Bachelor of Public Relations (Honours)

at Humber College - Lakeshore Campus Canada

Humber’s Introduction to Commercial Jazz Music certificate is a performance-based program designed to help you assess and strengthen your skills. It solidifies your knowledge of the fundamentals of western music and develops your current performance skills through the jazz-specific areas of improvisation, repertoire development and small group ensemble performance. You will emerge from the program with a clearer understanding of the field and your own career potential within it, and as a stronger candidate for entry into postsecondary music degree and diploma programs. All courses have a particular focus on the commercial jazz field.

Learning Outcomes

• Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:
  • Recognize & identify common styles of music.
  • Describe the commercial/jazz field in terms of tradition, artists, & styles.
  • Explain the contribution of various artists to the development of particular styles & idioms.
  • Analyze the components & performance differences of recorded selections.
  • Play a repertoire of memorized materials that are considered standards in the commercial/jazz field & reflect the various styles inherent in this music.
  • Write diatonic melodies in various styles demonstrating knowledge of relevant harmonic & melodic concepts & structures of form.
  • Perform in an ensemble demonstrating basic ensemble skills such as intonation, tuning, time, feel, balance & dynamics.
  • Identify their own musical strengths & weaknesses in terms of a performance career in the commercial/jazz field.
  • Implement strategies & plans for on-going personal & professional growth & development.
  • Establish a practice of critical self-assessment & professional goal setting.

Humber’s Bachelor of Commerce – Marketing degree program gives you a comprehensive grounding in both general business knowledge and specialized marketing skills.  Our program starts with a foundation of business studies in areas such as organizational behaviour, law, economics, finance and accounting, marketing, and operations management. Specialization courses that focus on marketing strategies will give you the skills, knowledge and experience needed to stand out from the crowd. You’ll learn from professors recognized for their expertise and extensive industry contacts. The program curriculum, based on current trends, technologies and methodologies, brings real world challenges into the classroom. By graduation, you’ll have developed a wide range of marketable skills, including:

• Creating a strategic marketing plan
• Conducting a product analysis
• Using social media and advertising for product promotion
• Using databases to create consumer relationships

Humber’s project-based curriculum means you will take projects from idea to execution while working in a real-world, team-based environment.
The program requires that you complete 14 weeks/420 hours of paid work in the summer between your sixth and seventh semesters. This gives you the hands-on, real-world experience that employers value. Your work placement will give you the opportunity to explore the field you’d like to work in when you graduate. We will work with employers and our industry partners to help you identify opportunities to pursue.
Canada’s service sector is poised for strong growth. The field of marketing in particular is predicted to grow exponentially – which means that companies are looking for top talent to help them achieve success. Our program will prepare you to pursue a career as a marketing analyst or a product, sales, marketing or communications manager in a wide range of sectors including consumer goods, electronics, entertainment, fashion, leisure and tourism, manufacturing, music, retail, and sports. You’ll learn how to market yourself and get your career underway in advertising firms, retail chains, wholesalers and consumer product companies. The hands-on experience you’ll gain during your studies means you will be able to add value quickly to a wide range of workplaces.

Humber’s Bachelor of Paralegal Studies program is the only four-year degree program to receive accreditation by The Law Society of Ontario as an accredited paralegal education program. This program combines legal theory with practical applications in courses covering ethics and professional responsibility, negotiation and mediation, evidence, advocacy, tort law, contract law, insurance law, and employment law. Students are provided with the legal foundation needed to consider a career as a licensed paralegal.  

We believe that properly representing a client includes understanding the client’s background and motivation. As a result, our program has eight electives which provide students with the opportunity to study social science, humanities and science electives. 

Learning Outcomes

• Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:
  • Explain the relationship between a wide range of legal concepts, values, principles, and rules of law related to paralegal practice within the Canadian legal system.
  • Outline relevant philosophical, historical, political, social, cultural, economic, and ethical contexts in which law operates.
  • Define legal terminology accurately and give appropriate, current examples of their use.
  • Research relevant information from a wide range of professional texts and legal data bases using sophisticated search methods and standard techniques of legal interpretation.
  • Use of methods of negotiation and advocacy in order to advance a client’s legal position in a contentious context.
  • Solve complex legal problems through selection of appropriate legal remedies for substantive issues and the related legal and procedural issues.
  • Develop a cogent legal argument based on an organized body of relevant facts verified through corroborating sources.
  • Present legal issues and solutions in client-centered plain language. 
  • Summarize the issues and arguments in a range of complex law cases.
  • Write a range of polished documents used in paralegal practice with accuracy, clarity, conciseness and organization.   
  • Evaluate issues to determine whether a case falls within the paralegal scope of practice and where appropriate, seek support and/or refer the case to a lawyer.  
  • Contribute effectively and professionally in a team environment to complete required tasks within set deadlines.
  • Take initiative to expand personal and professional competence in order to make on-going improvements in meeting client needs.

Work Placement

• Work placements offer on-the-job experience where you will use and sharpen the skills you’ve learned in class and apply them to real-world situations.
• The work placement is from May to August after Semester 6 and lasts 14 weeks/420 hours. You will work with your placement advisor to find a placement that fits your career goals. We provide placement support, such as working with the legal community, to identify work placement employment opportunities.

Humber’s Bachelor of Film and Media Production degree program combines theory and practice with the goal of preparing you for a rewarding career in media. You will learn a variety of screenwriting and storytelling techniques, and how to combine them into compelling visual narratives. You will be taught by professors highly experienced in the film industry, and benefit from their insights and experiences.

This rigorous program covers a broad range of practical and academic topics such as direction, picture and sound editing, cinematography, videography, and post-production. You will study both fiction and nonfiction filmmaking. You will gain vital research and management abilities and attend seminars hosted by industry professionals, giving you access to valuable insights and contacts. In addition to standard film school topics, this program focuses on multiplatform delivery, ensuring graduates are ready to take advantage of new digital content channels. A film and media theory component is combined with courses such as entertainment law and media entrepreneurship, preparing graduates for their careers in film. A capstone project in your final year will allow you to apply your skills and demonstrate your creative vision.

Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Create film and media content using current industry standard tools and procedures to meet project goals and realize well-crafted stories. 
• Assume various roles in all phases of film and media content creation including writing, producing, directing, camera and post-production.
• Synthesize current and historical cultural and aesthetic movements and technological trends in the creation of media, in relation to one’s own creative practice.
• Manage all aspects of film and media projects in compliance with professional, ethical, legal and current safety standards.
• Create and deliver completed projects with a high degree of aesthetic and technical accomplishment.
• Develop and pitch concepts for film and media that are original, feasible and compelling to a defined audience.
• Assess the parameters of financing, marketing and distribution associated with film and media projects, to establish their viability.
• Collaborate professionally on film or media projects, providing innovative contributions while adhering to current and evolving industry practices.
• Reflect critically on one’s own process during self-evaluation and peer assessment, both orally and in writing in order to identify gaps in professional knowledge and ability.
• Build and maintain a professional portfolio that highlights individual contributions to media projects for prospective clients, employers, agents and collaborators.

By combining the latest recording technologies and entrepreneurial business strategies with performance, production, songwriting and composition in jazz, pop, R&B, Latin and world music, you will be well equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for success in today’s music world.

Founded in 1972, the program has consistently produced many of the most successful commercial and jazz musicians in Canada and the world. With more than 350 students and a faculty of 18 full-time and 80 part-time teachers, our program is one of the largest, most diverse and highly regarded programs of its kind in the country. Long known for the strength of its professors, Humber offers you the opportunity to study privately, in classroom situations, and in several of the more than 50 ensembles directed by a who’s who of Canadian music. As Toronto is the centre of Canada’s entertainment industry, Humber attracts the top professionals in jazz, musical theatre, television, film, commercials and pop.

After two years of core music courses, you will continue with lessons on your major instrument, as well as take classes in music production and music business while also choosing from electives in arranging, composition, advanced improvisation, film scoring, music production techniques, songwriting, ethnomusicology or pedagogy.

