With the prevalent growth of social media use, risk and policy management are of paramount importance. In this fully online College-approved Certificate program, learners explore privacy, data security issues and risk mitigation processes to protect personal and corporate identity. Learners identify policy best practices, as well as branding and general public relations challenges to protect and manage an effective social media presence for an organization.

Learners examine how social media roles within an organization are established, and analyze how policies and strategy creation protects and supports social media efforts for an organization. Through case studies, online discussions and assignments, learners develop the skills and competencies required to effectively develop, interpret and critique policies, strategies and content that protect an organization's corporate identity and branding.

Targeted towards professionals in digital marketing, social media and public relations, human resources, digital analytics, policy analysis, web development and IT security, graduates broaden their existing practice, expand career opportunities and stay current in emergent trends and best practices in social media governance.

To qualify for this certificate, you must complete the program within two years.

Success Factors

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking/presentation skills.
• Adapt well to new and emerging communication technologies.
• Are able to work independently, think critically and make decisions.
• Enjoy interacting with others in virtual group settings.
• Are self-directed in an online learning environment.
• Are familiar with social media services and trends.
• Are interested in pursuing emerging digital media occupations.

Careers

Graduates may pursue career path options and/or specialty knowledge enhancement in the areas of: digital marketing, social media, human resources policy development, media and public relations, business analysis, web development and IT security.

Pathways

Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Explain the importance of safeguarding and securing information, ensuring personal and organizational privacy while considering the risks.
2. Analyze the various roles that are involved in the use and management of social media within an organization.
3. Prepare communications which protect personal and organizational brands in both day-to-day operations and crisis situations.
4. Provide advice related to required social media plans and policies.
5. Identify new compliance initiatives to mitigate related regulatory risk in consultation with stakeholders and other departments.
6. Draft compliance-related social media reports, key communications, policies and procedures.
7. Develop and implement a comprehensive social media policy and crisis management plan.

Application Information

Registration Note:

There is no application process for this program. You can register for courses online by clicking on the course title, and selecting “Register Online”. The courses take place entirely online and do not require you to come to campus. Without a set class time you can complete your assignments when it’s most convenient for you while following the course deadlines. Different courses may be available each semester so don’t forget to check back regularly.

Program Resources

Available flexible scheduling options allow students the opportunity to complete the program within as little as two terms or as long as two years.

Section 845 is a condensed version of the course content.

Prior Learning and Recognition (PLAR)

Students who wish to apply for PLAR need to demonstrate competency at a post-secondary level in all of the course learning requirements. Evidence of learning achievements for PLAR candidates may include a comprehensive challenge examination and/or completion of a portfolio.

AC Online Academic Planner

The Academic Planner provides registered part-time students in AC Online the ability to declare into a program of study. The Academic Planner outlines successfully completed courses to date, as well as courses that need to be completed in order to meet graduation requirements. It is therefore, essential that all part-time students in AC Online declare to their program of study, allowing administrators to plan course offerings. This tool is available on ACSIS.

Program Progression

As per Policy AA39: Program Progression and Graduation Requirements when students are admitted to a program, they are assigned to the Program of Study that aligns with their start date. If a student takes a break for two or more consecutive terms the Program of Study is reset to align with the current version (when studies are resumed).

For more information, please use the Online Learning Chat located at the bottom of this page or contact AC Online at online@algonquincollege.com or 613-727-4723 ext. 3330

Future Students

For additional information, please contact our Customer Service Representative team at online@algonquincollege.com and they will direct you to the best person to answer your specific questions.

Current Students

For additional information, please reference the AC Online Circle of Care.