Description
Program Duration:
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Full-time: 3 – 4 months
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Part-time (Evenings/Weekends): 6 – 9 months
Mode of Delivery:
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On-Campus, Online (Live virtual sessions), or Hybrid models available.
Who Should Attend:
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Recent graduates seeking to enter the marketing communications field.
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Professionals from other industries looking to transition into advertising or PR.
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Small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to handle their own promotions.
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Marketing, sales, or content staff aiming to broaden their skill set.
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Freelancers wanting to offer advertising and PR services.
Learning Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this certificate, students will be able to:
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Differentiate between the roles of advertising and public relations within an IMC plan.
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Conduct basic market research and audience analysis to inform strategy.
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Develop creative briefs and generate innovative advertising concepts.
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Write effective copy for various media (print, digital, broadcast).
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Craft key PR materials, including press releases, media advisories, and pitch letters.
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Understand media planning and buying processes.
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Plan and execute a digital and social media strategy.
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Manage a brand’s reputation and respond to crisis communication scenarios.
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Pitch a comprehensive communications campaign to a simulated client.
Curriculum & Modules
Module 1: Foundations of Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC)
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Introduction to Advertising and PR: History, Roles, and Ethics
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The IMC Model: Synergizing Advertising, PR, Sales Promotion, and Digital
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Understanding Consumer Behavior and Target Audience Segmentation
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The Strategic Planning Process: Setting Objectives, Budgeting, and Measurement (KPIs)
Module 2: Advertising: Strategy and Creativity
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The Creative Process: From Brief to Big Idea
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Copywriting Fundamentals: Headlines, Body Copy, and Calls-to-Action
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Art Direction and Visual Communication Basics
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Developing Campaigns for Various Media: Print, TV, Radio, and Out-of-Home (OOH)
Module 3: Public Relations: Building and Managing Reputation
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The Role of PR in Brand Building and Reputation Management
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Media Relations: Working with Journalists, Building Lists, and Pitching Stories
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Writing for PR: Press Releases, Media Kits, Fact Sheets, and Blog Posts
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Event Planning and Management for PR Purposes
Module 4: Digital and Social Media Marketing
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Digital Advertising: SEO, SEM (Google Ads), and Display Advertising
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Social Media Strategy: Content Creation, Community Management, and Paid Social
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Email Marketing and Automation
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Influencer Marketing and Partnerships
Module 5: Media Planning, Buying, and Analytics
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Traditional vs. Digital Media Landscapes
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Key Metrics: Impressions, Reach, Frequency, CTR, Conversion, and GRP
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The Media Buying Process and Negotiation
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Introduction to Analytics Tools (Google Analytics) and Measuring Campaign ROI
Module 6: Crisis Communication and Special Topics
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Proactive vs. Reactive PR: Preparing a Crisis Communication Plan
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Case Studies in Crisis Management (Successful and Failed)
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Specializations: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Internal Communications, B2B vs. B2C Strategies
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Capstone Project: Developing a full IMC campaign for a real-world client or case study.
Assessment Methods
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Individual Assignments: (e.g., writing a press release, creating a creative brief).
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Group Projects: (e.g., developing a full campaign in a team setting).
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Quizzes/Exams: Testing understanding of key terminology and concepts.
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Class Participation: Engagement in discussions and workshops.
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Final Capstone Project Presentation: Pitching a complete campaign to instructors and peers.
Admission Requirements
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A high school diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED). A bachelor’s degree is preferred but not always mandatory.
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Proficiency in English (both written and spoken).
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A completed application form.
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A statement of purpose or personal essay (may be required).
Career Pathways / What Can You Become?
Graduates of this certificate are prepared for entry-level and assistant roles such as:
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Advertising Account Coordinator
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Public Relations Assistant / PR Coordinator
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Social Media Specialist / Coordinator
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Marketing Assistant
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Media Planning Assistant
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Content Creator / Copywriter (Junior)
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Communications Assistant
Why Choose This Program?
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Industry-Relevant Curriculum: Designed with input from advertising and PR professionals.
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Practical Experience: Work on real-world case studies and a final capstone project for your portfolio.
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Expert Instructors: Learn from seasoned industry experts and practitioners.
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Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers, instructors, and guest speakers from the industry.
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Career Support: Access to career workshops, resume reviews, and job placement assistance (varies by institution).