You’ll develop musicianship and artistry by presenting your own recital, arranging and composing original material, and recording and marketing your own music.
In addition, you will take courses in music history, theory, aural training and improvisation, and have the opportunity to participate in a variety of ensembles.

All students complete a major recording project/portfolio in their fourth year. The assembled portfolio, which includes a complete press kit and professional-quality recording, as well as other promotional materials, functions as your calling card for entrance into the music industry upon graduation.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Perform, compose, produce music at a professional level for entry to the competitive, global music industry.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of diverse musical styles and contextualize themselves within contemporary music history: specifically defined as the idioms of African American musical genres, mainstream pop music, country/folk music, Latin music, music for musicals and film, art music and jazz.
• Demonstrate, through performance and composition, a technical and musical mastery of harmonic, melodic and rhythmic structures.
• Demonstrate, through performance, an extensive knowledge of contemporary musical repertoire and apply appropriate performance skills in diverse music contexts.
• Compose and arrange in a broad range of contemporary music styles.
• Prepare and present a portfolio of recorded material reflecting a broad range of styles.
• Record, edit and produce a broad range of contemporary music.
• Apply computer applications/music technology skills in composition, arranging and production.
• Critically analyze and evaluate sound recordings and describe their production characteristics.
• Demonstrate, through production and performance, organizational, project management, and implementation skills.
• Demonstrate leadership, teamwork, communication, critical thinking, research and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of contract law, copyright law, intellectual property rights, royalties, and rules of public domain.
• Make use of entrepreneurial music business skills to engage in the competitive contemporary music industry.
• Demonstrate professional “freelance” etiquette relating to job seeking and keeping skills.
• Demonstrate an ability to research and present findings from primary and secondary sources.
• Formulate, articulate and present their own ideas about music, art and society through discussion and writings.
• Demonstrate an artistic awareness and understanding of musical aesthetics.
• Assess personal strengths, musical and business skills, knowledge, artistic vision, interests, and abilities.

Work Placement

• You will participate in a work placement designed to mirror the professional music world, which is largely characterized by contract, freelance and part-time employment. You are responsible for accumulating the equivalent of 420 hours of experience which will allow you to establish contacts and relationships with key companies and industry professionals.

Humber’s Developmental Services Worker (DSW) diploma program teaches you skills to effectively promote the physical, mental and emotional health of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Our faculty team consists of developmental services professionals who are active in the field, and our small class sizes allow for individualized attention. Our curriculum is designed with input from developmental services field experts, ensuring courses are current and relevant.

Your studies begin by learning the stages of human development, the types of developmental disabilities and the range of available community support services for this population. Next, you’ll learn intervention techniques, person-centered planning, abnormal psychology/dual diagnosis, basic pharmacology, supporting people with autism and other complex needs, augmentative forms of communication, and effective responses to people who have been abused. Finally, you’ll develop skills in building interpersonal relationships and counselling. 

You’ll also build your expertise in our counselling labs which provide an ideal setting to develop competencies for working with individuals with limited verbal skills.

Work Placement
Our program offers a rich diversity of innovative and traditional work-integrated learning opportunities. You will complete 568 hours of experiential education with three separate community partners over the duration of the program.

After consulting with you regarding your interests and preferences, your field placement co-ordinator will refer you to specific agencies for these unpaid work experiences.

Field placements run for 14 weeks in Semester 2 of the first year. Students are required to complete 168 hours in this time. Placements are two days per week. Internships take place during fourth semester of second year. Students are required to complete 400 hours with two different employers, four days per week for 14 weeks.

Humber’s Bachelor of Behavioural Science degree program provides you with the knowledge, skills and abilities required for in-depth work in the behavioural science field with individuals throughout the lifespan. The program is firmly grounded in the theory, principles and practices of behavioural science (applied behaviour analysis and cognitive behavioural approaches) and psychology. Applied behavioural analysis uses behavioural rules in everyday situations to help people change their behaviour to improve quality of life. The program focuses on data obtained through observation as it investigates behaviour, cognitive events and the influence of envronmental factors on behaviour.

