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Public Relations

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Program Code: 04761
Credential: Advanced Diploma
Start Dates: September
Program Length: 6 semesters
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Humber is proud to have the highest graduate employment and employer satisfaction rate of the GTA colleges based on Colleges Ontario’s key performance indicators for college graduates in 2022-2023.

Program Overview

Humber College’s Public Relations advanced diploma (PRD) is the standard for public relations programs in Canada. The program continues to evolve to meet our students’ unique needs and those of the industry. Our students are in demand by employers across the country and beyond.

What sets PRD apart is the common first semester which exposes students to complementary communications disciplines: advertising, marketing, graphic design and journalism. Students can remain in PRD or move into another area of study if they choose.

PRD prepares students for this demanding, deadline-driven career through foundational courses and practical, hands-on experience. As students move into the following semesters, the focus is on creating and executing effective communications strategies through a selection of tactics that resonate with the target audiences. Faculty (who continue to work in the industry) assist students to hone their skills in practical courses in four PR Writing Labs including strategic communications planning; social and digital media content development/analytics; media relations; research; public affairs and issues/crisis management. The successful completion of this coursework culminates in a field experience.

Work-Integrated Learning  

Students will participate in a mandatory in their final semester of study. After completing a field experience preparation course, students will be supported in marketing themselves to prospective employers in order to find a field experience that aligns with their personal career goals.

The Humber Advantage

BuildingF (formerly the AdCentre) brings marketers and agencies together with advanced students from virtually any Humber program to produce strategic creative content and technology solutions.

Instead of just being given a grade for assignments, students are provided with a chance to work with real clients, on actual accounts, receiving first-hand experience in the field.

The disciplines that can be accessed through BuildingF include anything found in a modern advertising, design or PR agency, including brand experience design, communications marketing, advertising design, writing, production, and much more.

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One Common Semester

The Communication Platform offers a shared first semester between five programs giving you the freedom to change your area of study in the second semester to any of the five.

Core Skills Gained in Semester 1

  • Innovative Design
  • Web Design
  • Presentation Skills
  • Interviewing Skills
  • Digital Imaging
  • Visual Communications
  • Intro to Media Studies

Trevon Mendez

Did you know that a Humber intern worked on McDonald's bonus McNugget Valentine's Day campaign? Hailing from our Public Relations advanced diploma program, Trevon has been working with Weber Shandwick for his work placement experience.

As the integrated media intern, Trevon works with some of Weber's biggest clients, like McDonald's, Coca-Cola, Ancestry, and Air Canada. A few of his most important responsibilities include creating media and influencer lists, monitoring issues, and creating pitches.

Keep an eye out in the near future as Trevon has yet another campaign coming out for McDonald's - created from one of his pitches! #InspiredWIL #HumberWILPower


Devan Diamond

Say hello to Devan! One of our amazing Public Relations advanced diploma students. Devan is interning as the senior technical student at Toronto Hydro, supporting their Media and Public Relations team with a variety of portfolios and functions. More specifically, he's been hard at work helping Toronto Hydro's spokesperson by managing the company's media relations. His most recent success was the creation and the distribution of a news release that was organized amongst Ontario’s largest utility companies.

As he continues his internship at Toronto Hydro, he has been learning the ins and outs of what it takes to work in public relations. We wish him all the best for the remainder of his work experience! #InspiredWIL #HumberWILPower

Expert Faculty

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Trilby Bittle

Trilby Bittle is a professor, public relations, at Humber College since August 1999. Her work in magazine journalism in (West) Germany brings together professional passions for writing and editing to provide the two-perspective backbone needed to teach various levels of media writing in Humber’s three-year Advanced Diploma program among other courses such as marketing communications and presentation skills.

A never-say-never attitude secured senior appointments as editor with two magazine publishing firms in Frankfurt when English-speaking jobs were scarce and work visas even scarcer. Prior to returning to Canada, after five years in Germany, Trilby took an around-the-world trip to add India, Thailand, the Philippines, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Australia and Hawaii to over 40 countries she had already visited.

Another milestone occurred during her 10-year tenure at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), first as senior publicist, then manager of media relations and finally head of the Marketing Communications Department responsible for advertising, promotions, media relations/publicity, crisis communications, visitor service and internal communications. For the first time, the ROM used an advertising agency to make the museum more approachable, friendly and relevant. The advertising awareness campaigns caused attendance to soar, to over one million visitors each year, and won numerous industry awards. Working at the ROM was nothing short of fascinating - one day promoting haute couture and, the next, a new species of spiders found in Vietnam.

