Special savings

Register for all courses in the program at once and receive a 10% discount!

Please note: Online registration is not available for this special offer. Call Continuing Education Registration at 403.440.3833 to register. This offer cannot be applied or adjusted after the start of the first course.

Block Code: PREL  Regular price: $2,295. Special savings: $2,065.50.

Fundamentals of Public Relations and Communications Management	Sept. 23, 24 & Oct. 1	9 a.m. - 5 p.m.	Fri., Sat., Sat.
Applied Writing and Editing for Public Relations	Oct. 14, 15 & 22	9 a.m. - 5 p.m.	Fri., Sat., Sat.
Communications Research, Evaluation & Analytics	Nov. 4, 5 & 12	9 a.m. - 5 p.m.	Fri., Sat., Sat.
Business Basics for the PR Practitioner	Nov. 18, 19 & 26	9 a.m. - 5 p.m.	Fri., Sat., Sat.
Social Media Strategies and Crisis Communication	Dec. 9, 10 & 17	9 a.m. - 5 p.m.	Fri., Sat., Sat.

 

Required Courses

Live, online learning We offer a variety of online learning options. Visit our learning formats page for more information.

 

Fundamentals of Public Relations and Communications Management
This course provides the fundamentals of public relations and communication management as practiced by working professionals. The student will develop an understanding of how public relations builds relationships, how it is professionally planned, and how it is practiced in an ethical manner.

Note: This is the first course in the certificate program. It is highly recommended that students take this course before taking any other course in the program as it provides foundational knowledge.

Note: This live, online course is facilitated by an instructor and takes place at scheduled dates and times via Google.

Subject (for registration): Basic Public Relations

Subject code: XBPR 10100

21 hours Fee: $459

CRN 90147

3 classes (live, online)

Sept. 23, 24 & Oct. 1

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Fri., Sat., Sat.

---

Applied Writing and Editing for Public Relations

As the writing course in the certificate program, this course will allow students to demonstrate and develop and apply grammar and writing skills in crafting common materials utilized by PR professional including, but not limited to, a news release, public service announcement (PSA), newsletter brochure, speeches, web communication and more.

Note: This live, online course is facilitated by an instructor and takes place at scheduled dates and times via Google.

Subject (for registration): Basic Public Relations

Subject code: XBPR 10101

21 hours Fee: $459

CRN 90161

3 classes (live, online)

Oct. 14, 15 & 22

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Fri., Sat., Sat.

---

Communications Research, Evaluation and Analytics
In the third course, public relations and communications management professionals are called upon to demonstrate how much their work contributes to achieving business and organizational goals. This course identifies and explains methods, tools, and techniques used to evaluate and measure the impact of public relations programs. Topics discussed include the application of analytics and the use of big data and artificial intelligence for public relations, as well as critical thinking for measurement and evaluation.

Note: This live, online course is facilitated by an instructor and takes place at scheduled dates and times via Google.

Subject (for registration): Basic Public Relations

Subject code: XBPR 10104

21 hours Fee: $459

CRN 90253

3 classes (live, online)

Nov. 4, 5 & 12

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Fri., Sat., Sat.

---

Business Basics for the PR Practitioner
Successful public relations and communication management depend upon an understanding of business and the organization for whom the work is conducted. This course focuses on ways to assess and understand organizations and employees and how public relations and communication management can contribute to business success.

Note: This live, online course is facilitated by an instructor and takes place at scheduled dates and times via Google.

Subject (for registration): Basic Public Relations

Subject code: XBPR 10102

21 hours Fee: $459

CRN 90169	3 classes (live, online)	Nov. 18, 19 & 26	9 a.m. - 5 p.m.	Fri., Sat., Sat.

---

Social Media Strategies and Crisis Communication
Students will delve into social media strategies and determine how to utilize them as professionals. Social media used for business and organizations by public relations and communication management professionals is significantly different than personal use. Social media can also inflame online and offline issues into crisis situations. This course reviews social media strategies for public relations and communication management as well as providing direction and guidance on preparing for and navigating through crisis communications situations.

Note: This live, online course is facilitated by an instructor and takes place at scheduled dates and times via Google.

Subject (for registration): Basic Public Relations

Course code XBPR 10103

21 hours Fee: $459

CRN 90254	3 classes (live, online)	Dec. 9, 10 & 17	9 a.m. - 5 p.m.	Fri., Sat., Sat.

---

 

 

Tentative course schedule
Required Courses Listed in Recommended Order	Fall (Sept. - Dec.)	Winter (Jan.- April)	Spring/Summer  (May - Aug.)
Fundamentals of Public Relations and Communications Management	•	•
Applied Writing and Editing for Public Relations	•	•
Communications Research, Evaluation and Analytics	•	•
Business Basics for the PR Practitioner	•	•
Social Media Strategies and Crisis Communications	•	•

 

Each course may be offered in a variety of formats. Check the “Courses and fees” tab for more information.

