Public Relations Diploma
Overview
Faculty of Fine Arts and Communications
MacEwan.ca/PR
The Public Relations diploma offers a unique opportunity for people with previous post-secondary education to ready themselves for an exciting new career in communications in less than a year.
Public relations is a vibrant, dynamic field in the business environment, simply because organizations are being challenged by their publics – clients, shareholders, communities, employees – to do a better job of communicating.
This program has an excellent, nationwide reputation in the business community. It focuses on training students to be functional, entry-level practitioners the minute they leave the program. While theory receives the necessary attention to develop the students’ understanding of the “big picture” and the potential for growth, the primary goal of the program is to give students the practical tools and skills to make an immediate, positive contribution.
Critical-thinking skills, problem-solving ability, creativity and the ability to rise to a challenge are all valuable assets in this fast-paced program. Group work is extensive and students must work effectively in a team setting. Students should have excellent language skills and be prepared to excel in writing.
This program begins in the fall and consists of 35 credits over three terms. Students are required to complete a two-month practicum in the spring term.
Career Potential
Graduates find employment in all levels of government, education and health-related organizations, professional associations, resource sectors, private companies, not-for-profit, media – just about any organization dedicated to strategic, timely and relevant communication.
Contact Information
Program Requirements
The following program requirements are needed to complete the credential. Refer to the Student Plan as this plan identifies the usual course schedule.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PREL 213 | Business Fundamentals for Communicators | 3 |
| PREL 230 | Public Relations Fundamentals and Practice | 3 |
| PREL 233 | Media Relations and Mass Media | 3 |
| PREL 238 | Public Relations & Digital Media | 3 |
| PREL 240 | Integrated Marketing Communications | 3 |
| PREL 241 | Writing for Public Relations | 3 |
| PREL 242 | Internal Communications and Organizational Dynamics | 3 |
| PREL 245 | Communications Research and Planning | 3 |
| PREL 246 | Issues and Reputation Management | 3 |
| PREL 250 | Professional Practicum | 5 |
| PROW 211 | Writing Fundamentals | 3 |
| Total Credits | 35 | |
Course Substitutions
List of Course Substitutions
| Credit Earned in: | May Be Substituted for Credit in Program Course: |
|---|---|
| BCSC 100 | PROW 211 |
| PROW 100 | PROW 211 |
| BUSN 201 | PREL 213 |
Student Plan
Students must follow the Student Plan (listed below) to complete this credential in the year(s) indicated by the plan. Students must consult with a program Academic Advisor regarding any deviation from the Student Plan, as this may extend the time it takes to complete the program.
| Year 1 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Credits | Term 2 | Credits | Term 3 | Credits |
| PREL 213 | 3 | PREL 233 | 3 | PREL 250 | 5 |
| PREL 230 | 3 | PREL 240 | 3 | ||
| PREL 238 | 3 | PREL 241 | 3 | ||
| PREL 245 | 3 | PREL 242 | 3 | ||
| PROW 211 | 3 | PREL 246 | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | 5 | |||
| Total Credits 35 | |||||
Admission Requirements
Applicants may be admitted to the following:
Regular Admission
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Applicants must have a minimum of 30 post-secondary credits, including a post-secondary English course with a minimum grade of C+.
Additional Admission Criteria
All applicants must meet the following:
1. English Language Proficiency
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Applicable to All Admission Categories
All applicants must meet an acceptable level of English language proficiency. We will require official documents such as high school or post-secondary transcripts or proof of successful completion of standardized language evaluation. Full details are available in MacEwan University’s academic calendar or online at MacEwan.ca/ELP.