An Ontario Scholar, Trilby Bittle graduated, with honours, from Humber’s three-year Advanced Diploma in Journalism Print-Broadcast (1982) and, among other awards, received the President’s Letter for the highest marks in the program two years running. During and after graduation, she worked for CTV National News on the assignment desk and news specials including the royal wedding of Charles and Diana; Egyptian President Anwar Sadat’s assassination; and Princess Grace of Monaco’s funeral, followed by co-producing the network’s daily syndicated news feed to CTV affiliates. She began teaching at Humber in 1999 becoming full time in 2004. After applying bridging credits to her Humber advanced diploma, she enrolled in, and earned, a master of arts (MA) degree in communication-journalism from Charles Sturt University, Australia (2004).

Trilby’s love of words brings an insatiable appetite for reading. She prefers the classics and reads all the works by one author at a time. Her favourite novelist is Charles Dickens, especially The Pickwick Papers and Bleak House. She collects Russian Palekh lacquer boxes and likes to cook, vacation (far easier than travelling), practice calligraphy and piano, play Scrabble and euchre, continually redecorate and, post-Covid, has an “en garde” on her bucket list to pursue fencing more seriously.

It seems Humber College runs in the Bittle blood. Trilby’s late father was a program co-ordinator in the Business School for almost 20 years, her younger brother taught statistics part time, her daughter currently teaches web development at the North Campus, and her son graduated from the University of New Brunswick-Humber nursing degree. Her son is currently an RN with Yukon Public Health, tracing COVID contact, and will be applying to medical school out West.

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Marlo Palko Taylor

Marlo is the Managing Partner of Gage Communications Inc.
Marlo has more than 20 years’ experience in public relations and communications, providing senior-level counsel to clients across a variety of Canadian industries.
In addition to strategic communications planning and execution, Marlo also helps her clients navigate complex industry issues and mitigate crisis.
Marlo also helps her clients activate powerful traditional and online communications campaigns that engage key stakeholders and/or decision makers in the process of positive and productive change.
Marlo is a graduate of Queen’s University, has a certificate in graphic design from Lambton College and holds a post-graduate certificate in Public Relations from Humber College. Marlo has taught at Humber College in the Public Relations program since 2016.

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Andrew Pelletier

Andrew Pelletier holds more than 30 years of high-profile public relations experience across the corporate, government and consulting sectors. His background includes the roles of vice president of corporate affairs and sustainability for Walmart, communications executive for the Sears corporation, communications officer for the Ontario Government, and consultant with one of Canada’s oldest public relations firms.

Andrew’s work has been both national and international in scope, taking him across the globe to Europe, Asia, Latin America, throughout the United States and across Canada. His expertise spans high-stakes issues and crisis management, marketing communications, labour relations, government affairs, corporate social responsibility and investor relations. He has guest lectured at several institutions including the University of Toronto, York University and Queen’s University.

Andrew is a graduate of Simon Fraser University in political science and sociology, and he holds two postgraduate designations in public relations, APR and ABC. He teaches a range of subject areas including government relations, not-for-profit public relations, research for public relations, event management and corporate public relations.

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Robert Plant

Robert J. Plant (ABC, MAIS) is the program co-ordinator and a professor in the Advanced Public Relations program. After graduating from Humber’s PR graduate certificate program, Robert spent most of his career working in the corporate sector at GE Capital, Zurich Insurance and American Express and municipally for the City of Hamilton.

At Amex, Robert managed employee communications and the American Express Foundation’s philanthropic arts and cultural program in Canada. At the City of Hamilton, he supported internal clients including Planning & Economic Development and Community Services along with a stint providing counsel to the Mayor’s Office.

A guest speaking opportunity to Mohawk College PR students piqued his interest in education. Robert began teaching part time at the College in 2008 and joined Humber in 2013 instructing in the PR diploma and PR graduate certificate programs. Robert moved into a full-time position in 2017 and became program co-ordinator in 2020.

Robert holds a BA in political science from McMaster University and a master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) from Royal Roads University. Robert is an accredited business communicator (ABC). A dedicated volunteer, Robert served as president of the International Association of Business Communicators' (IABC) Golden Horseshoe Chapter and chaired IABC’s Canada Eastern Region Board.

