Graduate Certificate in Business Insights and Analytics

at Humber College - Lakeshore Campus Canada

The Content Strategy graduate certificate program is designed to prepare students for the emerging and expanding field of content strategy. Content strategists help organizations and agencies establish and maintain credible, viable and trustworthy content - content that has value, content that is inherently inclusive and content that is purposeful. Content strategies are unified visions of digital and analog interactive systems and communications in a platform-agnostic system.

Content strategists oversee the publishing of content by providing advice and direction to improve brand awareness, internal communications, public relations and user experience. Strategists engage with all aspects of the content development lifecycle, from ideating and curating content to creating artifacts and deliverables that allow organizations to analyze content and make holistic, strategic recommendations for the development of content based on thorough analysis.

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

• Develop carefully considered, holistic strategies and tactics for the establishment of a credible, viable and trustworthy online presence for an organization or agency in order to optimize web-based business assets.
• Conduct a qualitative and quantitative audit of existing content inventory in order to assess it for accuracy, currency, usefulness, usability and findability.
• Analyze internal and external factors and trends that impact the creation, delivery and governance of an organizations’ content in order to maintain relevancy, currency and alignment with business goals.
• Present clear recommendations for content creation, delivery and governance that meet business goals and user needs for current and relevant information, advice and direction, procedures to follow, and relationship building.
• Design and manage a workflow that defines the people, processes and timelines required for effective content creation, delivery and governance.
• Help online readers to find information, solve problems and complete tasks by publishing effectively written original content and sourcing relevant curated material.
• Deliver quality accessible, branded content consistently across selected digital channels that is appropriate for the target audience.
• Develop policies, standards and guidelines for the maintenance of content accuracy, consistent brand messaging and user engagement that complies with relevant law, industry standards and business best practices.
• Conduct a retrospective review using qualitative data and evidence from web analytics to measure the impact of a content strategy on business outcomes.
• Identify and address the implicit and explicit biases of self, team members and audience in order to curate socially, culturally and environmentally sensitive content that strengthens brand equity.

Work Placement - Students will participate in a mandatory work placement in their final semester of study.

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.

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.

Humber’s Protection, Security and Investigation diploma program gives you the skills needed to attract employers’ attention in the growing private/corporate security and public safety fields.

You will learn from industry experts using the latest technology-based methods in investigations, crime and intelligence analysis, security systems, and conflict resolution.

Small classes enhance courses designed to meet current needs and integrate theory with practical learning experiences. You will learn how to use protection, security and investigation techniques and technologies to accurately monitor, assess and document behaviours, situations and events; and to collect, preserve and present admissible evidence. You will also learn public relations skills, how to resolve conflicts and how to act justly when working with diverse populations.

This program is designed to meet both private and public sector demand for graduates who have expertise in protection, security and investigation, as well as a strong knowledge of the criminal and civil justice systems in Canada.

Note: Optional information sessions may be held throughout the year for applicants who wish to learn more about this program.

Work Placement
Semester 4 students can compete for a limited number of job shadowing opportunity with various GTA-based organizations in the corporate security and private investigations fields. This is an optional component of the program.
 

Humber’s Advertising - Account Management graduate certificate program will prepare you to effectively manage the creative process for the benefit of clients at an advertising agency or within a client’s marketing department. You will develop a greater understanding of the world of creative advertising, media buying and client-agency relationships, and prepare to be part of a team driving strong communication to their target audiences. This program is primarily directed at advertising agency account manager roles but is adaptable to other communication or design-based companies in need of skilful client management.

This unique, writing-intensive program prepares account managers for the advertising industry by exploring a balance of skills from the advertising and creative side of the communication process. An underpinning of the course work investigates how digital marketing and social media impact advertising today. Speakers from the industry, combined with current case studies, enable you to confidently present effective and efficient solutions. Building on your strong writing skills, you will develop other presentation and communication skills in order to better liaise with creative and commercial forces. By incorporating people skills and critical thinking skills, you will acquire the essential knowledge required to thrive in the fast-paced, creative world of advertising.

Graduates will be an asset in three key areas - client relationships, creativity and process management.
You will learn about the link between successful creative and client success criteria including return on investment (ROI) and revenue goals, and how to develop briefs that inspire grounded, effective and exciting work. Digital storytelling and new media are integrated throughout the program. An in-depth understanding of integrated marketing communications and its relationship to other aspects of the business will help you succeed in a complex and challenging field.

Work Placement
Students will gain practical, hands-on experience in the industry by completing a mandatory work placement following their final semester of study.

