosen channel(s) and to a specific deadline.
  4. Apply visual, audio, multimedia and interactive elements, fundamental design principles and accessibility standards, independently and collaboratively, to support the production of effective, timely communications appropriate for diverse channels and audiences.
  5. Use information sources, research tools and results, and analytical skills to support the development of communication objectives, selection and tactics, and measurement of the impact of public relations activities.
  6. Engage stakeholders by adapting language, tone and presentation style to the public relations purpose, situation, audience and channel(s).
  7. Comply with and support others to work in accordance with relevant professional association and industry codes of ethics, public relations professional standards and practices, and legal obligations, protocols and policies.
  8. Keep current with emerging social and economic trends, and local, national and global issues to inform public relations plans and activities, support organizational effectiveness and stakeholder relationships, and guide ongoing personal professional development.
  9. Select and use current and emerging technologies to support the quality and delivery of public relations activities and organizational effectiveness.
  10. Use strategies and tools to build and maintain professional relationships to support public relations activities, organizational objectives and career development.
  11. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Tuition & Fees

Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.

2023/2024 Academic Year

Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.

Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.

Fees are subject to change.

Additional program-related expenses include:

  • Books and supplies cost approximately $350 each year.
  • A smart phone with the latest photo and video capability (Android/Apple or comparable brand equivalent) is required in the second semester, but students SHOULD NOT upgrade their phone until they speak with the audio/visual production workshop professor.

Admissions Requirements

All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.

College Eligibility

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
  • Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
  • General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
  • Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee of $50 (subject to change) will be charged.

Program Eligibility:

  • English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent) with a grade of 70% or higher.
  • Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
  • IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component: Reading: 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 22; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 120, minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105.
  • Not sure if you meet all of the requirements? Academic Upgrading may be able to help with that: https://www.algonquincollege.com/access/.

Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English.

Application Information

PUBLIC RELATIONS
Program Code 0468X01FWO

Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:

ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228

Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.

Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.

International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.

For further information on the admissions process, contact:

Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro

Additional Information

Program Resources

Students with a minimum B+ average have the option of completing their diploma with a field placement. Finding and securing an approved fieldwork opportunity is a shared responsibility. Your faculty have contacts in industry and, where feasible, will assist you in finding an approved field placement which may be unpaid. Students are also encouraged to seek out internship opportunities on their own.

Contact

Lara Mills

Program Coordinator

millsl@algonquincollege.com

613-727-4723, ext. 7250

View Bio

Lara Mills

Program Coordinator

millsl@algonquincollege.com

613-727-4723, ext. 7250

Lara is an award-winning business journalist who spent almost a decade as a writer and editor in Toronto before becoming a communications consultant. She has been teaching in the Algonquin Public Relations program since 2014, and currently oversees a diverse array of courses including Public Relations I, Public Relations Workshop II, and Measurement & Analytics for Public Relations, in addition to supporting students on field placements. She is also a recipient of the Algonquin Students’ Association Excellence in Teaching Award.

In addition to her full-time role at Algonquin, Lara continues to work with a small number of clients in the Ottawa area. She is also a member of the volunteer communications committee for the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre.

A passionate life-long learner, Lara has a growing interest in Public Relations research, measurement and evaluation, digital analytics, and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) communications.

Lara holds a Master of Public Relations degree from Mount Saint Vincent University, a Journalism degree from Ryerson University, a Psychology degree from the University of Ottawa and a Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing from Humber College.

Bradley Moseley-Williams

Program Coordinator

moseleb@algonquincollege.com

613-727-4723, ext. 7566

View Bio

Bradley Moseley-Williams

Program Coordinator

moseleb@algonquincollege.com

613-727-4723, ext. 7566

Bradley joined Algonquin College in 2007 as a part-time professor and became a full-time faculty member in 2014. Bradley believes his role is to be a guide and a mentor while his students are at the college, and a colleague and friend upon graduation. “The daily interaction with my students is the best part of my job,” he says, “and the opportunity to be a part of someone else’s education is a terrific career perquisite. My students can use the education they get from Algonquin College to make a difference in their own lives, as well as in the wider community and it is great to be part of that.”

