Endorsed by the Public Affairs Association of Canada and the Government Relations Institute of Canada, this eight-month graduate certificate program features specialized practical government relations training that will prepare you for careers in government relations.
You will learn to work with organizations and clients to co-ordinate and support their efforts to monitor, analyze and shape government action on existing and proposed legislation and regulation.
Government relations professionals establish long term relationships with government policy makers, utilizing strategic planning, issue analysis, lobbying, and stakeholder engagement skills to shape public policy and regulatory issues.
Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:
To graduate, GRM students must secure a volunteer position in the office of a politician of their choice and complete a minimum of 120 volunteer hours. Afterward, you’ll submit your verified hours and reflect on your volunteer experience through a short assignment.
Students meeting all academic requirements may have the opportunity to complete an optional work term in a formal work environment. The work term is similar in length to an academic semester and typically involves full-time work hours that may be paid or unpaid. In programs with limited work term opportunities, additional academic requirements may be required for eligibility. Eligibility for participation does not guarantee a work position will be secured. Additional fees are required for those participating in the optional work term stream regardless of success in securing a work position. To qualify, students must achieve an overall GPA of 3.5 in their first semester, a minimum grade of "A" (80 per cent) in GRM700 and GRM701 and be recommended by the program.
| Start in | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 2025 | Seneca@York | Open |
Please note that availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.
| Start in | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 2025 | Seneca@York | Open |
Please note that availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.
International students applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): If you are in a flexible delivery course, you must attend in person. The option to attend online does not apply to you. Studying online will impact your PGWP eligibility. Please review the in-person requirements related to PGWP eligibility before choosing your program and course delivery.
This program is offered in Seneca's flexible delivery format, with some courses delivered online. The optional work term is in-person or online. In courses delivered in the flexible format, using interactive learning spaces, professors teach in person to students in a physical classroom or lab and stream to students online at the same time. Students have a choice of coming to campus for an in-person experience or learning online.
Learn more: Seneca’s program delivery options and how courses in this program will be delivered each term.
As part of a select group trained to connect with politicians, public servants and political staff in support of the policy interests of your organization or client, you will be prepared for entry-level positions with non-profit organizations, industry and trade associations, corporations and professional service firms.
