Diploma in Public Relations
Description
You have a passion for communication and connecting with people, and a desire to make a positive impact on society. In our two-year, hands-on diploma program, you will learn the theory and practice of public relations, and will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully manage relationships on behalf of businesses and other organizations through the use of creative and strategic communication.
Upon graduation, you will be prepared for careers in PR and communications, social media, publicity, media and influencer relations, public affairs, organizational communications, special events and fundraising, or continuing your studies in a Bachelors of Business Administration (BBA) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree program at KPU.
The PR Diploma curriculum is carefully aligned with the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management’s Global Capabilities Framework and Global Body of Knowledge, and was developed in consultation with an advisory committee consisting of senior PR and communication practitioners from industry, government and the nonprofit sector.
Faculty's website: kpu.ca/business
Department's website: kpu.ca/business/pr
Admission Requirements
The Faculty's Admission Requirements, which consist of KPU's undergraduate English Proficiency Requirement, apply to this program.
Declaration Requirements
Students intending to graduate with this School of Business diploma must declare the credential. At the time of declaration, the student must satisfy all of the following requirements:
- In good academic standing with the University
- Completion of a minimum of 15 credits of undergraduate coursework.
Curricular Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 60 credits that include the following:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Business Foundation Courses | ||
| BUSI 1215 | Organizational Behaviour | 3 |
| BUSI 2390 | Business Law | 3 |
| MRKT 1199 | Introduction to Marketing | 3 |
| Public Relations Courses | ||
| PRLN 1110 | Design & Production for Public Relations | 3 |
| PRLN 1120 | Writing for Public Relations | 3 |
| PRLN 1150 | Introduction to Public Relations | 3 |
| PRLN 1160 | Media & Influencer Relations | 3 |
| PRLN 1170 | Public Relations Research & Evaluation | 3 |
| PRLN 2010 | Social Media for Public Relations | 3 |
| PRLN 2120 | Public Relations Campaign & Event Management | 3 |
| PRLN 2130 | Community and Stakeholder Engagement | 3 |
| PRLN 2310 | Crisis Communications & Issues Management | 3 |
| PRLN 2441 | Organizational Communications & Culture | 3 |
| Breadth Education Courses | ||
| BUSI 1110 | Fundamentals of Business in Canada | 3 |
| CMNS 1140 | Introduction to Professional Communication | 3 |
| ENGL 1100 | Introduction to University Writing | 3 |
| INDG 1100 | Introduction to Indigenous Studies | 3 |
| PHIL 3033 | Business Ethics | 3 |
| General Elective | ||
| Select 3 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher | 3 | |
| Quantitative Elective | ||
| Select 3 credits from courses with the QUAN attribute 1 | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
- 1
Each approved quantitative course is listed in the University Calendar with the attribute QUAN. Use Course Search to find all courses with a particular Attribute.
Credential Awarded
Upon successful completion of this program, students are eligible to receive a Diploma in Public Relations.
Co-operative Education
The Public Relations diploma is offered with a Co-operative Education option. Co-operative Education gives a student the opportunity to apply the skills gained during academic study in paid, practical work experience semesters. Students can complete two work semesters while completing their diploma. Work semesters alternate with academic study.
Students wishing to enter and participate in the Co-op Option must meet the following requirements:
Declaration and Entrance Requirements
- Currently admitted to the Diploma in Public Relations program.
- Good Academic Standing
- Maximum of 30 credits completed
Work Term and Program Continuance Requirements
Procedures for enrollment in Co-operative Education work terms are outlined in the COOP course descriptions. Conditions for continuance in the co-op option are:
- Successful completion of COOP 1101 prior to completing 30 credits
- Minimum GPA of 2.7
- Instructor Permission
Co-op Course Requirements
The Co-operative Education designation requires successful completion of the following courses:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COOP 1101 | Introduction to Professional and Career Readiness | 1 |
| COOP 1150 | Co-op Work Semester 1 | 9 |
| COOP 2150 | Co-op Work Semester 2 | 9 |
| Total Credits | 19 | |
Note: COOP courses must be completed in ascending numerical order. COOP courses may be used only to satisfy the Co-op designation and cannot be used to satisfy other curricular requirements of the program.
Additional Requirements
In addition to the requirements stated above, all Co-op students must satisfy the General Co-operative Education Requirements.
Credential Awarded
Upon successful completion of this program with Co-operative Education, students are eligible to receive a Diploma in Public Relations, Co-operative Education Option.
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