Bachelor of Paralegal Studies (Honours)

at Humber College - Lakeshore Campus Canada

Humber’s Bachelor of Commerce – Management Studies degree program prepares you to take on a variety of managerial roles in many different types of business. The program is based on the seven traditional management functions (planning, organizing, staffing, directing, co-ordinating, reporting and budgeting) and gives you the necessary skills and knowledge to:

• Develop business strategies
• Analyze issues from various perspectives
• Apply classroom work to industry-connected projects
• Integrate transferable skills such as interpersonal interaction, communication and organization to all classroom and project work.

Our program starts with a foundation of business studies in areas such as organizational behaviour, law, economics, finance and accounting, marketing, and operations management. Specialization courses cover all seven management functions along with business research methods and strategic management. You’ll also get hands-on learning that provides both the education and the experience employers look for once you graduate. You’ll be taught by professors who are widely known for their real-world connections and background. Our industry-designed, project-based curriculum gives you the opportunity to take your ideas from concept to execution. In your final year, you will complete a senior-level project, giving you the opportunity to work on a team, problem solve, evaluate strengths and limitations, gather and synthesize data, and make appropriate decisions.

The program requires that you complete 14 weeks/420 hours of paid work in the summer between your sixth and seventh semesters. This gives you the hands-on, real-world experience that employers value. Your work placement will give you the opportunity to explore the field you’d like to work in when you graduate. We will work with employers and our industry partners to help you identify opportunities to pursue.

In every industry and every sector, there is a demand for qualified, effective managers – and that demand is growing. As a graduate of our program, your excellent managerial skills and strong understanding of the domestic business environment will make you a highly marketable employee. When you complete the program, you’ll have the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience necessary to take on an entry-level position in many fields including finance, human resources, marketing/sales and operations/logistics. Your degree will help accelerate your career advancement. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, you’ll be well-positioned to start your own business. And if you want to explore further studies, you’ll be able to pursue graduate studies or industry designations.

Learn about the inner workings of Canada’s dynamic business scene and develop the foundation to ignite your career within it. Humber’s Business Management diploma program gets down to business with a practical, skills-based approach that will help you to begin a journey to achieve your goals and make a difference in organizations.

Our curriculum gets you up to speed on the essential aspects of business including marketing, e-commerce, accounting, business writing and communications. Through individual and group assignments in courses taught by experienced professionals and entrepreneurs, you’ll build your business management knowledge, and gain first-hand insights into current business practices, trends and opportunities. You will develop the practical skills today's employers demand through experiential learning opportunities including unique courses built around challenging business simulations, and even opportunities to build and participate in managing a real business.

In the first year, you will be introduced to an overview of fundamental business disciplines including the mathematics of finance, PC essentials, marketing, microeconomics, business law, services marketing and the principles of management.

In the second year, the focus includes business computer applications, accounting, e-commerce, human resources administration, operations management, business finance, leadership and entrepreneurship.

Work Placement
In Semester 4, you will be assisted in finding a paid or unpaid business work placement, where you will practise your skills during an 84-hour assignment. This adds valuable hands-on experience to your resumé and provides excellent networking opportunities.

Humber’s Advertising and Graphic Design diploma program is designed to meet industry demand for advertising art directors and graphic designers with solid strategic, visual, conceptual, typographical and technical skills. Classes focus on the study of advertising while emphasizing the development of important skills like creative thinking, problem solving, teamwork and presentation skills.

This program will guide you through the many facets of visual communication including colour theory, conceptual process, typography, design, marketing strategies, interactive media, and digital technology through the use of industry standard tools. You will also have the unique opportunity to apply these skills on briefs for real clients through BuildingF, our in-house creative agency. As you learn fundamental advertising and marketing concepts, linkage projects will connect you with students in the Advertising Copywriting, and Advertising - Account Management programs. These projects will help you hone collaborative and teamwork skills, preparing you for the workplace. Your first semester is shared with the Public Relations advanced diploma, Journalism advanced diploma, Advertising and Marketing Communications diploma, and Media Communications diploma programs, giving you the freedom to change your area of study in the second semester.

Our advisory committee is made up of experienced art directors and designers who regularly review and provide input into our curriculum, ensuring it is always on the leading edge of industry developments. Many of our faculty are part-time instructors and creative advertising masters highly active in the industry, giving you the opportunity to benefit from their experiences, connections and insights.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Develop and implement solutions to problems encountered in the production phase of the graphic design process.
• Produce effective visual communications through the application of design theories and principles according to specifications.
• Use a variety of technologies to capture and manipulate design elements in producing a final product.
• Apply typographic skills and knowledge to produce effective visual communications.
• Communicate effectively with coworkers, supervisors, clients, and others; work in a professional manner; and maintain professional relationships.