Developed originally with the Institute of Canadian Bankers (ICB) and industry professionals, Humber’s Business Management – Financial Services diploma program is the only one of its kind in Ontario. Through our current and relevant curriculum, you’ll become well-versed in all aspects of banking, investments, insurance and financial planning. You’ll also build essential business skills through courses in interpersonal communications, business writing and professional selling.

As a graduate, you’ll be able to help individuals with everything from banking, consumer credit and life insurance to financial planning.

Work Placement

• A 150-hour (minimum) work placement will give you valuable practical industry experience and preparation for employment. You’ll find your own placement under the guidance of the program co-ordinator and will learn effective job search skills.

Humber’s Child and Youth Care advanced diploma program prepares you to promote the optimal development of children, youth and their families. Students are required to develop skills in assessing needs, designing and implementing programs and planned environments, and using daily life events to support and facilitate positive change. The program provides foundational knowledge in infant, child and adolescent development; child and youth care relational practice principles; psychology of the family; evidence-based or evidence-informed intervention strategies; group dynamics; and therapeutic activities.

You will learn that an essential component of professional practice is self-awareness, with many courses emphasizing self-reflection and the classroom being a professional practice environment. Your high energy level and emotional maturity will help you meet the demands of working with children and youth with complex needs.

Our program is delivered by award-winning faculty, renowned in their field, with current, relevant experience and advanced degrees. A key feature of the program is its therapeutic play lab fostering experiential learning.
Work Placement
Field placements with established partnerships are a critical component of this program. There is an exciting variety of innovative and traditional field placements available in and around the Greater Toronto Area. Field placements can also be arranged in your own community and are unpaid.

For the first field placement, opportunities are often school-based and occur two days a week for fourteen weeks. For the final two placements, you will be able to submit four to six placement choices with the school making the final decision. These field placements run four days per week.

Humber’s Art Foundation certificate program offers you the opportunity to investigate different areas of artistic media and develop portfolios for entry into further study. Expand your horizons with comprehensive training in the basics of current visual arts exploration within a diverse studio environment. Discover your strengths and creative options, and your future in the world of art.

This program integrates visual art skills across several media and is designed to encourage you to explore a wide range of techniques and concepts. You will work closely with experienced faculty from a variety of creative industries developing innovative approaches and building your strengths through a variety of painting, drawing, photography, digital design, video, animation and fine art classes, as you gain valuable insights about the art world. In just two semesters, you will gain a thorough understanding of many artistic disciplines and build well-developed visual literacy and creative skills. You will apply your acquired skills to create a portfolio that will support your personal work and/or prepare you to pursue related programs at Humber and beyond.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Analyze, simplify and deconstruct complex forms to solve artistic problems.
• Employ basic measurement systems to produce accurate proportional and perspective renderings.
• Create traditional and digital artwork which reflects adherence to accepted design principles.
• Apply basic principles of visual perception, simplification, organization and the nine-point value scale to create realistic images.
• Identify types and applications of drawing, painting and photographic tools and equipment used to produce original artworks.
• Apply basic principles of colour observation, colour and pigment mixing, and digital colorization to accurately depict value, hue and saturation.
• Create the illusion of three dimensions on a plane surface by applying techniques of texture, shading and linear perspective.
• Discuss and present a range of critical issues of visual culture, examining how images gain meaning in cultural arenas.
• Develop, refine and present drawings, digital images, animated images, video and photographs in professional portfolio format suitable for presentation to higher education admission panels or employers.
• Research and pursue opportunities for on-going artistic development.
• Define and use correct terminology to discuss and critique the impact of historical and contemporary visual, digital, animated, video and photographic images.
• Create photographic and video art for specific purposes using basic technical capabilities of cameras and computer imaging software.
• Plan and design animated sequences using basic classical animation.

Humber’s comprehensive Human Resources Management graduate certificate program covers all the key functions in this diverse field including employment law, labour relations, training and development, pension and benefits, occupational health and safety, compensation, performance management, recruitment and selection, and human resources planning. The expertise, knowledge and management skills you acquire can be applied to any organization. Humber’s faculty draw on their many years of hands-on human resources experience and expertise to successfully guide you through this program.

The first of its kind in Canada, our program is in high demand because it prepares you to work in all areas of human resources. Core concepts are studied in the classroom and applied in a work placement to help you gain a practical understanding of human resources.

You will gain the knowledge, skills, and experience to become a highly marketable and effective human resources professional. Our program offers a comprehensive exploration of all the core components of the field including its power to influence key business decisions.

Work Placement

• Get human resources management work experience with a short-term or long-term work placement (minimum 160 hours required).

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.