Corporate Communications

Think strategically, act tactically, prosper as a communications pro.

Faculty:
Faculty of Animation, Arts and Design
Program Code:
PCCOM
Duration:
1 Year
Designation:
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Campus:
Trafalgar Road Campus
Start Date:
September

Can corporate communications be considered an art form? That’s how Sheridan approaches the subject. It’s a unique approach among business communications programs, and it produces student work that stands out: Sheridan students have taken top honours in the Canadian Public Relations Society’s (Hamilton Chapter) Pinnacle Awards for excellence in Public Relations.

Making Statements That Matter

Sheridan’s Corporate Communications courses feature hands-on, project-based assignments. You’ll be working for real-world clients, not just doing classroom exercises. Projects include:

  • Writing persuasive and informative copy for internal and external publications, news releases, conference presentations, speeches and public service announcements
  • Expressing yourself in a variety of public forums such as media interviews and news conferences
  • Creating websites, blogs, podcasts, e-mail blasts and other online communications
  • Producing internal corporate communications plans and activities – the fastest-growing segment of the industry
  • Preparing strategic plans, crisis responses, media campaigns, fundraising initiatives and other planning documents
  • Developing strategic communication campaigns that integrate all of the above elements

Sheridan not only emphasizes the critical, analytical and strategic skills prized by employers in corporate communications and public relations, it weaves social media and diversity communications into all aspects of tactical delivery. You’ll do more than write catchy prose; you’ll learn how to generate buzz, influence attitudes and motivate behaviour.


Fast Track to Employment


It takes just eight months to earn a Corporate Communications graduate certificate from Sheridan. You’ll build a portfolio, get real-world experience, and master both practical and theoretical aspects of business communications. You'll spend the last five weeks of the program in an onsite job placement, doing the real thing. By year’s end you’ll have the skill set and the confidence to step directly into the workplace.

Visit the Corporate Communications program’s blog at http://corpcommcafe.blogspot.com/.

Classes for the Corporate Communications Program are held at Sheridan’s Trafalgar Road Campus, Oakville, Ontario.

Recent Sheridan Corporate Communications graduates have worked their way into challenging roles such as senior writer, media relations director, internal communications manager and account manager. The demand for skilled business communications professionals is high among organizations of every type, in all sectors. Our recent graduates work in such industries as:
  • Health care
  • Education
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Technology
  • Financial services
  • Manufacturing
  • Retail
  • Visual and performing arts
  • Television and entertainment
  • Fashion
  • Public relations
  • Nonprofits
  • Food and beverage
  • Hotel and hospitality
  • Fundraising
  • Special events
  • Government

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

  • Postsecondary diploma or degree

and/or

  • Previous work and/or educational experience in the communications field

APPLICANT SELECTION

Eligible applicants will be selected on the combination of the following:

  • Previous academic achievement and/or demonstrated experience

and

  • Written statement of intent
  • Three writing samples (published or unpublished)
  • Résumé (including computer skills and volunteer work)

The statement of intent should argue the applicant’s suitability for a profession in corporate communications and outline business/work experiences, and personal/professional goals. Students are expected to meet high copy editing standards.

An applicant assessment fee will be applied.

Postsecondary transcripts indicating courses completed to date must be submitted to ontariocolleges.ca at the time of application.

Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements for this program will be assessed and advised individually and may be considered for other, related programs. 

 

Code Title Credits
TERM 1    
     
LAWS 58582 Law and Ethics for Public Relations 3
LIFE 59901 Career Management for PR Practitioners 3
PUBR 56801 Writing for Public Relations 1 3
SOCS 51215 Applied Communications Research 3
MEDA 55728 Performance Techniques for Media Relations 3
PUBR 59997 Introduction to Public Relations 3
VDES 52470 Communication Design and Technology 3
Total: 21
 
     
     
TERM 2    
     
VDES 54178 Social Media Technology for PR 3
PUBR 59719 Writing for Public Relations 2 3
PUBR 58256 Special Events Planning 3
PUBR 58634 Strategic Communications Planning 3
PUBR 57311 Public Relations and Philanthropy 3
PUBR 56606 Issues and Crisis Management 3
PUBR 50172 Imternal Communications 3
Total:   21