Agriculture Communications Certificate
Applications Open: October
Length of Program: One Year
Program Status: Open
Combine your passion for agriculture and storytelling with the new Agriculture Communications certificate. The first of its kind offered in Canada, this one year program prepares you for a meaningful career supporting the agriculture and agri-food industry in communications and marketing.
Delivered asynchronously online, you'll have the flexibility of completing the program around your schedule, allowing you to develop new skills while maintaining your current job or running your own business.
Completed over the course of ten months, you'll learn the foundations of professional writing, marketing, and multi-media production, including entry-level videography, photography and audio production. You'll also learn how to develop public relations and crisis communications campaigns and strategies that will help them to influence positive change using effective communications and dynamic storytelling.
After completing the online courses, you'll be required to put your new skills and knowledge to the test with a 14-week paid field placement within the industry or with your current employer.
This program is eligible for the Canada Alberta Job Grant. If you are an employer, find out if you are eligible.
Work-Integrated Learning: You will complete a 14-week paid internship within the agriculture and agri-food industry where you will gain practical experience, while developing your skills in effective communication and marketing across multiple mediums.
Program Intake: Fall Intake (September program start)
Applications Open: First Wednesday (9 a.m.) of October
Length of Program: One Year
Method of Delivery: Online (Asynchronous)
Credentials: Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will receive a Certificate in Agriculture Communications.
Admission Requirements:
- 55% for English 30-1 or 65% for English 30-2
- 50% or better in one of Biology 20 OR Chemistry 20 OR Science 20
- Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement
Alternate Admission Option: Alternate admission status may be offered to applicants who have not or will not complete one of the academic admission requirements; to be considered on a case by case basis
Transfer Options: Olds College has developed agreements with other educational institutions to allow for transition to Olds College, or to another institution to continue your education. Articulations & Agreements
Out of Province Applicants: Please refer to the Provincial Equivalency Chart for course equivalencies.
International Applicants: Olds College welcomes applications from International Applicants and those who have completed their high school education outside of Canada. Please note, it is still necessary to meet all of the noted admission requirements, including English Language Proficiency.
Tuition & Fees
- Tuition: $6,220 / Fees: $1,490 / Books & Supplies: $200
Please refer to the current Fee Schedule for complete details.
* Please note that international students pay 3.5 times the domestic tuition amount. These fees are provided as estimates only for the purposes of budgeting. All students should refer to the Fee Schedule for the most accurate information and all fees are subject to change.*
Scholarships & Student Awards
Olds College offers over 450 awards, valued at $500,000+ in scholarships, bursaries and prizes. Thanks to our industry partners, alumni, and friends of Olds College we are fortunate to offer a generous student awards program to students.
For additional information on scholarships, bursaries and prizes at Olds College, visit Scholarships & Awards
Entrance Awards Available!
Entrance awards range from $250 - $1500 for students applying for the upcoming academic year and have paid the tuition deposit by the deadline.
Awards are selected randomly from those that have applied and qualify based on the criteria.
Award will be applied as a tuition credit to the student's account after the add/drop course deadline, confirming full-time attendance.
Not all that apply will receive an entrance award.
Student Funding
For information on how to apply for government student loans, financial aid or for help with financial planning, visit our Student Funding page.
Course Details
For course descriptions and requisites, view the Academic Calendar.
- Completed the following:
- COM1040 - Composition and Writing Skills - Business, Journalism, Marketing
- COM1150 - Social Media Management & Marketing
- MDL1020 - Media Literacy and Critical Analysis
- AGF1330 - Foundations of Agriculture and Agri-Food
- MDL1030 - Developing Your Professional Voice in Media and Business
- MDL1040 - Media Production - Video, Audio, Imagery
- MDL1050 - Storytelling in MultiMedia
- COM1520 - Public Relations and Crisis Communications
- AGL1010 - Leadership and Advocacy in Agriculture
- WIL1500 - Preparation for Experiential Learning in the Workplace
- WIL 2500 - Industry Field Placement
Career Opportunities
Olds College has a solid reputation working with employers in the industry! This directly translates into jobs for our graduates. Opportunities include, but are not limited to:
- Communications Consultant
- Communications Strategist
- Public Relations & Communications Officer
- Communications Manager
- Marketing Advisor
- Operations Communication Advisor
- Digital Communications Advisor
- Customer Service Representative
- Stakeholder Relations Advisor
Visit ALIS to find Occupational Profiles with current wages, industry trends and more!
Admitted Students
Program Dates
Find out when your term start and end dates are, so that you know when you are expected to be in attendance. For more information, please review the Program Dates & Fee Schedule.
Class Registration
You will be registered into your classes automatically. This will happen approximately 1 month prior to the start-date for your program. You will be notified once you have been timetabled into your courses. You will be able to see your class schedule in your My Olds College account. If you need to make any changes to your class registration, please contact the Office of the Registrar.
