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Professional Writing and Communications

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Program Code: PW511
Credential: Ontario Graduate Certificate
Start Dates: January, May, September
Program Length: 3 semesters
Learning
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Humber is proud to have the highest graduate employment and employer satisfaction rate of the GTA colleges based on Colleges Ontario’s key performance indicators for college graduates in 2022-2023.

Program Overview

Humber’s Professional Writing and Communications graduate certificate program supports you as you learn and practise the craft of writing in the digital age while building a professional portfolio. This unique program provides the core transferrable skills you need to build a successful career in a variety of communications roles. Building on foundational skills such as storytelling, drafting, editing, pitching, interviewing and research, you will build proficiency in areas such as media writing, social media management, project management and design.  

With a focus on writing for different audiences and purposes (including editing writing by Indigenous writers and about Indigenous issues), as well as using current technologies to maximize the impact of your message, you will be well-positioned to enter the workplace with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as a professional writer/communications specialist across a variety of sectors. You will also learn how to think strategically in preparation for taking on leadership positions within communications departments or starting your own freelance writing business.  

This program allows you to find a community of writers and supports collaboration, networking, professional development and publication.  

Courses Open "Courses" to view individual course delivery modes.

Courses

At Humber, courses are delivered in a variety of formats:

In-Person - An in-person course is delivered fully on campus.

Online Asynchronous (A) - An online asynchronous course has no fixed class schedule and allows students to engage with the course at different times according to their needs. Faculty provide modules, which are completed independently by the students according to established deadlines.

Online Synchronous (S) - An online synchronous course is delivered fully online and requires faculty and students to participate in real-time according to a fixed schedule. Classes are scheduled for a specific day and time.

Hybrid - A hybrid course is a combination of in-person and online classes and follows a set schedule. Students must be available to attend in-person classes at scheduled times during the semester.

The chart below outlines the delivery options available for each course in this program, by campus. For some academic terms, there may be more than one delivery option available. You’ll be able to select your preferred options when building your course schedule during open enrolment. Preferences for course delivery will be considered on a first come, first served basis. Some Humber programs are also delivered fully online, where all courses are delivered online.

International students: the impact of studying from outside of Canada on Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility differs significantly based on when you start your program. Please review the PGWP eligibility before choosing your program and course delivery.

Course code and Name Delivery Type by Location
Course Code Course Name North Lakeshore IGS DL/Online
Semester 1
PWRT 5000 Writing Principles N/A Hybrid N/A N/A
PWRT 5002 Communicating through Digital and Social Media N/A Hybrid N/A N/A
PWRT 5003 Storytelling and Narrative N/A Hybrid N/A N/A
PWRT 5004 Writers as Researchers N/A Online (S) N/A N/A
PWRT 5005 The Writer's Identity N/A Hybrid N/A N/A
PWRT 5505 Professionalism: Work Placement Preparation N/A Hybrid N/A N/A
Semester 2
PWRT 5001 Editing for Writers N/A In-Person N/A N/A
PWRT 5500 External Communications N/A In-Person N/A N/A
PWRT 5501 Strategic Writing N/A In-Person N/A N/A
PWRT 5502 Communicating through Digital and Social Media: Campaigns N/A Hybrid N/A N/A
PWRT 5504 Project Management and Collaboration N/A Hybrid N/A N/A
PWRT 5506 Multimedia Storytelling N/A Hybrid N/A N/A
Semester 3
PWRT 5900 Field Experience - Professional Writing and Communications N/A TBD N/A N/A

Work-Integrated Learning  

Students complete a twelve-week allowing them to gain valuable practical and professional skills. 

The Humber Advantage

Is Our Program Right For You?

Do you love storytelling? Reading? Listening to podcasts? When you’re walking down the street, do you spot the typos and errors on signs and in storefronts? Do you sometimes find yourself quietly correcting the copy on the websites you visit?

If this sounds like you, come join our dynamic community of creative-minded writing professionals.

Our program provides a supportive environment where you can learn from experts who will show you how to take your writing to the next level. By practicing and experimenting with different styles and forms of writing, you’ll build the skills, discipline and confidence you need to excel in the communications market.

Added bonus? You’ll form lifelong friendships with members of your writing cohort.

Info Session

Watch the "Power Up Your Credential!" Info Session to learn more about the Professional Writing and Communications program.

