Graduate Certificate in Professional Writing and Communications

at Humber College - Lakeshore Campus Canada

Humber’s Television Writing and Producing graduate certificate program prepares you to work as a television writer and producer, and to work in the production offices and on sets of current major television shows.

You will learn how to write, as well as create and produce, all genres of television shows from half-hour situation comedy, animation, children’s, one-hour episodic, reality and lifestyle to late night comedies, short films and screenplays. You will work with award-winning writers; producers; directors; set designers; editors; directors of photography; and development and network executives from Toronto, Vancouver and Los Angeles to learn the lucrative and creative business of television and film. Learn from well-known guests, lecturers and faculty how to create, write, develop, pitch and sell the ideas that may one day lead to successful employment in writers’ rooms, production offices and on sets of major network television shows.

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

• Outline the requirements for various scripts including Movies of the Week, Variety Television, Children’s Programming and Dramatic Series.
• Create “spec” scripts of types including Movies of the Week, Variety Television, Children’s Programming and Dramatic Series.
• Calculate profit and sales figures for given productions.
• Summarize trends in television sales, production and markets.
• Prepare strategies for pitching and packaging new products.
• Provide a critical summary of all the technical requirements associated with television production and give examples of the problems and challenges encountered in production areas such as sound, lighting, space, sets, animation needs, camera operation, make up, costume design and music.
• Perform the duties of a director or a director’s assistant.
• Demonstrate the skills of a story analyst, reader production assistant and writer’s assistant.
• Demonstrate the responsibilities and functions of a theatrical agent.
• Outline the entrepreneurial skills needed by script writers.
• Network with well-known television writers and producers.
• Exhibit team building and communication skills and profit from exercises that encourage self-understanding, peer respect and professional behaviours.

The Advertising - Art Direction Graduate Certificate is designed to arm you with a comprehensive understanding of advertising art direction, design and copywriting combined with marketing, branding and strategy development. This combination of skills enables students to create effective communication and advertising solutions across a wide range of media – both emerging and traditional

Learning Outcomes

• Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:
  • Conduct secondary research to derive insights for proposed advertising and marketing solutions.
  • Create a campaign that influences the attitudes and behaviours of a described target audience evidenced by identified metrics of campaign success.
  • Analyze the social, cultural, political, economic, psychological, technological, and historical influences on current practices and emerging trends in art direction to design creative advertising campaigns.
  • Complete all work in a professional, ethical and timely manner.
  • Express concepts, ideas, information, brand stories and research insights presented through verbal and visual techniques appropriate to the audience.
  • Collaborate in professional team environments to produce and present creative solutions to client challenges.
  • Self-assess to identify the lessons available in failure and the place of critique in the improvement process.
  • Develop a showcase portfolio to represent industry ready competency in art direction.
  • Generate visual content for use in various media channels that aligns with the creative brief and is in compliance with legislation, industry standards and accepted business practices.
  • Question assumptions and biases through listening, reading and observing critically to validate the intentions of a proposed advertising solution prior to presentation

Humber’s Media Communications diploma program is designed to meet industry demands within multi-faceted areas of the communications industry. Students graduate with a diverse range of marketable skills in photography, graphic design, web design and writing, social media, and videography.

In the program, you will learn how to:

• Be effective transmedia storytellers across multiple platforms
• Produce corporate video and audio for the web and other applications
• Design, write for and edit effective websites
• Shoot professional photographic images in both the studio and on location environments
• Create and edit content using current software applications such as Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator and Premiere Pro
• Learn how to establish, operate and market your business through a course in freelance and project management
• Research, write and design communications such as media kits, blogs and brochures

Courses are designed with industry input, ensuring you are learning current and relevant information in state-of-the-art labs from industry experts – people who know the trends and effective methods of communications.

The first semester of this program is shared with the two-year Advertising and Graphic Design diploma, the three-year Journalism advanced diploma, the two-year Advertising and Marketing Communications diploma, and the three-year Public Relations advanced diploma programs, allowing the flexibility to continue in any of these five programs in second semester.

