The Ultimate Guide to Canadian Communications & PR Universities, Colleges and Schools
Selecting the right course is a pivotal choice for both current and aspiring Public Relations Specialists. But with numerous options available, tailored to various aspirations and learning preferences, the process of making this informed decision can be overwhelming—we’re here to make sure it isn’t.
Similar to the Maclean’s University Guidebook, we wanted to provide a helpful overview and breakdown of what's out there through the use of filtered data to help you make the best decision for your future.
This article offers a concise overview of the top Canadian Communications and Public Relations programs and courses in 2023, to assist current and aspiring PR Specialists in finding their ideal educational path. We hope it serves you well!
Certificates, Courses & Bootcamps
-
Type: Public Polytechnic Institute | Website: Marketing Management Public Relations Certificate
Program length: 3 months + | Delivery type: Part-time; hybrid | Price: $4,000Scholarships or bursaries available: Not mentioned
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Not listed
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Not mentioned
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: No -
Type: Public College | Website: Certificate in Communications
Program length: 1 year + | Delivery type: Part-time or full-time | Price: Tuition estimator availableScholarships or bursaries available: Not mentioned
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Not listed
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Not mentioned
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: Yes (only one) -
Type: Digital Education Company | Website: PR Fundamentals and Influencer Marketing 101
Program length: Unspecified | Delivery type: Self-paced | Price: $999Scholarships or bursaries available: Yes
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Only one instructor listed
Mentorship opportunities: Yes
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Not mentioned
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: No -
Type: Public University | Website: Certificate in Public Relations and Communications Management
Program length: Unspecified | Delivery type: Part-time or full-time; in person | Price: Fee schedule availableScholarships or bursaries available: Only for Quebec-residents
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Not listed
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Not mentioned
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: Yes (only one) -
Type: Public University | Website: Business Communications Certificate
Program length: Unspecified | Delivery type: Self-paced; hybrid | Price: Pay-per-courseScholarships or bursaries available: Yes
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Not listed
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Not mentioned
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: No -
Type: Public University | Website: Certificate in Public Relations
Program length: Unspecified | Delivery type: Part-time; online | Price: Not listedScholarships or bursaries available: Not mentioned
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Not listed
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Not mentioned
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: Yes (only one) -
Type: Public University | Website: Public Relations Certificate
Program length: < 3 years | Delivery type: Part-time or full-time | Price: Fee schedule availableScholarships or bursaries available: Yes
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Not listed
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Yes
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: No -
Type: Public University | Website: Strategic Public Relations Certificate
Program length: Unspecified | Delivery type: Self-paced; online | Price: $2,333 +Scholarships or bursaries available: Not mentioned
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Not listed
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Not mentioned
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: No -
Type: Public University | Website: Professional Certificate in Communications and Public Relations
Program length: 8 - 36 months | Delivery type: Self-paced; online | Price: $3,290 - $3,345Scholarships or bursaries available: Not mentioned
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Not listed
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Not mentioned
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: No
Diplomas
-
Type: Public College | Website: Public Relations Diploma
Program length: 2 years | Delivery type: Full-time | Price: Tuition estimator availableScholarships or bursaries available: Not mentioned
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Not listed
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Yes
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: No -
Type: Public College | Website: Communications Studies Diploma
Program length: 2 years + | Delivery type: Part-time or full-time | Price: $12,122Scholarships or bursaries available: Yes
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Not listed
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Not mentioned
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: No -
Type: Private College | Website: Associate of Arts Degree with Communication Concentration
Program length: 2 years | Delivery type: Full-time | Price: Not listedScholarships or bursaries available: Not mentioned
Curriculum on website: Partially
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Not listed
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Not mentioned
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: No -
Type: Public College | Website: Associate Degree in Communications
Program length: 2 years | Delivery type: Full-time | Price: Tuition estimator availableScholarships or bursaries available: Not mentioned
Curriculum on website: No
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Not listed
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Yes
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: No -
Type: Public College | Website: Advertising and Marketing Communications Diploma
Program length: 2 years | Delivery type: Full-time; in-person | Price: Fee schedule availableScholarships or bursaries available: Yes
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Not listed
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Yes
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: No -
