Program description
Today's communications professionals do it all.
They write and implement strategic communications plans. They manage traditional, digital and social media initiatives. And they lead organizations through crises, disputes and change, always making sure to engage employees, customers and stakeholders.
With a Graduate Certificate in Professional Communication Management, you'll improve the way you manage internal and external communications.
You'll study the advantages, shortcomings and risks of digital communications.
You'll learn to lead an organization through a crisis and mediate conflict using practices of dispute resolution.
You'll be well prepared to use communication strategies to manage your organization's reputation and build relationships with stakeholders.
Who it’s for
This certificate is designed for professionals responsible for organizational or corporate communication.
It's a good fit for managers who wish to strengthen their strategic approach to communications, including reputation and crisis management.
You can build from here
You can keep learning about this field and apply credits from this program to the MA in Interdisciplinary Studies or the MA in Professional Communication.
Program delivery
You can complete this program in one of two ways:
- a blend of online learning and one on-campus residency
- fully online
Online learning
Online courses consist of assigned readings, synchronous or asynchronous lectures, interactive discussions, and individual and team assignments.
You’re expected to meet deadlines and contribute meaningfully to your class. Your contributions are a big part of everyone’s learning.
You'll take the program's three online courses at the same time. Each course lasts 10 weeks, and each one takes approximately five to 10 hours of work per week.
You'll start your program with a non-credit, but required, course about academic integrity.
Residency
The blended program has one two-week residency. The fully online program includes online courses and one virtual residency.
Residencies are intensive and immersive. Many students say this time together is the highlight of their program.
During your residency, you can expect to:
- attend classes full time (e.g., Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
- complete homework and individual and team assignments outside of class hours
- take part in extracurricular activities
You'll examine case studies that highlight the communication challenges organizations face including strategic leadership communication and organizational change.
You'll also explore the communication professional’s role in supporting internal and external stakeholder engagement. You'll learn ways to foster strong relations with employees, media, the public, government and other organizations.
Courses
Faculty
Transfer agreements
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Standard admission
- Completion of a four-year (or comparable) undergraduate degree in a related field from a recognized post-secondary institution.
- Evidence of having sufficient knowledge, skills and abilities to complete a demanding academic course of study at a master's level.
- Normally, at least two years of work or volunteer experience, preferably in a leadership capacity.
Flexible admission
Applicants who do not meet the Standard Admission requirements will be considered for flexible admission and assessed as follows:
- Applicants without an undergraduate degree, but more than three years (90 credits) of relevant post-secondary education, should have at least three years of relevant work experience, preferably in a leadership capacity.
- Applicants with 2-3 years (60-90 credits) of relevant post-secondary education should have at least five years of relevant work experience in a leadership capacity.
- Applicants with less than two years of relevant post-secondary education should have at least ten years of high-level, professional communication experience in a leadership capacity.
English language proficiency
- If English is not your primary language, please review our English language requirements.
Additional recommendations
- Academic writing skills are required for success in this program and an English composition course, at a recognized post-secondary institution, focused on academic writing is therefore recommended. The Academic Writing and Critical Thinking course offered through Continuing Studies at Royal Roads University meets this recommendation.
- If your application is assessed under flexible admission, you may be asked to submit a digital portfolio (disk or flash drive) of your previous work, learning and accomplishments (e.g. written work, project management, consulting work, etc.) in the field of communication.
All applications to this program require submission of the following information and supporting documents before your file can be assessed for admission:
Application form
In order to apply online, you will be required to create a log-in account using your email address. You will be required to list all credit courses and/or programs you have completed or are currently enrolled in. An application fee will be required. If your application fees are being paid by a third party, review sponsored student information. Once submitted, you may check the status of your application at any time.
Missed your application deadline? While we can’t make any guarantees, we may be able to accommodate late applications if there's still space and enough time to process. If you're interested in an intake that is now closed to applications, apply for the next available intake and email Admissions with your preferred start date. Make sure you’re prepared to submit your program's required documents right away. We can't make an admissions decision without them.
Official transcripts
Applicants are responsible for arranging for the submission of official transcripts from ALL post-secondary (higher education) institutions currently or previously attended, for all credit courses and/or programs. Transcripts are not required for non-credit programs or courses, though some programs may require proof of professional certifications or designations.
Transcripts are considered official only if submitted directly by the Registrar or other recognized authority of the providing institution in the institution's original, sealed envelope. If the envelope has been opened, the transcripts are no longer official and new (official) transcripts will be required to complete your application.
All international transcripts or credentials are subject to an international credential evaluation
Personal statement
The personal statement should be approximately one page in length, and should outline your motivation for seeking entrance to the program. The statement should address the topic of how the Graduate Certificate in Professional Communication Management will contribute to your future career. Relate this to who you are, what you feel you will gain from the program, and the strengths you feel you could bring to the program.
Letters of reference
Your application requires two letters of reference. These letters speak to your academic potential, your professional expertise and your personal attributes. We expect the letters of reference to confirm that you are a suitable candidate for the program, why the referee feels you will succeed in the program, and describe how the program will benefit you. The context in which the referee has come to know you should also be mentioned (professional, academic, personal, volunteer, etc).
Detailed résumé
Your detailed résumé should include the following:
- Education: List all post secondary education, degrees, diplomas, and certificates you have achieved.
- Work experience: Please include name of organization, length of service and a brief description of duties.
- Voluntary/unpaid work experience: List and describe any voluntary/unpaid post-secondary employment and/or community service experience. Please include the name of the organization, length of service, and a brief description of duties. List positions you have held in this service.
- Information technology training and experience: Briefly describe your level of training and experience in the use of information technology including computers, software and telecommunications networks as tools for business, education, teaching and personal use.
- Professional memberships/affiliations: List memberships and positions you hold/have held in professional associations, service clubs, community/volunteer sector.
- Other relevant information: Provide any other information which you believe is relevant to your application and will be of assistance to the review committee.
If applicable:
- Applicants declaring permanent resident or Convention Refugee status in Canada, must submit a copy of their Permanent Resident Card (PR card) along with their application.
- Transcript evaluation fee or credential evaluation report, if submitting international transcripts.
- An official English language proficiency score report or other evidence of proficiency if English is not your primary language.
- Other information or documents as may be requested to determine your eligibility.
For information on how and where to send your supporting documents, please refer to the document submission guidelines.