Bradley has been a public relations professional for more 25 years, with extensive career experience in both the public and private sectors, as well as working with private clients in his own agency. “My role as professor enables me to help students as they start their own careers, using my own PR experience as a launch pad for their success,” he says. “Students are looking for real-world examples and experience that is meaningful, and we deliver that.” In 2014 Bradley was a finalist for a Capital Educators’ Award from the Ottawa Network for Education.

Danielle Allard

Professor

allardd@algonquincollege.com

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Danielle Allard

Professor

allardd@algonquincollege.com

Danielle is a community builder and social media manager who specializes in public relations in the music industry. Her teaching time at Algonquin College is shared among three programs: Public Relations, Music Industry Arts and Performing Arts.

As a musician and entrepreneur, she has released three studio albums, toured Canada and Europe and performs regularly for an international audience online as a Twitch Partner. Her public relations experience extends to government, not-for-profit, and television industries.

Danielle holds a Master’s degree in Communication from Carleton University and two additional graduate certificates in Teaching Adult Learners and Online Learning Design and Development from Algonquin College. She is recipient of Students Association Excellence in Teaching Award and the Minister’s Award of Excellence.

Rachela Brisindi

Professor

brisinr@algonquincollege.com

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Rachela Brisindi

Professor

brisinr@algonquincollege.com

A lover of all things color and extremely passionate about good design, Rachela has been professionally designing for a wide range of clients for almost 20 years. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations & Communications from Georgia Southern University and received her graphic design training at Algonquin College, where she has been happily teaching since 2019.

Her love of teaching began a few years prior as she recognized a skill gap within the entrepreneurial community. By offering a variety of local workshops, she was able to teach small business owners how to take their marketing needs into their own hands. When she became aware of a teaching position at Algonquin, she knew she was the right fit for the role. She currently teaches Design for Public Relations II, Social Media Management II and Cultural & Media Literacy. “What I love most about teaching is watching the students’ skills progress throughout the semester and culminating into a finished product they’re proud to showcase.”

 

Elliott Gauthier

Professor

gauthie1@algonquincollege.com

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Elliott Gauthier

Professor

gauthie1@algonquincollege.com

Elliott brings more than 15 years’ experience in senior-level research positions in the communications industry to the Research for Public Relations course he teaches part-time at Algonquin. As Senior Vice-President, National Leader Data + Analytics at H+K Strategies, he leads the Canadian Data+Analytics team, is a member of the Canadian Leadership Team, is a senior leader in the global Data+Analytics group, sits on the Global Technology Strategy committee, and advises the Global Corporate Advisory committee on reputation measurement methodologies.

An accomplished research methodologist, Elliott has particular expertise in cross-disciplinary methods and audience segmentation models, combining social and digital intelligence analysis, behavioural science and quantitative and qualitative market research methodologies. He oversees hundreds of research assignments each year at H+K, providing robust analysis, detailed presentation of findings and strategic insights and recommendations based on credible, reliable and innovative research methods.

An expert in both quantitative and qualitative research methods, Elliott was for many years one of the leading suppliers of research to the Government of Canada. He is a skilled presenter of data and insights, having presented at dozens of conferences globally, briefed federal deputy ministers, the Privy Council Office, the Prime Minister’s Office, CEOs, Boards of Directors and major federal groups and task forces (e.g., Federal Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation).

Elizabeth Gibbons

Professor

gibbone@algonquincollege.com

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Elizabeth Gibbons

Professor

gibbone@algonquincollege.com

A part-time professor since January 2017, Elizabeth has two decades of experience in public relations, executive communications, and media and stakeholder relations. As Director of Communications for TELUS International, she leads the communications and corporate philanthropy coordination of almost 60,000 team members from locations across North America, Central America, Europe, and Asia.

Elizabeth has also held roles as Head of Media and Public Affairs for the British High Commission, Director of Communications for the Liberal Party of Canada and Director of Communications for the Minister of Agriculture. She currently teaches the Government Communications course at Algonquin.

 

Kindha Gorman

Professor

gormank@algonquincollege.com

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Kindha Gorman

Professor

gormank@algonquincollege.com

Kindha Gorman is a trusted marketing, media and public relations advisor.

Throughout her 22-year career, Kindha has been an executive, writer, speaker, content marketer, board member, professor, and volunteer. She currently runs the boutique communications firm, Spotlight Strategic, guiding clients on how to send the right messages to the right people in the right way.

Kindha has a degree in English from Carleton University as well as a diploma in public relations from Algonquin College.

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