Diploma in Business Management

at Humber College - Lakeshore Campus Canada

Humber’s Bachelor of Digital Communications degree program explores the dynamic media environment and the cultural, social, economic and political implications of digital innovation. Communications studies are becoming recognized as one of the most significant social sciences in the 21st century. Increasingly, worldviews are shaped through messages received from television, film, the internet, social media and a host of media arts, with profound impacts on how the world and the self are viewed. The construction of everyday lives and identities are negotiated through digital media and social networks which influence how we live, the products we produce and consume, and how we connect.

This program is rigorous and innovative, developing digital storytellers who are skilled in writing, visual communication, web applications and social media. You will build significant business acumen while working in an environment where creative ideas and methods cross-pollinate. As you gain technical competency, you will collaborate and innovate with peers, faculty and visitors, building personal communication and networking skills. Intensive lectures and labs provide direction and practical experience, sharpening technical skills and stimulating critical discourse, using student work as a starting point. Access to studios and computing spaces enables reflective and collaborative project work. Historical, legal, ethical and theoretical considerations are built into the creative process.

As part of the program, you will engage with an array of courses designed to deepen your awareness of your roles as a citizen conscious of the social, political, environmental and cultural contexts of their work. Senior students in this program specialize in advanced communication theory and techniques. A culminating capstone project showcases their abilities and learning, and serves as a platform for launching a career in digital and social media co-ordination, media relations, and many other mass communications fields. Graduates may also choose to further their studies at the master’s level.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Employ distinctive communication styles grounded in a thorough understanding of communication theories, and historical and contemporary trends in visual design and media technologies.
• Create effective media strategies based on insightful audience analysis, principles of branding and marketing and revenue generation and media law and ethics.
• Critically analyze and interpret media messages, comprehending the historical, social, commercial and cultural impact of representational, explanatory, abstract and symbolic images.
• Gather, review, evaluate, interpret and express information using a range of well-developed analytic and creative methodologies.
• Operate as informed producers and consumers of media communications recognizing the aims of commercial business, nonprofits, government, and community enterprise.
• Apply innovative media strategies to effectively analyze and express themes and issues from a range of contexts and perspectives.
• Interpret and apply theoretical and ethical frameworks to identify and solve communication problems in a variety of contexts.
• Present ideas and information accurately and creatively using written, oral, audio-visual and web-based formats.
• Reflect on communication strategies and practices from a range of perspectives and willingly adapt, revise, edit, and develop improvements.
• Manage communication projects effectively, employing a professional attitude towards responsibility, initiative, collaboration, adaptability, accountability and ethical use of resources.
• Integrate leadership and influence skills with accountability in media content creation.
• Direct own continuous learning, pursuing opportunities for constant renewal of skills and knowledge.

Work Placement
Students will participate in one mandatory work placement in the summer between Semester 6 and 7. The placement provides students with an opportunity to gain experience and meet professionals in the digital communications sector. Many of the placements are offered in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), a hub for the communications industry in Canada and home to numerous media, non-profit, marketing, public relations and other private sector companies.

Humber’s Acting for Film and Television diploma program covers the full spectrum of training needed to succeed as a screen actor: acting, voice, movement, improvisation, screenwriting and script analysis. You’ll learn what it takes to express yourself through the art and craft of screen acting, gain on-camera confidence and learn how to shine at auditions. When you graduate, you’ll have a solid understanding of the craft and industry – its history, protocols and professional standards.

Our program has one of the most comprehensive curricula in Canada and is taught by respected professional actors. Workshop simulations, screen demos, voice-over demos and our spring motion picture showcase provide you with unequalled opportunities to experience the world of screen acting. You will review and discuss your work with some of the acting world’s most recognizable faces, as well as with key industry personnel.

Learning Outcomes:

• Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:
• Describe the structure of the film and television industry.
• Perform to a professional standard in a range of roles recorded in a variety of media.
• Analyze and interpret scripts, screenplays, story boards and commercial copy.
• Summarize the different requirements and challenges of one-time versus series work.
• Explain the characteristics and requirements of different genres such as sitcoms, daytime TV, episodic TV and film.
• Prepare for and perform appropriately on camera for each genre.
• Convey character to the camera with appropriate emotional depth and clarity.
• Maintain a character’s physical and emotional continuity over the course of production.
• Work effectively with agents, casting directors, producers, directors and film crews.
• Respond to the improvisational demands of the media.
• Demonstrate individual creativity and imagination within a rigorous production structure.
• Evaluate his or her place within the entertainment industry and develop the appropriate career strategies and contacts.
• Develop team building and communication skills and engage in exercises that encourage self understanding, peer respect and professional behaviors.
• Outline the entrepreneurial skills needed by actors in the electronic media.
• Work effectively with the new technologies encountered in the industry.

