This eight-month graduate certificate program will immerse you in public relations and corporate communications theory and practice. You will learn to write news releases, work with the media, research and develop strategic communications programs, hone digital communications skills and work in teams. You will be mentored by highly experienced teachers and learn how to effectively pursue a career in the public relations and communications industry.
In this program, you will have access to one of the best public relations and corporate communications libraries available and develop transferable skills valuable in a rapidly changing economy.
Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:
This program offers the option to complete a work term, providing valuable hands-on experience in your field of study. If you are interested in completing a work term, apply to the PROGRAMNAME program.
If you select the work term stream you will have the opportunity to participate in a work term(s) if eligibility requirements are maintained. You will have the flexibility to transfer to the non-work term stream at any time. The work term(s) is similar in length to an academic semester and is typically a full-time position that may be paid or unpaid. The work term job search is student-driven and participation in the work term stream does not guarantee that a work position will be secured. However, you will receive guidance and support through in-class career workshops and one-on-one coaching to help prepare for the work term. Additional fees are required for those participating in the optional work term stream, regardless of success in securing a work position. For more information, see fee details.
The work term can be completed in person, online or in a hybrid format, depending on the hiring organization.
| Start in | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 2026 | Seneca@York | Open |
| Jan. 2027 | Seneca@York | Open |
Availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.
| Start in | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 2026 | Seneca@York | Open |
| Jan. 2027 | Seneca@York | Open |
Availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.
This program is offered in Seneca's flexible delivery format, with some courses delivered online. The optional work term is in-person or online. In courses delivered in the flexible format, using interactive learning spaces, professors teach in person to students in a physical classroom or lab and stream to students online at the same time. Students have a choice of coming to campus for an in-person experience or learning online.
Learn more: Seneca’s program delivery options and how courses in this program will be delivered each term.
Graduates of the program can explore the following career options:
You may be able to pursue future career options within:
The curriculum has been developed based on recommendations and standards of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and the International Public Relations Association (IPRA). IPRA, a group of senior public relations practitioners from 100 countries is based in London, England. It actively engages in research and conducts an international congress every three years, with the aim of advancing public relations practice and education on a global level. Our program is guided by the recommendations of the IPRA International Commission on Public Relations Education. The training of students for the public relations profession implies curricula and internships that equip them for the kind of future environment in which they will be working, not just that which exists today.
This is where university meets college. Where theory meets practice. Where ambition meets flexibility.
This program is officially recognized by the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) and the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).
Graduate career ready and world ready. This program has an optional work term to help you hone essential skills for the workplace.
As a graduate of this program, you have options to build on your credential through a pathway to one of our partner institutions.
Earn credit for previous studies, work experience or training through Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition and transfer credits.
Graduate, Public Relations – Corporate Communications
Andrew recently became the head of Corporate Communications at Samsung Electronics America after being the senior VP and group head of external communications for MasterCard. A highly energetic marketing and communications professional, the Seneca graduate was named “Brand Marketer of the Year” by PR News in 2014, recognized for his passion and leadership role in the field of communications.
Graduate, Public Relations – Corporate Communications
This program helped me reinforce my communication and public relations skills, especially in areas such as public speaking, internal communication and building professional relationships with partners and clients.
Chief of Staff, Supply Ontario
I consistently apply skills I learned at Seneca – from drafting communications materials to using social media strategically. The program gave me the practical foundation I needed to succeed in a high-pressure, high-impact environment.
Graduate, Public Relations – Corporate Communications
I appreciated how the program embraced emerging technologies like AI and integrated them into discussions about the future of industry and communications, which made the learning experience feel current, relevant and directly connected to the workforce.
Graduate, Public Relations – Corporate Communications
The professors were dedicated to student success and delivering quality education for us. I appreciated the availability of flex courses, which provided me more options to attend class.