Type: Public College | Website: Advertising and Marketing Communications Diploma
Program length: 2 years | Delivery type: Full-time | Price: $7,570Scholarships or bursaries available: Yes
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: No
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Yes
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: Yes -
Type: Public College | Website: Public Relations Advanced Diploma
Program length: 3 years | Delivery type: Full-time | Price: $11,354Scholarships or bursaries available: Yes
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: No
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Yes
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: Yes -
Type: Public Polytechnic University | Website: Public Relations Diploma
Program length: 2 years | Delivery type: Full-time | Price: Not listedScholarships or bursaries available: Not mentioned
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Yes
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Yes
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: Yes -
Type: Public College | Website: Digital Communications and Media Diploma
Program length: 2 years | Delivery type: Full-time; in-person | Price: $17,747Scholarships or bursaries available: Yes
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Not listed
Mentorship opportunities: Yes
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Yes
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: Yes -
Type: Public College | Website: Diploma in Communications, Culture, and Journalism Studies
Program length: 2 years + | Delivery type: Part-time or full-time; in-person | Price: $9,180 +Scholarships or bursaries available: Yes
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Not listed
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Not mentioned
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: No -
Type: Public University | Website: Diploma in Public Relations
Program length: 2 - 3 years | Delivery type: Self-paced; online | Price: $6,075Scholarships or bursaries available: Yes
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Yes
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Not mentioned
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: Yes
Bachelor Degrees
-
Type: Public University | Website: Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies and Public Relations Certificate
Program length: 4 years | Delivery type: Full-time | Price: Not listedScholarships or bursaries available: Not mentioned
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Not listed
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Yes
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: No -
Type: Public University | Website: Bachelor of Communication Studies
Program length: 4 years + | Delivery type: Part-time or full-time | Price: $27,174Scholarships or bursaries available: Yes
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Not listed
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Not mentioned
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: No -
Type: Public College | Website: Bachelor of Public Relations Management (Honours)
Program length: 4 years | Delivery type: Full-time | Price: $28,549Scholarships or bursaries available: Not mentioned
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Not listed
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Yes
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: Yes -
Type: Public University | Website: Bachelor of Communication Studies
Program length: 3-4 years | Delivery type: Full-time | Price: Not listedScholarships or bursaries available: Not mentioned
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Not listed
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Yes
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: Yes -
Type: Public College | Website: Bachelor of Public Relations (Honours)
Program length: 4 years | Delivery type: Full-time | Price: $28,961Scholarships or bursaries available: Yes
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Yes
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Yes
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: Yes -
Type: Public University | Website: Bachelor of Communication Studies
Program length: Unspecified | Delivery type: Unspecified | Price: Not listedScholarships or bursaries available: Not mentioned
Curriculum on website: No
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Not listed
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Yes
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: No -
Type: Public University | Website: Bachelor of Arts with Communication Major
Program length: Unspecified | Delivery type: Unspecified | Price: Not listedScholarships or bursaries available: Not mentioned
Curriculum on website: No
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Not listed
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Not mentioned
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: No -
Type: Public University | Website: Bachelor of Communication and Digital Journalism
Program length: 4 years | Delivery type: Full-time | Price: $23,707Scholarships or bursaries available: Not mentioned
Curriculum on website: No
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Not listed
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Not mentioned
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: No -
Type: Public University | Website: Bachelor of Arts in Communications
Program length: Unspecified | Delivery type: Unspecified | Price: Not listedScholarships or bursaries available: Not mentioned
Curriculum on website: No
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Not listed
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Yes
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: Yes -
Type: Private University | Website: Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communication
Program length: Unspecified | Delivery type: Unspecified | Price: Not listedScholarships or bursaries available: Yes
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: No
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Not mentioned
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: No -
Type: Private University | Website: Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communication
Program length: Unspecified | Delivery type: Unspecified | Price: Not listedScholarships or bursaries available: Yes
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Yes
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Not mentioned
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: Yes (only one) -