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Isa Ransome

Creative Professional with 20+ Years of Expertise in Photography, Graphic Design, Retouching, and Videography

Greetings! I am a seasoned creative professional with over two decades of hands-on experience in the dynamic realms of photography, graphic design, retouching, and videography. My journey has been a passionate exploration of visual storytelling and artistic expression.

Versatile Skill Set:
Throughout my career, I have honed my skills in crafting compelling visuals across diverse mediums. From capturing captivating moments behind the lens to refining them through meticulous retouching, my proficiency extends seamlessly to graphic design and video editing.

Educational Journey:
In addition to my industry commitments, I recently embarked on an exciting chapter as an educator at Humber College. It brings me immense joy to share my insights and guide the next generation of creative minds. Teaching has added a new layer of fulfillment to my professional journey.

Commercial Work and Editorial Art Direction:
My current focus involves actively contributing to the commercial photography scene and steering editorial art direction projects. Working at the intersection of creativity and strategy, I bring a unique perspective to each project, ensuring a perfect blend of aesthetics and purpose.

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Audrey Wubbenhorst

Audrey Wubbenhorst is a professor and board director. She currently teaches public relations and corporate communications at Humber College where she has received several research grants to research and write case studies on the impact of social media on business.

Prior to joining Humber, Audrey spent over a dozen years at BMO Bank of Montreal. She worked in a wide variety of roles including communications, marketing, human resources and commercial banking. She has served on several boards including the National Diabetes Trust (NDT), Central LHIN, Build Toronto, Toronto Community Housing Corporation and Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter.

Audrey has an MA in Communications as well as an MBA. She graduated with a BA (Hons) from McGill University and has a certificate in Corporate Social Responsibility from St. Michael’s College (University of Toronto). She has also completed her ICD.D. designation with the Rotman School of Management.

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Spencer Wynn

A recognized documentarian and visual journalist, photographer, Spencer Wynn is known for his sensitive eye for human interest stories. Wynn is also an educator at Humber College where he has enjoyed three years of working with students to develop their passion for connecting with others through compelling visual narratives.

Wynn is a restless observer of the world, seeing stories everywhere. Each week, Wynn encourages his students to see again, the world around them while creating visual documentaries with sensitivity and passion.

From the High Arctic, to Tibet, China, Greenland, India, Turkey, Europe and numerous road trips around North America. Wynn has lived in caves, slums, on ice flows and in First Nations communities photographing the stories of diverse cultures, tragedy, triumph and love.

Wynn shares his knowledge and skills as a photographer and observer with those attending his classes, workshops, speaking engagements and photo trips. Patient and understanding, he encourages those with whom he meets to strive for originality and brilliance – all the while having fun and enjoying the process.

Your Career

Upon graduation, you will know how to plan, develop and execute effective communications plans. Opportunities include employment in corporations, government and communications agencies. Our graduates have landed positions at Rogers, ONEX, the Ontario Government, Government of Canada, Molson, Bell, MLSE, BMO, RBC, NKPR, Craft PR, Veritas, Edelman and North Strategic.

Program Availability

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Course-Based Lakeshore Open
Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Course-Based Lakeshore Open

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students in Canada who apply for May 2024 start could be eligible for a $1,000 Scholarship*. Apply now

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Course-Based Lakeshore Open

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students Out of Canada can Apply through Humber International

Recruitment Events

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Can't make it to campus?

Experience Humber Virtually  

Lessons From a Public Relations Alumna and Not-for-Profit Leader

Ingrid Perry

Watch the video to meet Ingrid Perry, a 1981 Public Relations graduate who has dedicated her career to fundraising, corporate communications and strategic development in the not-for-profit sector for over 40 years.


News Feed

Senior Dean Update: Media & Creative Arts Anti-Racism Action Plan

Senior Dean Update: Media & Creative Arts Anti-Racism Action Plan

Fri, October 15, 2021

In June 2020, I committed the FMCA to seven action items to address the attitudes, behaviours and structures that act as barriers for students from Indigenous and equity-deserving communities.

Read More
Update: Humber Music Solidarity One Year On

Update: Humber Music Solidarity One Year On

Fri, October 15, 2021

In June 2020, Humber Music faculty pledged to address systemic racism and gender discrimination in the music programs by working with students, alumni, administrators, and industry experts

Read More
A Message from the Senior Dean: Music Degree Update

A Message from the Senior Dean: Music Degree Update

Tue, April 27, 2021

Over the past few months, the Faculty of Media & Creative Arts began a review of our Bachelor of Music program delivery.