In the current knowledge economy and information age, and as organizations recognize the growing need for research on which key policy and strategic decisions are based, the demand for social, market, and marketing research has increased substantially. The Research Analyst graduate certificate program focuses on the theoretical, practical, and ethical underpinnings of research, while equipping you with the statistical, technical and professional skills necessary to do applied research in a variety of different settings throughout the public and private sectors.

In this program, you will focus on all of the major aspects of the research process including research design, information retrieval and evaluation, data collection, analysis and interpretation, and the preparation and presentation of research findings.

Special features of the program include an emphasis on professional, ethical and legal implications when designing research studies; new research technologies for data collection; analysis; presentation; proposal writing; research entrepreneurship; project management; and program evaluation.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Interpret primary and secondary data applying principles of currency, relevance, authority, accuracy and purpose.
• Design and execute a marketing or social research project to provide recommendations and actionable insights.
• Manage research projects with due consideration to budget, schedule, quality, scope, ethics, and data governance.
• Prepare a variety of effective social and marketing research documents and deliverables using knowledge translation and mobilization practices.
• Communicate results of research using effective and engaging written, oral, visual and multi-media modes, that are appropriate for diverse audience needs.
• Respond to the evolving sensibilities/concepts of equity, diversity and cultural sensitivity in conducting research.
• Mitigate risk by the detection of bias in research design and processes.
• Collect data using varied robust, effective and appropriate quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Organize and analyze primary and secondary data using industry standard software tools.
• Conduct research projects in accordance with legal, ethical and professional standards.
• Develop a career ready profile through goal-setting, on-going professional learning and industry exposure.
• Evaluate research evidence and findings for the identification of assumptions, soundness of logic and the veracity of claims.
• Select and synthesize academic, trade, business, institutional, governmental, or non-governmental resources for appropriate research purposes.

Work Placement

• Students complete a twelve-week placement allowing them to gain valuable practical and professional experience.

Humber’s Bachelor of Film and Media Production degree program combines theory and practice with the goal of preparing you for a rewarding career in media. You will learn a variety of screenwriting and storytelling techniques, and how to combine them into compelling visual narratives. You will be taught by professors highly experienced in the film industry, and benefit from their insights and experiences.

This rigorous program covers a broad range of practical and academic topics such as direction, picture and sound editing, cinematography, videography, and post-production. You will study both fiction and nonfiction filmmaking. You will gain vital research and management abilities and attend seminars hosted by industry professionals, giving you access to valuable insights and contacts. In addition to standard film school topics, this program focuses on multiplatform delivery, ensuring graduates are ready to take advantage of new digital content channels. A film and media theory component is combined with courses such as entertainment law and media entrepreneurship, preparing graduates for their careers in film. A capstone project in your final year will allow you to apply your skills and demonstrate your creative vision.

Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Create film and media content using current industry standard tools and procedures to meet project goals and realize well-crafted stories. 
• Assume various roles in all phases of film and media content creation including writing, producing, directing, camera and post-production.
• Synthesize current and historical cultural and aesthetic movements and technological trends in the creation of media, in relation to one’s own creative practice.
• Manage all aspects of film and media projects in compliance with professional, ethical, legal and current safety standards.
• Create and deliver completed projects with a high degree of aesthetic and technical accomplishment.
• Develop and pitch concepts for film and media that are original, feasible and compelling to a defined audience.
• Assess the parameters of financing, marketing and distribution associated with film and media projects, to establish their viability.
• Collaborate professionally on film or media projects, providing innovative contributions while adhering to current and evolving industry practices.
• Reflect critically on one’s own process during self-evaluation and peer assessment, both orally and in writing in order to identify gaps in professional knowledge and ability.
• Build and maintain a professional portfolio that highlights individual contributions to media projects for prospective clients, employers, agents and collaborators.

Humber’s Introduction to Commercial Jazz Music certificate is a performance-based program designed to help you assess and strengthen your skills. It solidifies your knowledge of the fundamentals of western music and develops your current performance skills through the jazz-specific areas of improvisation, repertoire development and small group ensemble performance. You will emerge from the program with a clearer understanding of the field and your own career potential within it, and as a stronger candidate for entry into postsecondary music degree and diploma programs. All courses have a particular focus on the commercial jazz field.