Joining the World of Professional Writing

In today's increasingly virtual and text-based world, writing is everywhere. Yet not everyone can create documents with both accuracy and readability. Your job as a writer is to become very good at language skills such as grammar, style and mechanics. Communications directors and hiring managers are always looking for writers who understand the foundations of writing and editing and who can quickly learn the subject matter of their businesses.

Advisors

The Professional Writing and Communications program is delighted to have the following professionals on its advisory committee.

Career Overview

Graduates of this program may find employment as

  • Communications specialists or coordinators
  • Freelance writers
  • Web copywriters
  • Editors
  • Social media managers
  • Social media marketing specialists
  • Report writers
  • Proposal writers
  • Grant writers
  • Project Managers
  • Journalists

Note: This is a post-graduate certificate. You must already have a bachelor's degree or the equivalent from a university or college.

Awards

Professional Writing and Communications Specialist Entrance Scholarship

One entrance scholarship is available. For more information about how to apply, please visit the website.

Scholarship Value: $1000

Academic Excellence Award in Professional Writing and Communications

This annual award is presented to the graduate of the Professional Writing and Communications Postgraduate Program who has achieved the highest overall GPA.

Award Value: $500

Excellence in Professional Writing

This annual award is presented to a graduate of the Professional Writing and Communications Postgraduate Program who has demonstrated both academic excellence and leadership in the program.

Award Value: $500

Expert Faculty

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faculty image
Meaghan Strimas

Meaghan Strimas is an award-winning educator, writer and editor who joined Humber as a faculty member in 2012. Before accepting her exciting role in the Bachelor of Creative and Professional Writing program, she served as the program co-ordinator for the college’s graduate certificate in Professional Writing & Communications.

Meaghan worked at Quill & Quire magazine for several years as a marketing manager and at the University of Guelph as the program administrator for its Creative Writing MFA. In addition to her work as a professor and co-ordinator, Meaghan works as a freelance proofreader, copy editor and project manager, and is interviews editor at the Humber Literary Review, a magazine she co-founded in 2014. She is co-lead of the HLR Spotlight project, an experiential learning opportunity that is funded by Humber’s Office of Research & Innovation.

Meaghan is the author of three collections of poetry and the editor of The Selected Gwendolyn MacEwen. Her most recent collection, Yes or Nope, was the winner of the Trillium Book Award for Poetry. In the fall of 2018, she released the Another Dysfunctional Cancer Poem Anthology, which she co-edited with the late Priscila Uppal. Meaghan is at work on a novel and a new collection of poetry, and she has an essay forthcoming in the anthology Good Mom on Paper (edited by Jen Sookfong Lee and Stacey May Fowles).

Meaghan holds a MA in Creative Writing. She believes that writing programs are essential because they cultivate confidence, teach technique and craft, offer mentorship and, perhaps most importantly, provide a space for artistic collaboration and community.

Your Career

Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study.  According to the Conference Board of Canada, the ability to communicate tops the list of essential employability skills that employers require. The ability to read carefully, write effectively and think critically provides the foundation to get, keep and progress on a job.  

Graduates are able to find employment in a variety of service industries such as finance, hospitality and health services, as well as in government, not-for-profit organizations, corporate communications, publishing and digital media. 

Program Availability

Start dates between Sept 2023 - Aug 2024
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
May 2024 Condensed Week Lakeshore Suspended
Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Condensed Week Lakeshore Open
Jan 2025 Condensed Week Lakeshore Open
Start dates between Sept 2023 - Aug 2024
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
May 2024 Condensed Week Lakeshore Suspended
Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Condensed Week Lakeshore Open
Jan 2025 Condensed Week Lakeshore Opening Soon

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students in Canada who apply for May 2024 start could be eligible for a $1,000 Scholarship*. Apply now

Start dates between Sept 2023 - Aug 2024
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
May 2024 Condensed Week Lakeshore Closed
Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Condensed Week Lakeshore Open
Jan 2025 Condensed Week Lakeshore Opening Soon

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students Out of Canada can Apply through Humber International

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Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.

Contact Us

Admissions Questions

General Enquiries

Call 416-675-3111 or email enquiry@humber.ca. If you have already applied, be sure to check your application status on myhumber.ca.

Domestic Applicants Enquiries

Domestic applicants can book a one-on-one advising appointment with an admissions representative.

International Applicants Enquiries

Contact the International Centre for information about full-time programs (including the International Graduate School), how to apply and to follow up on your submitted application.

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

David Miller, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 72095
david.miller@humber.ca

Campus Information

Book a campus tour to take a closer look at what it's like to be a student at Humber.

Want More Info?

Find out more about the student experience and everything that Humber has to offer Future Students.

for more info on Humber, including programs, special events and more!

How To Become An Apprentice

Becoming an Apprentice

Find an employer willing to sponsor you as an apprentice.

Contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to register as an apprentice.

Work with your employer approximately one year before attending Humber.

View Instructions 

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

If you’re in high school – grade 11 or 12 – you can earn co-op education credits through work placements in some skilled trades.

Visit OYAP 

How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of the space in the program.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Need Advice?

Program Advising Appointments

Get help narrowing down your program options or book a one-on-one pre-enrolment advising appointment with one of our Recruitment Officers.

Transfer & Pathway Advising

Book a virtual appointment with a Student Mobility Advisor learn more about getting Transfer Credit(s) for previous post-secondary experience, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), and Pathways options.

Admission Requirements

Admission selection is based on the academic criteria indicated. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

Admission selection is based on the following four requirements:

  • Academic

    To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following:

    • A bachelor’s degree

    Mature Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or other postsecondary school, and will be 19 or older as of the first day of classes. Humber will invite you for testing to demonstrate that you meet all listed course requirements.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or attended postsecondary studies, and will be 21 or older as of the first day of classes. Mature applicants for degree programs will be required to meet course requirements at the U/M level or equivalent.

    College Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent in the program. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

    University Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

  • Letter of Intent

  • Please submit a one-page letter of intent (350 words) outlining your interest in this field of study. Your letter should express why you have an interest in professional writing and communications and in Humber's Professional Writing and Communications graduate certificate program.

    Submission Instructions

  • English Language Proficiency

    All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy.

  • International Credit Evaluation

    Canadian citizens or permanent residents with international education are required to provide a credential evaluation. Note, for international High school education course by course evaluations, ICAS must be used. For international post-secondary education, a WES evaluation must be provided. In situations where you expect to apply for transfer credit, it is recommended that a course by course WES evaluation is completed.

International Academic Equivalency

Admission equivalencies for Humber depend on your country of study. Please enter your location or choose detect my location to see the requirements for your country below.

Post-Admission Requirements

Once you have been accepted, and have confirmed your offer, you may need to complete a further set of requirements related to your program (Post-Admission Requirements).

N/A

Equipment & Device Requirements

Semester 1, 2

Details and Specifications Minimum Specs Recommended Specs
Processor Windows: Intel* Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon* 64 Processor; macOS: Multicore Intel processor Quad Core; Multicore Intel Processor
OS Microsoft Windows 7 (64-bit) with Service Pack 1 or Windows 10 (PC)
OS 10.15 (Mac)* (64-bit); macOS 10.13-10.15
Windows 10 (PC)
OS 10.15 (Mac)
Memory 8 GB RAM 16 GB RAM
Storage 5 GB of available hard-disk space SSD recommended
Monitor 1024 x 768 display, 13 inches 1920 X 1080 display recommended; 17 inches preferable
Other USB3 ports, Wireless 802.11 b/g/n/ac; 32-bit video card Built-in Ethernet port and USBc port; 32-bit video card

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

David Miller, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 72095
david.miller@humber.ca

Fees & Financial Aid

The 2024/2025 fee for three semesters is:

  • domestic: $6,003.34
  • international: $19,169.12

Fees are subject to change.

Fees by Semester

Domestic Fees International Fees

Financial Aid, Scholarships and Bursaries

Understand the costs associated with coming to Humber and explore resources available from first year to your final year on Student Fees and Financial Resources.

Scholarships

Humber Scholarships

Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships. International students can visit International Student Scholarships.

Humber Bursaries

Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.

External Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.

Indigenous Student Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.

Explore Opportunities through Humber Pathways

Humber Pathways include:

  • Opportunities to build on your college education and complete your diploma or degree at Humber.
  • Degree and graduate study opportunities at other institutions in Ontario, Canada and abroad.
View Pathways Into This Program  
View Transfer Out Opportunities From This Program  
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