Program Overview

Course Description

The Strategic Communications course is a 36-hour online program that spans twelve weeks, including 7.5 hours of live online sessions. It is recommended that students dedicate a minimum of 3 hours per week to coursework. The course explores the foundational elements of public communications, covering topics such as employee communication, media relations, and the impact of digital landscapes on public communications.

Course Outline

The course is divided into twelve modules:

• Module 1: An Introduction to Public Relations/Strategic Communications
• Module 2: The Requisite Skills for Public Relations
• Module 3: Writing: Communications Tactics
• Module 4: Public Speaking: Speeches & Presentations
• Module 5: Internal & External Communications
• Module 6: Media Relations
• Module 7: Social Media & Public Relations in the Digital Landscape
• Module 8: Brand, Image & Reputation Management
• Module 9: The Communication Strategy & The Communication Plan
• Module 10: The Communications Audit
• Module 11: Corporate Social Responsibility & Public Relations Ethics
• Module 12: PR as a Strategic Management Function: How and Where Does it Fit?

What You Will Learn

Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to:

1. Analyze communication methods
2. Create strategic communication practices
3. Recognize the ethical and social responsibilities accompanying public relations
4. Understand the individual and collective responsibilities of the public relations function and its importance as a critical leadership skill
5. Implement practical tactics and strategies through newly-honed communication skills

Microcredential

This course offers the opportunity to earn a microcredential, which is evidence of a skill or competency related to employment. Dalhousie microcredentials are developed in collaboration with employers, industries, and organizations relevant to the course content.

Notes

The Faculty of Open Learning and Career Development recommends an intermediate level of English language proficiency for effective learning and participation in online and face-to-face courses.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Recommended For

This course is recommended for anyone interested in strengthening relationships with an organization's internal and external stakeholders or committed to building their communication skills. It is suitable for individuals at various stages of their careers, from new employees to those in executive positions, as public communications and communication skills are critical leadership skills.

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• Diploma in Executive Fire Leadership: Electives
• Certificate in Human Resource Leadership: Required
• Certificate in Police Leadership: Elective
• Post-Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Leadership: Required
• Professional Diploma in Management and Leadership Studies: Required - Human Resource Leadership

Course Details

OLCD-PALS0015 - 012

• Course Title: Strategic Communications
• Term: Winter 2026
• Delivery Method: Blended - Online
• Schedule: January 9, 2026, to April 3, 2026
• Type: Online - Self-Paced and Online - Scheduled
• Days and Time for Scheduled Sessions: Thursdays, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, from January 22, 2026, to March 26, 2026
• Total Learning Hours: 36.0
• Location: Online Campus - Atlantic Time
• Instruction Delivery Method: Blended - Online
• Course Fee: $1,195.00 (Tuition, non-credit)
• CEUs: 3.6 CEUs
• Instructors: Theresa Rath Spicer, Don Spicer
• Required Software: Webcam and microphone/headset for live sessions; Dalhousie NetID

OLCD-PALS0015 - 014

• Course Title: Strategic Communications
• Term: Winter 2027
• Delivery Method: Blended - Online
• Schedule: January 8, 2027, to April 2, 2027
• Type: Online - Self-Paced and Online - Scheduled
• Days and Time for Scheduled Sessions: Thursdays, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, from January 21, 2027, to March 18, 2027
• Total Learning Hours: 36.0
• Location: Online Campus - Atlantic Time
• Instruction Delivery Method: Blended - Online
• Course Fee: $1,275.00 (Tuition, non-credit)
• CEUs: 3.6 CEUs
• Required Software: Webcam and microphone/headset for live sessions; Dalhousie NetID

Instructor Profiles

Theresa Rath Spicer

Theresa Rath Spicer is a public relations professional with a Bachelor of Public Relations and a Master of Arts in Communication. She has 30 years of communications experience, including working with a municipal police service, international airlines, and an airport authority.

Don Spicer

Don Spicer has a Bachelor of Arts and has served in senior executive roles in municipal and provincial government, as well as in a not-for-profit organization. He has 35 years of experience as a police officer, including roles as a mediator, crisis negotiator, and Public Information Officer.