Humber’s Professional Writing and Communications graduate certificate program supports you as you learn and practise the craft of writing while building a professional portfolio. This unique program provides you with the core transferrable skills you need to build a successful career in a variety of communications roles. Building on foundational skills such as storytelling, drafting, editing, pitching, interviewing and research, you will build proficiency in areas such as media writing, social media management, project management and design.

With a focus on writing for different audiences and purposes, as well as using current technologies to maximize the impact of your message, you will be well-positioned to enter the workplace with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as a professional writer/communications specialist across a variety of sectors. You will also learn how to think strategically in preparation for taking on leadership positions within communications departments or starting your own freelance writing business.

The program will create a community of writers and support collaboration, networking, professional development and publication.

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

• Analyze the elements of storytelling in texts and choose appropriate narrative techniques and forms for a variety of writing projects.
• Create documents suitable for a diversity of audiences and purposes using advanced linguistic and rhetorical skills.
• Create documents that adhere to standards of structure/formatting for standard print and electronic forms such as informational articles, reports, blog posts, and web site copy, and strategically repurpose content across these forms.
• Integrate new communications technologies into an existing media toolkit.
• Manage a multifaceted editorial project or communications campaign from the planning stages through completion, using a team-oriented, collaborative leadership style.
• Adapt a consistent, unique writing voice to different platforms and genres.
• Assess the needs of complex communications campaigns and then select and deploy appropriate strategies to meet those needs, using knowledge of communications theory and audience analysis.
• Produce and/or edit error-free publications for both print and on-line environments, through the use of grammar and mechanical rules, correct and relevant editorial terminology, and copy-writing and style guides.
• Analyze the structure and mechanics of a variety of document forms, both electronic and print, and apply substantive, line-level, and copyediting revisions as appropriate.
• Analyze the media landscape and the range of communications fields to plan ways to navigate the industry and market oneself.
• Create an online portfolio and social media profile to market writing skills to potential employers and freelance clients.
• Select suitable and credible research sources for strategic applications to a range of advanced communication challenges.

Humber’s Event Management graduate certificate program is one of the most comprehensive event management programs available. We provide you with essential skills such as venue selection, timing, approvals, professional etiquette, staging, selection of food and beverage, budgeting, staffing, and evaluation. You will learn to design, develop, co-ordinate and manage a broad range of events such as corporate meeting planning; film, documentary and music festivals; not-for-profit experiential events and galas; brand experience; consumer events; and trade shows, to name a few. Additionally, you will gain transferable, practical knowledge and skills in management practices such as planning, design, marketing, human resource and volunteer management, sponsorship, catering management, budgeting, risk management, and event evaluation. Faculty are chosen for their expertise and experience in the event management field and many continue to work in the industry.

Work Placement
Gain hands-on experience in the industry with a 160-hour (minimum) work placement that will give you the opportunity to apply in a real business what you have learned in the classroom. Students initiate the placement with the aid of faculty, targeting companies in the Greater Toronto Area.

Placements can be completed on a part-time basis throughout the academic year or full time once classes finish.

The Humber Experience
Whether it is a connection with music festivals, corporate meeting planning, fundraising or not for profit experiential marketing, students in this program come into classroom and find like-minded people who love to plan, organize, create, execute, manage and excel in the world of events. It is a dynamic fast paced, adrenalin-based career that when done right makes the work look effortless. Taught by industry experts who have the credentials to deliver content at the postgraduate level, this comprehensive program curriculum is layered with industry-focused assignments that give the experience necessary to work in this growing field.

By combining the latest recording technologies and entrepreneurial business strategies with performance, production, songwriting and composition in jazz, pop, R&B, Latin and world music, you will be well equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for success in today’s music world.