Courses in the first two years of the program provide a strong foundation in behaviour analytic approaches, psychology, research and ethics, while highlighting specific special populations. This is followed in the final two years with further in-depth study of ethics and professionalism, individual and group counselling, issues in behavioural psychology, further special populations, and two courses of senior thesis work. Overall, the program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, interprofessional practice and leadership. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Critically review and utilize research and evidence in behavioural assessment, intervention and education.
• Analyze and review current theories, treatment options, and professional practices in Behavioural Science and general psychology.
• Examine and explain the application of Behavioural Science with specific populations.
• Design, implement and present single subject research.
• Research, analyze and interpret qualitative and quantitative information in Behavioural Science within the wider context of clinical psychology and pharmacology.
• Apply theories and best practices for individual and group counselling in a behavioural context.
• Integrate and deliver behavioural services within a wide range of community settings including social, health and educational.
• Design, conduct and analyze behavioural and cognitive behavioural assessments.
• Propose, design, write and evaluate, utilizing behavioural measures, behavioural and cognitive behavioural interventions for a variety of client groups.
• Plan, co-facilitate and evaluate cognitive behavioural groups.
• Design and deliver educational material using a variety of modes, utilizing principles of adult education and knowledge translation.
• Write professional-style reports, behavior assessment and intervention plans, and educational materials.
• Teach mediators to implement assessment and intervention plans, and educational materials.
• Explain and teach behavioural concepts using accessible language and/or terminology depending on the needs of the learner, colleague, client or other stakeholder.
• Deliver professional services according to ethical guidelines within the scope of practice.
• Acknowledge the limits of knowledge in the field of behavioural science through professional practices and academic writing.
• Work collaboratively within an inter-professional team to deliver behavioural services to a variety of clients.
• Practice leadership and adult education principles to contribute to the development of the field of behavioural science and organizational development.
• Manage and direct own continuous learning, pursuing opportunities for constant renewal of skills, knowledge and attitudes.

Humber’s Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) graduate certificate program builds confident and knowledgeable teachers who have a full understanding of best practices in teaching English as a second language (ESL). Our innovative curriculum is based on the latest ESL teaching approaches, methods and assessment systems including the Canadian Language Benchmarks and the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). You will be exposed to a wide range of theoretical issues including adult second language acquisition, learning theories, linguistics, the emerging field of teaching with technology, and portfolio-based assessment. More importantly, you will have the opportunity to immediately apply this learning through classroom observations and practice teaching.

Faculty members are highly respected, dedicated professionals with graduate credentials in the field and bring extensive ESL teaching and teacher training experience.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Plan syllabi, modules, lessons, activities, and assessment that support all learners in achieving their learning goals, drawing on knowledge of language, curriculum, instructional context, while addressing learners' needs and interests.
• Explain the central concepts and conventions of the English language, including linguistic systems, language skills (listening, speaking, read, & writing), organizational patterns, pragmatics, and strategic competence in order to plan effective learning experiences.
• Select from a wide range of teaching resources (print, digital, and realia) and technological tools to best meet learners' needs and enhance learners' engagement and motivation.
• Adapt various curricular models within a given teaching context, in order to determine most appropriate teaching approaches, and/or frameworks, supporting documents and resources.
• Deliver clear, engaging language instruction- face to face, online, or blended- that applies context- appropriate teaching approaches, strategies, techniques, and digital tools and draws on knowledge of language and second language learning processes.
• Reflect on ongoing professional development needs, through collegial discussion, action research, and dynamic interaction with learners in order to self-assess and challenge developing practice.
• Implement context-appropriate methods of assessment to monitor learner progress and to guide both instructors and learner's decision-making.
• Interact with colleagues and students in ways that show respect for their diverse background and experiences.
• Apply the principles and theories of second language acquisition and adult education, which also include linguistic, psychological, and soci-cultural factors affecting language acquisition, to pedagogical decisions in ELT contexts.
• Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly, in the written, spoken and visual form in ways that fulfill the purpose and meet the needs of the students, employers, and peers.
• Seek and incorporate feedback, advice, and professional learning to continuously improve teaching practice.
• Curate a collection of professional artifacts reflecting a dynamic and evolving philosophy of language teaching and learning.