Type: Public University | Website: Bachelor in Public Relations (Honours)
Program length: 4 years + | Delivery type: Part-time or full-time | Price: Not listedScholarships or bursaries available: Yes
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Not listed
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Not mentioned
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: No -
Type: Public University | Website: Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Media and Film
Program length: Unspecified | Delivery type: Unspecified | Price: Not listedScholarships or bursaries available: Not mentioned
Curriculum on website: No
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Not listed
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Yes
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: No -
Type: Public University | Website: Bachelor of Arts in Communications
Program length: Unspecified | Delivery type: Part-time or full-time | Price: Not listedScholarships or bursaries available: Yes
Curriculum on website: No
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Not listed
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Yes
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: Yes (only one)
Post-Baccalaureates
-
Type: Public College | Website: Public Relations Corporate Communications Graduate Certificate
Program length: 1 year | Delivery type: Full-time | Price: $5,702Scholarships or bursaries available: Not mentioned
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Not listed
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Yes
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: Yes
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: No -
Type: Public University | Website: Communication Studies Graduate Diploma
Program length: 1 year | Delivery type: Full-time | Price: Not listedScholarships or bursaries available: Not mentioned
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Not listed
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Yes
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: No -
Type: Public College | Website: Post-Degree Diploma in Professional Communication
Program length: 1 year + | Delivery type: Part-time or full-time; online | Price: Tuition estimator availableScholarships or bursaries available: Not mentioned
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Not listed
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Not mentioned
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: Yes (only one) -
Type: Public College | Website: Public Relations Corporate Communications Graduate Certificate
Program length: 1 year | Delivery type: Full-time | Price: $4,933Scholarships or bursaries available: Not mentioned
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Not listed
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Yes
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: Yes -
Type: Public College | Website: Public Relations Graduate Certificate
Program length: 3 semesters | Delivery type: Full-time | Price: $5,876Scholarships or bursaries available: Yes
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Yes
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Yes
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: No -
Type: Public University | Website: Graduate Certificate in Public Relations and Communication Management Practice
Program length: 1 semester + | Delivery type: Part-time or full-time; online | Price: Fee schedule availableScholarships or bursaries available: Yes
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Not listed
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Not mentioned
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: No -
Type: Public University | Website: Master of Communications Management
Program length: 2 years | Delivery type: Part-time; hybrid | Price: Pay-per-courseScholarships or bursaries available: Yes
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Not listed
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Not mentioned
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: No -
Type: Public University | Website: Public Relations Corporate Communications Graduate Certificate
Program length: 1 year | Delivery type: Full-time; hybrid | Price: $7,476Scholarships or bursaries available: Not mentioned
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Not listed
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Yes
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: Yes (only one) -
Type: Public University | Website: Public Relations Corporate Communications Graduate Certificate
Program length: 1 year | Delivery type: Full-time; hybrid | Price: $22,250Scholarships or bursaries available: Not mentioned
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Not listed
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Yes
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: No -
Type: Public University | Website: Post-Degree Diploma in Public Relations
Program length: 1 -2 years | Delivery type: Part-time or full-time; online or in-person | Price: $10,000Scholarships or bursaries available: Yes
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Not listed
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Yes
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: No
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: No -
Type: Public University | Website: Post-Graduate Certificate in Public Relations
Program length: 8 months | Delivery type: Full-time; in-person | Price: $6,599Scholarships or bursaries available: Yes
Curriculum on website: Yes
Based in Canada (understands Canadian marketing landscape): Yes
Diverse instructors: Yes
Mentorship opportunities: Not mentioned
Co-op/practicum opportunities: Not mentioned
Includes industry credentials outside branded certificate: Not mentioned
Industry council that advises program: Yes
Course reviews/testimonials easily available: No
From co-op placements and networking opportunities, to the tangible resources and skills you walk away with, the importance of a well-chosen educational path cannot be overstated.
By considering the insights provided in this article, aspiring and current Public Relations Specialists can make a decision that aligns with their goals and sets them on a trajectory for success. After all, the right course is not just a stepping stone—it's a strategic investment in a vibrant and dynamic industry that rewards innovation, creativity and informed decision-making.
Are we missing a school? Are the facts wrong in one of our evaluations? Has a school updated their website? Contact us here to let us know.