Founded in 1972, the program has consistently produced many of the most successful commercial and jazz musicians in Canada and the world. With more than 350 students and a faculty of 18 full-time and 80 part-time teachers, our program is one of the largest, most diverse and highly regarded programs of its kind in the country. Long known for the strength of its professors, Humber offers you the opportunity to study privately, in classroom situations, and in several of the more than 50 ensembles directed by a who’s who of Canadian music. As Toronto is the centre of Canada’s entertainment industry, Humber attracts the top professionals in jazz, musical theatre, television, film, commercials and pop.

After two years of core music courses, you will continue with lessons on your major instrument, as well as take classes in music production and music business while also choosing from electives in arranging, composition, advanced improvisation, film scoring, music production techniques, songwriting, ethnomusicology or pedagogy.

You’ll develop musicianship and artistry by presenting your own recital, arranging and composing original material, and recording and marketing your own music.
In addition, you will take courses in music history, theory, aural training and improvisation, and have the opportunity to participate in a variety of ensembles.

All students complete a major recording project/portfolio in their fourth year. The assembled portfolio, which includes a complete press kit and professional-quality recording, as well as other promotional materials, functions as your calling card for entrance into the music industry upon graduation.

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

• Perform, compose, produce music at a professional level for entry to the competitive, global music industry.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of diverse musical styles and contextualize themselves within contemporary music history: specifically defined as the idioms of African American musical genres, mainstream pop music, country/folk music, Latin music, music for musicals and film, art music and jazz.
• Demonstrate, through performance and composition, a technical and musical mastery of harmonic, melodic and rhythmic structures.
• Demonstrate, through performance, an extensive knowledge of contemporary musical repertoire and apply appropriate performance skills in diverse music contexts.
• Compose and arrange in a broad range of contemporary music styles.
• Prepare and present a portfolio of recorded material reflecting a broad range of styles.
• Record, edit and produce a broad range of contemporary music.
• Apply computer applications/music technology skills in composition, arranging and production.
• Critically analyze and evaluate sound recordings and describe their production characteristics.
• Demonstrate, through production and performance, organizational, project management, and implementation skills.
• Demonstrate leadership, teamwork, communication, critical thinking, research and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of contract law, copyright law, intellectual property rights, royalties, and rules of public domain.
• Make use of entrepreneurial music business skills to engage in the competitive contemporary music industry.
• Demonstrate professional “freelance” etiquette relating to job seeking and keeping skills.
• Demonstrate an ability to research and present findings from primary and secondary sources.
• Formulate, articulate and present their own ideas about music, art and society through discussion and writings.
• Demonstrate an artistic awareness and understanding of musical aesthetics.
• Assess personal strengths, musical and business skills, knowledge, artistic vision, interests, and abilities.

Work Placement

• You will participate in a work placement designed to mirror the professional music world, which is largely characterized by contract, freelance and part-time employment. You are responsible for accumulating the equivalent of 420 hours of experience which will allow you to establish contacts and relationships with key companies and industry professionals.

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 Advertising Media Management graduate certificate program gives you the knowledge and skills to effectively research and analyze both the marketplace and a target audience, and subsequently develop the best and most creative media solutions that meet the client or the company’s advertising goals.

Throughout the program, you will learn how to translate marketing objectives into focused media campaigns, assess the strength and weaknesses of different media types, analyze media data, and determine how best to sell advertising time/space for both traditional (TV, radio, outdoor media, print) and emerging (all things digital) platforms.

Upon graduation, you will have learned how to speak knowledgeably and persuasively in a media environment, and how to negotiate as buyers and sellers of media time and space. Through the enhancement of your client and customer communications skills, you will gain the ability to focus on the needs of an organization, build lasting relationships across the industry and add tremendous value to the companies you work with.  Finally, you will build your technology skillset through the use of industry specific research databases and softwares throughout your studies.

With this comprehensive understanding of both the traditional and digital media landscape, you will hit the ground running in your new career at a boutique or world leading advertising agency or any number of small to large companies across the media management landscape. 

Work Placement
Gain hands-on industry experience with a 160-hour (minimum) work placement. Here you will have the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to a real-world business environment. With our support, you’ll find your placement at any number of local, national or international advertising/media-related companies or brands. Placements can be completed on a part-time basis throughout the academic year or full-time once your classes are complete. 

Humber’s Business Administration advanced diploma program allows you to develop extensive knowledge on how businesses work and teaches you to become competent in the full range of skills needed to facilitate business operations.