Learning Outcomes

• Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:
  • Perform the duties, tasks and activities required of a media communications specialist in business, government and the not-for-profit sectors.
  • Research and gather information in print, audio and visual formats for communications’ products and strategies.
  • Analyze clients’ communications needs and implement solutions for business, government and the not-for-profit sectors.
  • Create audio, visual and print communications according to the client’s purpose and audience.
  • Design and create content for websites, using current software applications.
  • Capture, scan, download, save, store, and manipulate digital images using current software applications.
  • Produce corporate video and audio using current software applications.
  • Create and manage content for presentations at in-house meetings and media conferences.
  • Adhere to ethical and legal guidelines in communications practice.
  • Maintain professional relationships with business associates and clients.
  • Develop a portfolio of communications’ products and strategies for a variety of projects and audiences.

Work Placement
Students will participate in a mandatory work placement which takes place in the last semester of study. During that time, students hone their skills in professional environments, developing digital communication solutions. They build complete portfolios which, when they graduate, have them standing out from their competitors as corporate communications professionals.

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 Financial Planning graduate certificate program provides a clear pathway to careers in the lucrative financial services industry including banks, investment firms, insurance companies, financial planning firms among others. Our program provides you with a broad range of financial services, business and soft skills plus the opportunity to earn the licences and designations that financial services institutions are looking for in the professionals they hire. 
Faculty are chosen for their expertise and experience in the financial services sector, and many continue to work in the industry.

Learning Outcomes

• Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:
  • Adhere to the certified financial planner ethical code of conduct, standards of practice, regulatory, legal and taxation requirements.
  • Establish and manage the client-planner relationship.
  • Analyze and evaluate client financial data including investment goals, life and health insurance, retirement planning and estate planning, considering economic information.
  • Develop and present financial recommendations and/or alternatives regarding investments, retirement planning, estate planning, life and health insurance.
  • Implement financial recommendations and monitor clients’ accounts.
  • Market and promote financial products, services, solutions and strategies that meet client needs.
  • Provide investment advisory services, using current software and entrepreneurial skills.
  • Qualify to challenge the Certified Financial Planner (CFP™), the Life Insurance Licence (LLQP) examination and the Canadian Securities Course.

Work Placement

• Gain first-hand experience in the financial services industry with a four-week work placement taking place either part time during the program or full time at the end of the program. Placements provide the valuable work experience employers seek.

Humber’s Bachelor of Public Relations degree program will prepare you for all aspects of public relations in a variety of sectors including agency, corporate, consumer, government and nonprofit. You will learn how to plan, manage, and implement a full spectrum of public relations initiatives including social and digital media management, marketing communications, media relations, investor and government relations, international PR, and corporate philanthropy.

Anchored in theoretical and real-life examples, this program features skill-based courses in topics such as planning, consulting, research, measurement, writing, social and digital media, presentation skills and public speaking, project management, and proposal development. All of our professors are experienced PR professionals who bring their day-to-day experiences and projects into the classroom, offering students a glimpse into communications trends and issues. Industry guest speakers provide further insight into various PR settings and issues. Additionally, students will have access to networking, mentoring, and career and professional development from the Canadian Public Relations Society and the International Association of Business Communicators.

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

• Describe the history and the development of the public relations profession and its practice.
• Examine current trends, emerging issues and global best practices in public relations.
• Gather, review, evaluate and interpret information using appropriate research methodologies consistent with the RACE formula.
• Design, implement, monitor and measure comprehensive, multi-year communication plans that support strategic objectives in line with organizational vision and mission according to specific timelines and budgets applying professional, ethical and legal standards.
• Analyze issue and trends, synthesize information to create effective communication strategies to solve a variety of complex organization problems.
• Develop a portfolio that demonstrates expertise in a variety of public relations disciplines, including internal communication, media relations, crisis management, social media, public affairs, event management and investor relations.
• Write clear, targeted materials that are appropriate for the intended audience and medium.
• Produce visually effective print, graphic and digital communications materials.
• Present communication strategies utilizing effective verbal and presentation skills.
• Analyze the impact of economic, environmental, ethical, legal, political, societal/ demographic and technological factors upon organizations and their communication strategies.
• Evaluate organizational challenges to interpret the role of communications.
• Collaborate with team members to achieve desired goals and objectives in resolving issues and finding effective means to deal with differing points of view.
• Adhere to standards of academic integrity, social responsibility and the ethical guidelines of the public relations profession.

Work Placement

• You will participate in one mandatory work placement of 14 weeks where you will gain a broad range of public relations skills. There are a variety of roles in corporate, nonprofit, government or agency settings that range from large multinationals to small proprietorships. It is up to you to apply for and secure the position. We will provide support, working with our contacts and industry partners to help identify employment opportunities.

Humber’s Music Business graduate certificate program starts in May and is a condensed summer program with two semesters rolled into one (May - August), followed by a third semester work placement in the fall. This program prepares you to work in any number of areas in the music industry. It offers a unique combination of theoretical and practical knowledge of the music industry, as well as entrepreneurial, business and project management skills. You will study the structure of the Canadian music industry, artist and venue management, manufacturing, contracts, licensing and copyright, national and international distribution, marketing, promotion, and sales. You will develop foundational music business expertise including communication and interpersonal skills in order to respond to industry demands for professionals who can interact with diverse teams and audiences. Opportunities for applied work and industry connections are important components of the program.

Learning Outcomes

• Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:
  • Situate music business decisions within key historical and current contexts of the music industry.
  • Articulate the unique responsibilities of key personnel in the music industry.
  • Analyze the marketplace and trends in the music industry and use the analysis for decision making in the music business environment.
  • Develop and implement a viable and realistic business plan for a professional musician or musical company.
  • Develop and implement a music marketing plan that includes sonic branding.
  • Collaborate with a team to market an artist or new music.
  • Adhere to legal principles, government legislation and regulations, copyright and contract requirements, and professional and industry codes of conduct.
  • Assess existing and emerging market entry options for music products or services and implement the optimal market entry strategy.
  • Apply negotiation, effective interpersonal communication, and human resource management skills to establish and maintain effective working relations.
  • Prepare and interpret financial statements to inform music business decisions and/or practices.
  • Identify and access public and private sources of capital to support music business plans.

Work Placement

• Students are required to complete an industry work placement totalling 300 hours. Humber staff will assist in placing the student - however, the ultimate responsibility for finding the placement is the student's.

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.

The truth-telling role of journalism has never been more important than it is today. Humber’s Bachelor of Journalism degree program helps you develop all of the skills you will need to report on the biggest and most compelling stories in your community and around the world. Journalism is the perfect field for students with a desire to inform and engage the public. In addition to traditional skills like critical thinking, researching, reporting and interviewing, you will also learn how to use audio, text, video, and photos to create compelling online stories for a wide range of digital platforms.

You will study both the theoretical and practical aspects of journalism, and you’ll do it using the latest industry-standard hardware and software in Humber’s Newsroom. You will have access to and learn from instructors with deep and varied journalism experience. You will have the chance to pursue your interests with journalism classes that will teach you to cover sports, arts, politics, lifestyle and more. Breadth education electives will help you expand your knowledge in a variety of areas.

Our program has been designed with input from journalists and media professionals ensuring that it provides the skills required for a wide variety of journalism careers.

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

• Write and edit content for a variety of story forms and web-based applications.
• Interview contacts and sources for a variety of media applications.
• Examine and apply various journalistic and academic research methods assessing the credibility of international sources.
• Analyze media theory and the role of the media in society.
• Adhere to professional and ethical codes of conduct, guidelines and legal requirements.
• Produce images and content for web-based applications.
• Demonstrate critical and creative thinking skills.
• Analyze society’s fundamental systems (political, legal, social diversity) and their connections to the journalistic world.
• Analyze media law and journalistic responsibility.
• Critique and analyze media practices and products.
• Develop entrepreneurial skills related to the business of journalism.
• Develop a portfolio of journalistic projects for work search purposes.
• Establish a professional media identity based on an analysis of personal interests, opportunities, benefits, risks, marketing, strategies and audience.
• Demonstrate conflict management strategies and negotiation skills required in journalistic work.
• Work effectively and assertively in teams to achieve desired goals and resolve differing or opposing ideas and points of view.

Work Placement

• You will complete a 14-week work placement in the summer between years three and four. This placement provides an opportunity to gain experience in your chosen field and to meet professionals in journalism and digital communications settings. Many of the placements are offered in the Greater Toronto Area, a hub for Canada’s media industry. The work settings and the work itself support your professional development and will provide you with both the knowledge and skills required to enter the profession, as well as the confidence to perform the work required.

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.