Learning Outcomes

• Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:
  • Recognize & identify common styles of music.
  • Describe the commercial/jazz field in terms of tradition, artists, & styles.
  • Explain the contribution of various artists to the development of particular styles & idioms.
  • Analyze the components & performance differences of recorded selections.
  • Play a repertoire of memorized materials that are considered standards in the commercial/jazz field & reflect the various styles inherent in this music.
  • Write diatonic melodies in various styles demonstrating knowledge of relevant harmonic & melodic concepts & structures of form.
  • Perform in an ensemble demonstrating basic ensemble skills such as intonation, tuning, time, feel, balance & dynamics.
  • Identify their own musical strengths & weaknesses in terms of a performance career in the commercial/jazz field.
  • Implement strategies & plans for on-going personal & professional growth & development.
  • Establish a practice of critical self-assessment & professional goal setting.

Humber’s Public Administration graduate certificate program is the first of its kind in Canada providing all of the knowledge, skills and experience graduates need to become successful public service employees. Designed and taught by public administration professionals, this program is your key to succeeding quickly in a public sector job. You will receive advanced training in communications, policy analysis, project management, information technology, public finance, governance, leadership and human resources management. Experienced faculty, most of whom currently work in the public sector, will guide you through the core of the curriculum, with guest speakers addressing specific topical issues. The practical, skills-based curriculum provides the foundation for long-term career success by exposing you to the primary activities of public administration and by providing networking opportunities with civil servants from across the sector.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Describe the machinery of government in Canada, including the roles and responsibilities of executives, legislatures and the judiciary, as well as the relationships between all levels of government.
• Define ethics and values which are key to public administration and explain how they apply at all levels of public administration.
• Explore and compare public administration practices found in industrialized countries, especially member states of the European Union and the United States.
• Discuss current issues affecting Canadian public administration and examine how those issues are managed from a public management perspective.
• Discuss key elements of strategic planning processes and examine how these apply to public administration.
• Understand and relate to governments from two perspectives: as business entities with strategic plans, budgets, and core businesses; and as organizations composed of complex human behaviour.
• Explain key economic and finance concepts such as externalities, public and private goods, deficit financing, debt repayment, and fiscal federalism.
• Demonstrate how governments plan, manage and report on the collection and expenditure of public funds.
• Discuss information technology and software applications used in public administration as well as current information technology issues faced by public sector IT managers.
• Prepare and manage human resources in public administration, including the preparation of HR plans, recruitment and selection processes, supervisory skills, negotiating skills and conflict resolution skills.
• Describe the role that communications plays in the public sector and work with stakeholders and partners to meet the information needs of the public, the media, political staff and the bureaucracy.
• Examine how governments develop, implement and evaluate programs in general and learn how to use specific research and analysis tools to contribute to that process in particular.
• Identify the methodological and conceptual issues associated with evaluating and maintaining quality services in the public sector.
• Identify the skills and knowledge required by project managers and project management teams in the public sector.
• Understand and fulfill leadership responsibilities in the public sector by assessing individual leadership traits and behaviours and apply this understanding to the broader theories and concepts of leadership.
• Understand, contribute to, and manage partnerships in the public sector, broadly defined.

Work Placement

• You will gain on-the-job work experience with an eight-week (minimum) work placement within the public sector. With faculty support, you will find placements with an appropriate organization.

Humber’s Developmental Services Worker (DSW) – Accelerated diploma program teaches you skills to effectively promote the physical, mental and emotional health of individuals with special needs.
You’ll be taught by developmental services experts who are active in the field, in classes with comparatively low student to teacher ratios. Our curriculum is designed with input from the developmental services field ensuring courses are current and relevant.

You’ll begin your studies by learning the stages of human development, the types of developmental disabilities and the range of available community support services for this population. Next, you’ll learn intervention techniques, person-centered planning, abnormal psychology/dual diagnosis, basic pharmacology, supporting people with autism and other complex needs, augmentative forms of communication, and effective responses to people who have been abused. Finally, you’ll develop skills in building interpersonal relationships and counselling.

Work Placement
We offer a wide range of innovative and traditional work-integrated learning opportunities. The field placement co-ordinator will consult with you regarding your interests and preferences in order to connect you to specific agencies. During your third semester, you will complete a 400 hour internship. Your third semester takes place from May through mid-August.

Humber’s Bachelor of Community Development degree program offers a unique blend of theory and practice-based experience. Students learn how to work effectively in communities, how to build capacity for change, lead projects and advocate for people who face barriers to living a full and productive life. 

