Program Highlights
PR is a high-growth career area in BC for the next 10 years (per BC Labour Outlook)
Grads land roles in agencies, nonprofits, and in-house teams across industries
Develop your PR network as you learn with a maximum of 35 classmates led by faculty with industry experience
Public Relations
Public relations is the career you’ve seen but never heard of.
Public relations shape how you see companies, brands, and public figures—whether rebuilding trust after a crisis, managing reputation in the media, or connecting with audiences online. KPU’s Public Relations (PR) diploma prepares you to become the strategist behind that influence.
Our program offers real-world, flexible training for the next wave of PR and communications professionals:
- Flexible: Open-intake format lets you study year-round at your own pace on our Surrey or Richmond campuses and online.
- Experiential: Learn from industry professionals who combine theory with applied projects, co-op, and internships.
- Current: Courses reflect today’s academic and industry standards and explore current PR stories, campaigns, issues, and trends.
- Credible: Recognized by employers for producing graduates with both strategic insight and technical expertise.
- Extendable: With planning, the diploma can count toward half the credits of a KPU BBA in Marketing or BA in Journalism.
You’ll graduate with the most current skills, knowledge, and professional experience to thrive in a dynamic, exciting and future-proof communications career.
Information Session: Jan 14, 2026 at 5:30pm PST
Who Should Pursue a Diploma in Public Relations
Public relations is a field for people who love creativity, storytelling, and strategy. It’s about building relationships, maintaining credibility, and understanding audiences to solve complex communication challenges for organizations.
KPU’s PR diploma is ideal for those looking to start a new career in a fast-paced, adaptable profession—or for working professionals ready to advance or pivot in a changing economy. If you are (or want to be) a savvy communicator who plans and manages creative, strategic campaigns through the lens of reputation management, this is the career and program for you.
January 14, 2026 at 5:30pm PST
Register for Information Session
Program Summary
Hybrid: in-person + online
16-24 months*
Currently accepting applications
Career Outcomes
The public relations field has evolved with cultural movements, popular trends and shifting public perceptions. It’s an interdisciplinary field embedded in every industry - with growing relevance and job opportunities.
It blends strategy, communication, and creativity, offering diverse career paths and strong demand. Graduates of KPU’s PR Diploma work in corporations, nonprofits, government, and PR agencies across Canada and beyond.
Public relations and communications practitioners typically:
- Plan and execute strategic communication campaigns that engage and inform audiences.
- Build and maintain relationships with media, influencers, and stakeholders.
- Act as spokespersons, managing interviews and media requests.
- Organize and promote events, fundraisers, and outreach initiatives that rase awareness & strengthen reputation.
- Create compelling content for press releases, speeches, web copy & social media posts.
- Monitor trends and manage reputational risk and crises to protect organizational credibility.
- Research and analyze public opinion to inform ongoing PR strategies.
Career Outlook
PR professionals are deemed high opportunity occupations by WorkBC. Thousands of job openings in PR are expected over the next ten years and include high earnings.
6,430
Forecasted Job Openings*
(2024-2034)
$108,451
Estimated median annual earnings*
PR firms in Canada are a
$1.2 Billion Industry
*Advertising, marketing and public relations managers
Source: WorkBC, 2025
Need More Info?
Interested in this program but still not sure? Get all your questions answered about the program, courses, fees, how to apply, and more by attending an Information Session.
Our Faculty
Melissa Ashman
B.Sc. (Conservation Biology), M.A. (Applied Communications), Provincial Instructor Diploma, EdD (Distance Education)
Robin Cook Bondy
Dipl. (Public Relations), Dipl. (Adult Education), B.A. (Professional Communications), M.A. (Public Relations), A.P.R. (Accredited Professional with Canadian Public Relations Society)
Sabrina Del Monte
Dipl. (Adult Education), Dipl. (Technology), M.A.
Colleen Dunbar
B.A. (Communications, Minors in Public Relations & Marketing), M.A. (Communication Studies), Dipl. (Adult Education)
Andrew Frank
B.A. Hons., Radio & Television (Ryerson), MA Communication (SFU)
Marga Lopez
B.F.A. (Graphic Design), C.G.D. (Certified Member of the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada)
Andrea Niosi
MBA
Christina Shorthouse
B.A. Hons. (English Literature), M.A. (Public Relations), A.P.R. (Accredited Professional with Canadian Public Relations Society
Student Success
From Michael
Kwantlen's PR program has been very good to me; In just two years, through their hands-on approach to learning and a fantastic teaching staff, I was equipped with the skills I needed to come out of the gate swinging. Since then, I've had no problem finding great work opportunities, and have always felt confident approaching new challenges with the foundation of experience I gained through the program. I've worked in a variety of different fields - from video games to non-profit to real estate - and at no point have I felt unprepared or incapable. This is a fantastic way to begin a career in public relations or communications. I am currently a Communications Coordinator with the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board.
From Judy
After a one-year contract with BC Centre for Disease Control following my graduation, it was time for a change and took the skills I learned from the Public Relations diploma program half way around the globe. I landed a job with Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide Taipei as an Account Executive managing international corporate clients' PR activities in Taiwan. I eventually returned to Vancouver and recently accepted the Associate position with NATIONAL Public Relations, Canada's largest public relations firm with offices located across the country. There is never a dull moment working at NATIONAL Public Relations. One minute I would be on the phone pitching to the media and the next minute I would be running around in my heels hanging up banners and greeting reporters at an event. In between all this, I'm currently blogging for the Chinese edition of Vancouver Sun sharing fun and exciting events around town with Asian readers.