Read More
Maria Saba Wins 2020 Writers-in-Exile Scholarship

Maria Saba Wins 2020 Writers-in-Exile Scholarship

Mon, October 26, 2020

Meet thethe recipient of the 2020 PEN Canada-Humber College Writers-in-Exile Scholarship, Maria Saba.

Read More

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Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.

Contact Us

Admissions Questions

General Enquiries

Call 416-675-3111 or email enquiry@humber.ca. If you have already applied, be sure to check your application status on myhumber.ca.

Domestic Applicants Enquiries

Domestic applicants can book a one-on-one advising appointment with an admissions representative.

International Applicants Enquiries

Contact the International Centre for information about full-time programs (including the International Graduate School), how to apply and to follow up on your submitted application.

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Robert J. Plant, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 3004
robert.plant@humber.ca

Campus Information

Book a campus tour to take a closer look at what it's like to be a student at Humber.

Want More Info?

Find out more about the student experience and everything that Humber has to offer Future Students.

for more info on Humber, including programs, special events and more!

How To Become An Apprentice

Becoming an Apprentice

Find an employer willing to sponsor you as an apprentice.

Contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to register as an apprentice.

Work with your employer approximately one year before attending Humber.

View Instructions 

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

If you’re in high school – grade 11 or 12 – you can earn co-op education credits through work placements in some skilled trades.

Visit OYAP 

How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of the space in the program.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Need Advice?

Program Advising Appointments

Get help narrowing down your program options or book a one-on-one pre-enrolment advising appointment with one of our Recruitment Officers.

Transfer & Pathway Advising

Book a virtual appointment with a Student Mobility Advisor learn more about getting Transfer Credit(s) for previous post-secondary experience, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), and Pathways options.

Admission Requirements

Admission selection is based on the academic criteria indicated. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

Admission selection is based on the following three requirements:

  • Academic

    To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following:

    • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent including these required courses: 
      • Grade 12 English (ENG4C or ENG4U or equivalent) 
      • Three Grade 11 or Grade 12 C, M or U courses in addition to those listed above

    or

    or

    Mature Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or other postsecondary school, and will be 19 or older as of the first day of classes. Humber will invite you for testing to demonstrate that you meet all listed course requirements.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or attended postsecondary studies, and will be 21 or older as of the first day of classes. Mature applicants for degree programs will be required to meet course requirements at the U/M level or equivalent.

    College Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent in the program. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

    University Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

  • English Language Proficiency

    All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy.

  • International Credit Evaluation

    Canadian citizens or permanent residents with international education are required to provide a credential evaluation. Note, for international High school education course by course evaluations, ICAS must be used. For international post-secondary education, a WES evaluation must be provided. In situations where you expect to apply for transfer credit, it is recommended that a course by course WES evaluation is completed.

International Academic Equivalency

Admission equivalencies for Humber depend on your country of study. Please enter your location or choose detect my location to see the requirements for your country below.

Post-Admission Requirements

Once you have been accepted, and have confirmed your offer, you may need to complete a further set of requirements related to your program (Post-Admission Requirements).

N/A

Equipment & Device Requirements

Semester 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Details and Specifications Minimum Specs Recommended Specs
Microsoft Office Excel, Word, Powerpoint Excel, Word, Powerpoint

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Robert J. Plant, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 3004
robert.plant@humber.ca

Fees & Financial Aid

The 2024/2025 fee for two semesters is:

  • domestic: $3,985.24
  • international: $17,595.38

Fees are subject to change.

Fees by Semester

Domestic Fees International Fees

Additional Costs

$1,000 – textbooks; Globe & Mail subscriptions; portfolio case; student memberships in professional associations: Canadian Public Relations Society, and International Association of Business Communicators.

Financial Aid, Scholarships and Bursaries

Understand the costs associated with coming to Humber and explore resources available from first year to your final year on Student Fees and Financial Resources.

Scholarships

Humber Scholarships

Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships. International students can visit International Student Scholarships.

Humber Bursaries

Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.

External Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.

Indigenous Student Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.

Explore Opportunities through Humber Pathways

Humber Pathways include:

  • Opportunities to build on your college education and complete your diploma or degree at Humber.
  • Degree and graduate study opportunities at other institutions in Ontario, Canada and abroad.
View Pathways Into This Program  
View Transfer Out Opportunities From This Program  
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