The government communication certificate program focuses on the mechanisms of internal and external communication in a bureaucratic and political environment. Teaching and research issues in this field can include topics such as communication challenges related to a multicultural and diverse public service; risk and crisis communications; the use of communication and information technologies in knowledge management and transfer; organizational networks and communication flow; the ways in which employee communication, employee satisfaction, and employee effectiveness are interrelated; strategic planning; group and interpersonal interactions; media relations; branding; and ethical and practical issues faced by professional communicators who are sometimes asked to perform functions of a political nature. Governments studied may function at the local, regional, national or international levels.

The graduate certificate program is intended to meet the needs of qualified students who plan to apply the concepts learned in a practical context. The knowledge acquired in the program will facilitate their effective functioning in government and give them additional tools to advance in their careers.

The certificate courses are offered in both official languages, English and French. The certificate is bilingual in that it includes a requirement to take three courses in one language and two in the other.

The certificate operates within the framework of the master’s in communication program and both are governed by the general regulations of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (FGPS) which are available on the Website at the following link: www.grad.uottawa.ca

Admission

The requirements for admission to the graduate certificate program in government communication are as follows:

1. an honours bachelor’s degree with a specialization or major or equivalent in Communication or a related discipline;

   or

   an honours bachelor’s degree with a specialization or major in another discipline, with a minor in Communication and two or more years of relevant experience;

   or

   an honours bachelor’s degree with a specialization or major in another discipline, with three or more years of relevant experience;

2. a minimum overall average of 70% (B), calculated in accordance with FGPS guidelines;
3. ability to understand, speak and write proficiently both French and English. Proof of this ability may be required.

No equivalencies or advanced standing are granted. Candidates who have already successfully completed some of the compulsory credits may be allowed to replace those credits with elective credits. For details, consult section B.2.7.c. of the General Regulations of the FGPS.

Transfer from Graduate Certificate to Master’s

Deadline

Graduate Certificate Requirements

Compulsory courses (9 credits):

Optional courses (6 credits) to be chosen from the following: