Public relations is about promoting ideas. It means developing brand awareness and using communication tools in traditional or non-traditional media to shape public opinion. In Canada, there is a high demand in the public relations industry. As a PR specialist, you will tell stories about people and organizations. Developing communication plans and materials that could help take businesses or NGOs to the next level is all in a day’s work. You will become a pro at adapting to crises and finding quick and innovative solutions to real issues. 

The Department of Communication offers this Honours Bachelor in Public Relations jointly with:

  • Algonquin College (in English);
  • La Cité (in French);

Combining both theory and practice, this program will give you a key competitive advantage.

There are three ways to fulfill the degree requirements.

Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive both a university degree and a college diploma.

4 years120 units
Globe icon

Honours Bachelor in Public Relations (start at uOttawa)

Register for the Honours bachelor's degree at the University and, after completing 60 credits (four terms), transfer to Algonquin College (in English) or La Cité (in French) to complete the diploma program in public relations. Because of space limitations at Algonquin and La Cité, the University can only accept 25 students per language stream. In addition, upon completion of 60 credits at the University of Ottawa, you must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 6.0/10 (70%) to be admitted to Algonquin College or La Cité. 

Program structure

Course sequence

4 years120 units
Compass icon

Honours Bachelor in Public Relations (start at Algonquin)

Start by completing two years in public relations at Algonquin College (a minimum average of 3.0 is required) and then transfer to the Honours Bachelor in Public Relations at the University of Ottawa to do four more semesters (60 credits). The University has no registration limits in this stream. 

Program structure

Course sequence

4 years120 units
Eye icon

Honours Bachelor in Public Relations (start at La Cité)

Start by completing two years in public relations at La Cité (a minimum average of 2.7 is required) and then transfer to the Honours Bachelor in Public Relations at the University of Ottawa to do four more semesters (60 credits). The University has no registration limits in this stream. 

Program structure

Course sequence

Students having a discussion

The Department of Communication

We form a community passionate about all forms of communication, and focused on the complex challenges of globalization, living together, technological innovations, etc. Our French and English-speaking programs of study echo the challenges that underlie the transformations of today's world.
Learn more about the department.

Scholarships available

Our scholarship program is one of the most generous in the country. It rewards not only your pre-university academic achievements, but also your achievements every term of full-time study at University. A scholarship is awarded for academic achievements while a bursary is awarded based on financial need.
Discover our Schorlarships and Bursaries and learn how to apply.

More information

Students walking on campus

I’ve received a decision

Now that you have received a decision in uoZone, explore your next steps.
Get started