Courses in operations management, accounting, human resources management, marketing research and much more will give you the opportunity to cultivate key business skills such as communication, teamwork, project management and strategic business analysis. This program is built on a common platform of a solid business education – principles of management, marketing, business law, finance mathematics and microeconomics. This common platform is shared with other business diploma programs in year one and is expanded on in year two.

Work Placement
You’ll be assisted in finding a paid or unpaid business work placement where you’ll practise your skills during an 84-hour assignment. This adds valuable hands-on experience to your resumé. Close relationships with the business professionals who constantly update the curriculum will give you valuable networking contacts.

Employers in Canada, and around the world, recognize the value of Humber's Public Relations advanced diploma program. Our program provides hands-on training and develops skills in professional media writing, strategic communication planning, presentation, social and digital media content development, social media analytics, media relations, and marketing communications to name a few. Over the course of your studies, you will compile an impressive portfolio of work. Learn from the pros. Humber’s PR faculty has significant work experience and subject matter expertise. At Humber, you are more than a number. Your instructors get to know you by name and offer personalized instruction. To keep the program content current, relevant and leading edge, external industry experts regularly review the curriculum.  

The first semester of the program could be described as a sampler program. You will get a taste of other media disciplines such as advertising and graphic design, journalism, media communications, advertising, and marketing communications. This allows you to keep your options open should you wish to head in a different direction in your second semester.

Students will participate in a mandatory work placement which takes place in the last semester of study. Upon graduation, you will have the knowledge to plan, develop and execute effective public relations plans using social and traditional media. Opportunities include employment in corporations, charities, government, PR firms and many others. Our graduates have landed jobs at high-profile companies in a huge variety of sectors ranging from Corus Entertainment, Molson and Bell to MLSE, RBC and Toronto International Film Festival.

Today’s businesses know that it is critical to stay on top of what’s next in their industry: the next trend, the next tool, the next technology. They are developing capacity within their organizations to use big data to derive insights for a more profitable future. Businesses have a growing need for professionals who can use data, analytics and business acumen to improve ROI, streamline and expedite processes, drive down costs, create smart products, and build better customer experiences.
Humber’s Business Insights and Analytics graduate certificate program provides you with practical, in-demand skills in business; database management and programming; data analysis and interpretation; and decision-making and communications. It consists of a common platform of 21 core courses in business, database management, programming for machine learning and data analytics, plus three specialization stream courses in either Marketing or Operations.

Graduates of this program will:

develop effective business strategies, tactics and processes based on data-driven analytics
support business decision making with advanced statistical and quantitative analysis; and advanced data visualization and communications tools and techniques
generate business insights by developing and using databases, big data and machine learning
Note: For students starting in September or January, there is a scheduled one semester break between second and third semester.

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

• Design, develop and manage databases and big data using current IT technologies and tools to query, program, process and analyze open source structured and unstructured data.
• Apply project management techniques, skills and software to scope, track and manage resources of business analytics projects.
• Use established and current frameworks for business, economic and financial analyses to inform business decision-making and recommend appropriate business strategies and tactics.
• Implement personal and professional development strategies to improve job performance and promote professional growth.
• Collect, store, process, model, analyze, interpret and communicate data using advanced statistical and qualitative techniques and current information technology tools.
• Provide insights to solve strategic business management challenges derived from a range of business intelligence metrics.
• Prepare and communicate complex materials, verbally, in writing and digitally for a variety of audiences and purposes, clearly and effectively using, where appropriate, current technology.
• Formulate and implement plans for the collection, storage, processing, modelling, analysis, interpretation and communication of data that meet the needs of the client.
• Develop and implement machine learning algorithms and applications in order to capitalize on previously unrealized business opportunities.
• Formulate and implement plans for managing the full data life cycle adhering to all theoretical, practical, ethical, legal, security, professional, and privacy guidelines, requirements and standards.
• Present a persuasive and cogent argument and recommendations for actionable insights derived from sophisticated analysis of data from a wide variety of sources.
• Ensure that all analysis of numerical and text data, and all data processing is conducted with a high degree of accuracy, and is consistent with the appropriate principles of data integrity and stability.

Work Placement
Get the hands-on experience that industry demands with a 320-hour (minimum) work placement that will give you the opportunity to apply what you have learned in the classroom to the real world. Students initiate the placement with the aid of faculty, targeting companies in the Greater Toronto Area. Placements may be completed on a part-time basis throughout the academic year, or full time during the term immediately following the program.