Conestoga's Bachelor of Public Relations degree was the first to be approved in Ontario and the fourth of its kind in Canada. Public relations are the management of communication between an organization and its public. Public relations specialists work in employee communication, media relations, investor relations, marketing communication and other specialized communication functions. This profession demands strong communication skills, diplomacy, strategic thinking and the ability to understand complex issues, and Conestoga's Bachelor of Public Relations degree responds with a case-based approach. The goal is to provide graduates with the critical thinking skills and the practical experience required to manage reputations, responses, and relationships on behalf of their organization.

We offer students the opportunity to combine their learning with co-op terms to allow students to apply theory to public relations practice. Courses in public relations management, global public relations, business and project management, and the ethics and philosophy of public relations offer unique perspectives.

Students will be encouraged to join one of several professional organizations during their degree program. Professional development, networking, and volunteerism are of tremendous benefit to the public relations graduate throughout their career.

Program Outcomes

• Apply a strategic understanding of communication principles and skills to a wide variety of public relations situations.
• Demonstrate capabilities in the interpretation, creation, and effective delivery of messages through various formats including public speaking, professional writing, visual design and multimedia technology and other emerging technologies.
• Describe the evolution of the public relation profession.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of the forms and functions of business relevant to public relations.
• Develop plans for lifelong learning and professional development.
• Consider global implications in the development of public relations strategies.
• Consider media and communications law and the implications of those on the development of public relations strategies.
• Utilize quantitative and qualitative research methodologies to provide evidence required to address public relations needs as well as to measure outcomes and influences.
• Manage event and other campaigns that arise in the fulfillment of public relations work.
• Organize and synthesize information in order to communicate new understanding in public relations, by the use of reading, research, and critical and creative thinking skills.

Careers

Graduates of this program will possess superior verbal and written communication skills, well-honed research skills, and the business acumen needed to manage issues, plan events, develop campaigns and lead communication projects. Graduates will be ready for entry-level public relations or communication positions leading to careers in a variety of organizations, including corporate, not-for-profit and agency environments.