Work Placement
Students will complete a 50-hour graduated teaching practicum. Unlike many other institutions, our practicum is fully arranged and supervised, giving student teachers the time to focus on their learning and preparation. Students fulfill their practicum requirements in a variety of settings which may include:

• Humber’s English Language Centre in the English for Academic Purposes program
• Humber’s Continuing Education department, enhanced language training (ELT)-related programs
• Humber’s Writing Centre
• Adult ESL and Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) classes in the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board and community agencies

Humber’s Bachelor of Social Science - Addictions and Mental Health program provides you with degree level education, knowledge and skills required to work in this field. The program is firmly grounded in the theory and application of counselling, policy, governance, social science and research while exploring psychological and sociological influences. In addition, the program focuses on the analysis of social, historical, economic and political issues while exploring the effects these systems have on mental health and opportunities for prevention and harm reduction. The program encourages students to analyze broad issues and develop and apply skills in case management, counselling and grant writing.   

Courses in the first year are part of the common platform with other degrees at Humber offered in the field of social science. In the second year of study, students immerse themselves in the field of addictions and mental health in courses including equity and inclusion, assessment, and counselling. This solid foundation of theory and application is followed by two years of further in-depth study in ethics, advanced counselling, contemporary issues, inter-professional collaboration and research. Overall, the program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, leadership/management and professional practice. 

Learning Outcomes

• Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:
  • Analyze historical and contemporary approaches, theories, values and methods in addictions and mental health studies.  
  • Situate theories, practices and policies in mental health and addictions within the broad context and traditions of the social sciences.  
  • Determine appropriate practices based on critical reading of published research and traditional indigenous knowledge in mental health literature and case studies.  
  • Conduct secondary research in order to write scholarly articles, which summarize the current issues in the field of addiction and mental health. 
  • Advocate for community supports and services for individuals, families and the community with respect to addictions and mental health. 
  • Provide non-biased and culturally competent guidance/assistance to a range of clients with issues relating to addictions and mental health, from diverse populations and backgrounds, and their supports as they are identified by the primary client.
  • Develop, implement and evaluate treatment plans with clients and families with respect to addictions and mental health. 
  • Provide professional services within inter-professional teams providing ethical, legal, effective, timely, and coordinated services within the scope of practice.  
  • Counsel clients and groups effectively in order to empower the individual’s and/or the group’s capacity for self-efficacy. 
  • Describe the limits of the explanatory power of theoretical constructs in order to retain appropriate measures of flexibility and responsiveness in working with clients. 
  • Plan for longevity and wellness in a demanding field, including considerations for self-care, reflective practice, use of constructive feedback, and ongoing professional development. 

Work Placement
In the third year, students will enhance their theoretical and applied studies with a work- integrated learning placement totalling 420 hours in a community setting. Students will have the option of completing placement hours on a full-time (summer) or part-time basis (over the fall and winter semesters) based on their individual situations. During this time, they will be able to practise the skills and apply the knowledge that they have acquired before embarking on their senior course work.

Humber’s Public Relations graduate certificate program is recognized by industry as one of Canada’s leading training grounds for public relations professionals. This intensive program is focused on preparing you to launch your degree and getting you ready for your first day of your work placement. You will learn how to plan, develop and execute effective public relations strategies. You will build critical skills in event planning, public speaking and presentation.

Experienced professors will help you develop writing skills, public relations strategies, research and planning abilities, and a high degree of social and traditional media literacy. Practical public relations courses in PR theory, marketing communications, public affairs, media relations, corporate social responsibility, sustainability and change management will provide you with a valuable and useful introduction to the field. Your teamwork, collaborative, and leadership skills will be honed through group assignments.

Work Placement
Many students choose our program because of our outstanding work placement program. After successfully completing two academic semesters, students will complete a mandatory work placement. This experience will allow you to gain valuable job skills and industry knowledge while building your network. Historically, students find work placements in PR agencies, corporations, entertainment organizations, and not-for-profits including arts organizations, hospitals, associations and government. While many placements are located within the GTA, students may also find placements outside the city, province or country.