- Public Affairs Association of Canada
- Government Relations Institute of Canada (GRIC)
Government Relations (GRM)
About the Program
Endorsed by the Public Affairs Association of Canada and the Government Relations Institute of Canada, this eight-month graduate certificate program features specialized practical government relations training that will prepare you for careers in government relations.
You will learn to work with organizations and clients to co-ordinate and support their efforts to monitor, analyze and shape government action on existing and proposed legislation and regulation.
Government relations professionals establish long term relationships with government policy makers, utilizing strategic planning, issue analysis, lobbying, and stakeholder engagement skills to shape public policy and regulatory issues.
Part-time option is available >
Credential Awarded
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Duration
2 Semesters (1 Year)
Starts
September
Program and Course Delivery
This program is offered in Seneca's flexible delivery format, with some courses delivered online. For courses offered in the flexible delivery format, professors use innovative learning spaces and technology to teach students in a classroom or lab and broadcast in real time to students attending remotely. In flexible courses, students have the choice of coming on campus or learning online.
Skills
Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:
- Issue analysis
- GR campaign planning and design
- Strategic communications
- Stakeholder management
- Ethical and regulatory requirements
- Enhanced presentation techniques
- Basic research skills
Work Experience
Optional Work Term
Students meeting all academic requirements may have the opportunity to complete an optional work term(s) in a formal work environment. The work term(s) is similar in length to an academic semester and typically involves full-time work hours that may be paid or unpaid. In programs with limited work term opportunities, additional academic requirements and a passing grade on a communication assessment may be required for eligibility. Eligibility for participation does not guarantee a work position will be secured. Additional fees are required for those participating in the optional work term stream regardless of success in securing a work position.
To qualify, students must achieve an overall GPA of 3.5 in their first semester, a minimum grade of "A" (80 per cent) in GRM700 and GRM701 and be recommended by the program.
Your Career
As part of a select group trained to connect with politicians, public servants and political staff in support of the policy interests of your organization or client, you will be prepared for entry-level positions with non-profit organizations, industry and trade associations, corporations and professional service firms.
Affiliations/Associations
Program of Study
| Course Code | Course Name | Weekly Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
| GRM700 | Introduction to Government Relations | 3 |
| GRM701 | Writing for Government Relations Practitioners | 3 |
| GRM707 | Digital Campaigning | 3 |
| GRM715 | Presentation Tools and Techniques | 3 |
| GRM725 | Introduction to Public Policy | 3 |
| GRM739 | Media Relations and Communications Planning | 3 |
| GRM747 | Introduction to Research | 3 |
| Semester 2 | ||
| GRM751 | Government Relations Career Management ** | 1 |
| GRM800 | Alliances and Stakeholder Relations | 3 |
| GRM802 | Ethics, Advocacy and Managing the Government Relations Function | 3 |
| GRM805 | Campaigns | 3 |
| GRM809 | Municipal Government Relations | 3 |
| GRM811 | Federal and Provincial Government Relations | 3 |
| GRM817 | Digital Campaign Lab | 3 |
| GRM841 | Government Relations Research Project | 3 |
| WTP100 | Work Term Preparation * | 1 |
| Work-Integrated Learning Term | ||
| GRM441 | Government Relations, Work Term * | 30 |
- *
Work-Integrated Learning option only
- **
non Work-Integrated Learning option only
Program Learning Outcomes
This Seneca program has been validated by the Credential Validation Service as an Ontario College Credential as required by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.
As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:
- Write clear, targeted communication materials.
- Plan a basic government relations program, informed by research, in support of policy objectives of a company, not-for-profit organization or industry association.
- Use public opinion and media measurement tools to create and monitor an effective government relations plan.
- Assess permissible and non-permissible lobbying activities by different types of organizations with different stakeholder groups in government based on laws and government codes of conduct.
- Integrate social media and other internet-based strategies effectively into public and government relations activities and programs.
- Adapt to, work within, and influence the public policy process and identify key intervention points.
- Develop project or tactical budgets according to basic structures and functions of government relations business models.
- Perform all work within the professional and ethical framework of a government relations professional.
- Co-ordinate the development, production and delivery of visually effective PowerPoint, graphic and electronic communications and presentations.
- Develop clear and measurable communication objectives and identify techniques to evaluate the achievement of these objectives.
Admission Requirements
- Post-secondary diploma or degree or equivalent
- English proficiency for graduate certificates
Canadian citizens or permanent residents educated outside of Canada must provide a World Education Services (WES) or ICAS Canada credential evaluation.
International Student Information
International admissions requirements vary by program and in addition to English requirements, programs may require credits in mathematics, biology, and chemistry at a level equivalent to Ontario’s curriculum, or a postsecondary degree or diploma, equivalent to an Ontario university or college. Program-specific pre-requisite courses and credentials are listed with the admission requirements on each program page. To review the academic requirements please visit: Academic Requirements - Seneca, Toronto, Canada (senecapolytechnic.ca).
Pathways
As a leader in academic pathways, we offer a range of options that will allow you to take your credential further in another Seneca program or a program at a partner institution.
To learn more about your eligibility, visit the Academic Pathways web page.