The schedule above is subject to change. Courses start on various dates within each semester. Fall schedule and registration available in June. Winter schedule and registration available in November. Spring/Summer schedule and registration available in March.

No textbook required. Course Materials will be provided to students on Google Classroom, 3 days prior to class start.

You will use Google Suite (Google Classroom, Google Meet) to participate in this live, online class. You will need to access the class using your active Mt. Royal credentials, through a laptop or desktop computer that has a functional webcam and microphone. A stable, reliable Internet connection is required.

 

Ted Flitton

Teaches Social Media Strategies and Crisis Communication

Ted Flitton has more than twenty years’ experience on both sides of the microphone, beginning in journalism and later transitioning to public relations and corporate communications. He has taught a variety of public relations and marketing courses for Mount Royal since 2016.

Ted creates strategies that build and protect brand reputation and he specializes in issues management, crisis communications and media relations. He has supported clients in a variety of fields including traditional and green energy, education, banking, food processing, technology and robotics.

Educated at York University in Toronto and the Reputation Institute, Ted has also studied HR, project management, finance and broadcasting.

 

---

Collen Killingsworth MCM, APR, FCPRS  

Teaches Fundamentals of Public Relations and Communications Management, Communications Research, Analysis and Analytics

Colleen Killingsworth is president of CKCommunications Strategies, Inc. With more than 30 years of experience in management consulting, change management and communications, Colleen has a strong track record in leadership, collaboration, successfully managing complex, transformational projects and quickly earning the confidence and support of internal and external stakeholders. Her experience includes, but is not limited to management consulting, business analysis, change management, strategic internal and change communications, project management, program consolidations, organizational moves, reputation management, leadership coaching, and multi-stakeholder communication. Colleen has worked in the health care, energy, education, municipal government, travel and tourism, and transportation sectors.

Highlights of Colleen’s career include leading the University of Calgary’s participation in the Royal Visit to the University of Calgary; and leading the strategic communications planning, and reporting and analytics for the University of Calgary’s Energizing Eyes High campaign which was focused on educating, informing and compelling stakeholders to participate in continuum of engagement opportunities. As president of the Canadian Centre for Energy Information, Colleen managed stakeholder relationships, including those with provincial and federal government, industry, non-industry organizations, media, investors, teachers and students and the public. Most recently, Colleen provided change management support and mentorship for the people side of change for Cenovus’s consolidation of its Calgary workforce into one location.

Colleen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Nevada, Reno, a Master’s of Communication Management (MCM) from McMaster University, and a certificate in change management from PROSCI. Her work has won local, national and international awards. After experiencing some early success in international academic competitions, she continues to pursue publication, research and teaching opportunities. In 2013, she was named one of Canada’s top PR Influencers in a Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) and Cision Canada survey, “A Day in the Life of PR.”

In 2018, Colleen was recognized by the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) with the Lamp of Service for co-leading the work in shaping the future of the Society. The roll out of the new Strategic Framework generated the most collaboration and engagement in CPRS’s history.

Colleen prides herself on connecting people and experiences. She values long standing relationships, being inspired by her surroundings, and being authentic in all situations. She is committed to advancing her client business outcomes through strategic, people centric transformative communications, leading by example, and learning. She strives to collaborate with great, innovative colleagues and clients, and to inspire her students.

---

Sheridan McVean BA, MBA, DMC, APR, FCPRS 

Teaches Fundamentals of Public Relations and Communications Management

Marketing, public relations and communications has been the focus of Sheridan’s 30 years in business. He has consulted for a wide range of businesses from global corporations to small and medium enterprises. For 15 years he owned and managed a full-service advertising agency which included marketing, graphic design, public relations, and media buying. For seven years, he was Senior Associate with Hill + Knowlton Strategies, an international public relations/public affairs consultancy. He served as Vice President Communications and Fund Development at the Calgary Homeless Foundation and continues to consult for organizations and teaches public relations, government relations, crisis communications, and business.

Sheridan has a BA in Political Science from the University of Calgary, a MBA from Royal Roads University, and a management consulting diploma from the Grenoble Graduate School of Business in Grenoble, France. He holds the “APR” professional designation and is a Fellow of the Canadian Public Relations Society. He is active in two professional associations, the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), and the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS). Sheridan served on the CPRS national accreditation council, on IABC Canada West Region, and on the Calgary boards of both associations. "Sheridan is a contributing author to Fundamentals of Public Relations and Marketing Communications in Canada, published by the University of Alberta Press, and to Orange Chinook: Politics in the New Alberta, published by University of Calgary Press."

In addition to teaching at Mount Royal University, Sheridan teaches at the University of Calgary and Royal Roads University. He also develops course curriculum and is a subject matter expert in communication and measurement of communication. “My passion is to help others experience the joy of learning and to encourage them to integrate these new skills into their business and personal lives”, he says.

---