The first year of the program is comprised of a common platform of courses that includes psychology, sociology, human rights, interpersonal communication, counselling and ethics. The second year of study immerses students in the field of community development including foundational courses which explore leadership and advocacy. The final two years of the program provide in-depth study of program development and evaluation, advanced issues in community development, social movements, community participatory research, and senior thesis work. Project work is linked to applied and academic fields.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Compare and contrast different historical and contemporary approaches, theory, values and methods of community work.
• Investigate psycho/social, economic and political theory underpinning community work.
• Analyze social structures that marginalize people by race, gender, class, sexual orientation and ability.
• Analyze community strengths, assets, complexities and resources from an empowerment perspective.
• Analyze root causes of community problems and select appropriate intervention strategies for change.
• Evaluate gaps in services and resources within communities applying participatory research methods that involve community members.
• Compose, present and evaluate action plans with measurable outcomes tied to empowerment evaluation methodology.
• Critique legislation and social policies and create alternative viewpoints that support communities in positive ways.
• Advocate on behalf of communities arguing for change that focuses on identified community needs.
• Devise organizational structures that support and enable community action plans to be implemented successfully.
• Formulate, implement and evaluate plans to access sustainable resources and concrete benefits for communities.
• Critique community development literature and cases to determine best practices in the field.
• Network with community members and organizations to mobilize citizens and develop allies for the change process.
• Facilitate communities through training, education and social learning to build capacity, create leaders and engage human resources.
• Apply interpersonal and group skills to plan and facilitate discussions that build collaborative relationships and community partnerships.
• Acknowledge the limits of knowledge in the field of community development through academic writing and professional practices in working with others from diverse disciplines to provide holistic services to communities.
• Practice leadership and adult education principles to contribute to approaches to community development that result in social justice.
• Deliver professional services based on ethical guidelines and empowerment centred values within the scope of practice.
• Manage own self-care and ongoing professional development plan using self-reflection and community feedback to target areas for skills, knowledge and attitude growth.

Work Placement
Students will engage in field placements (which are typically unpaid). They will complete 420 hours of field placement across two semesters or 420 hours in one summer semester with one of Humber's community partners. Students will be supported by a field placement co-ordinator.

The field placement may be in a social service, community, educational or non-profit organization where students will have an opportunity to work in the community development field. During this experience, students may have a variety of responsibilities including assessment, research-based work, working directly with community groups and individuals, as well as supporting community workers, educators and/or social science professionals.

Students have the option to gain cross-cultural knowledge and experience by completing this field placement abroad. Students can put theory into practice and directly engage with communities across the globe that will benefit from community development work.

Humber’s Bachelor of Public Relations degree program will prepare you for all aspects of public relations in a variety of sectors including agency, corporate, consumer, government and nonprofit. You will learn how to plan, manage, and implement a full spectrum of public relations initiatives including social and digital media management, marketing communications, media relations, investor and government relations, international PR, and corporate philanthropy.

Anchored in theoretical and real-life examples, this program features skill-based courses in topics such as planning, consulting, research, measurement, writing, social and digital media, presentation skills and public speaking, project management, and proposal development. All of our professors are experienced PR professionals who bring their day-to-day experiences and projects into the classroom, offering students a glimpse into communications trends and issues. Industry guest speakers provide further insight into various PR settings and issues. Additionally, students will have access to networking, mentoring, and career and professional development from the Canadian Public Relations Society and the International Association of Business Communicators.

Learning  Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Describe the history and the development of the public relations profession and its practice.
• Examine current trends, emerging issues and global best practices in public relations.
• Gather, review, evaluate and interpret information using appropriate research methodologies consistent with the RACE formula.
• Design, implement, monitor and measure comprehensive, multi-year communication plans that support strategic objectives in line with organizational vision and mission according to specific timelines and budgets applying professional, ethical and legal standards.
• Analyze issue and trends, synthesize information to create effective communication strategies to solve a variety of complex organization problems.
• Develop a portfolio that demonstrates expertise in a variety of public relations disciplines, including internal communication, media relations, crisis management, social media, public affairs, event management and investor relations.
• Write clear, targeted materials that are appropriate for the intended audience and medium.
• Produce visually effective print, graphic and digital communications materials.
• Present communication strategies utilizing effective verbal and presentation skills.
• Analyze the impact of economic, environmental, ethical, legal, political, societal/ demographic and technological factors upon organizations and their communication strategies.
• Evaluate organizational challenges to interpret the role of communications.
• Collaborate with team members to achieve desired goals and objectives in resolving issues and finding effective means to deal with differing points of view.
• Adhere to standards of academic integrity, social responsibility and the ethical guidelines of the public relations profession.

Work Placement

• You will participate in one mandatory work placement of 14 weeks where you will gain a broad range of public relations skills. There are a variety of roles in corporate, nonprofit, government or agency settings that range from large multinationals to small proprietorships. It is up to you to apply for and secure the position. We will provide support, working with our contacts and industry partners to help identify employment opportunities.