Non-Governmental Organizations and Nonprofit Studies: Certificate
Description
The Certificate in NGO (Non-Governmental Organizations) and Nonprofit Studies at Kwantlen Polytechnic University is unique to this region, and is distinct from other nonprofit management programs in that it offers the following:
- 30-credit program available directly out of high school
- Program structure that bridges the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Business
- Broad inclusion of local human rights, environmental, and advocacy organizations in BC's Lower Mainland
Rather than developing an exclusive overseas / development focus, our program recognizes the depth of learning that can take place right here in greater Vancouver. This sector has been steadily growing for more than fifty years, at times outpacing the growth of Canada's economy as a whole. Kwantlen Polytechnic University identifies with the innovation characteristic of this sector, and is eager to move a new generation of learners into work in this area.
The educational experience is designed to address the NACC (Nonprofit Academic Centers Council) Curricular Guidelines for Undergraduate Study in Nonprofit Leadership, the Nonprofit Sector and Philanthropy (2007), and prepares students for voluntary and entry-level work at nonprofit organizations and NGOs. Students will acquire practical and up-to-date skills, including an introduction to Imagine Canada's Standards Program, Canada Revenue Agency guidelines for the nonprofit sector, and the following skills and methods:
- Skill sets: Marketing, minute-taking, database work, presenting, blogging, reporting, academic research and writing, literature reviews, fundraising principles
- Methods: Participant-observation, qualitative methods, interviewing, cross-cultural understanding, face-to-face field methods, mapping, critical analysis, ethics and advocacy
There are a wide range of jobs in the nonprofit sector in Canada and the U.S., with salaries varying greatly depending on skills, experience, and region. These organizations serve a broad mandate, addressing humanitarian issues, environmental problems, human rights issues, development efforts, and the problems experienced by marginalized populations. There is an increasing move towards professionalization in this area, and KPU's targeted introduction to disciplines in both the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Business ensures that graduates have covered comparative perspectives on civil society, voluntary action and philanthropy, as well as key aspects of financial management and accountability.
Student Profile
The Certificate in NGO and Nonprofit Studies is readily accessible to recent high school graduates who are passionate about social change and interested in pursuing one of the many volunteer opportunities available in the sector. The program also welcomes mature students who are undertaking career changes, and those already working in the sector whose retention depends on the availability of further education pathways. Given the global salience of the term 'NGO', the program is also well suited to International students. At KPU, the quick turn-around (30 credits) and community service learning partnerships with local nonprofit organizations mean students can learn about the sector early on and get into the field as soon as possible. Students may start fulfilling Certificate requirements directly upon entering, or may choose to complete the Certificate in NGO and Nonprofit Studies while pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree, or programs in other areas of the university.
Program Admission Requirements
Note: Students wishing to pursue the Certificate in Non-Governmental Organizations and Nonprofit Studies should apply to one of KPU's undergraduate programs.
Program Requirements
Students must complete a total of 30 credits as described below:
All of: |
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| ANTH 1100 | Social & Cultural Anthropology | 3 credits | |
| ANTH 2190 | Non-Governmental Organizations in Context | 3 credits | |
| ANTH 3190 | Non-Governmental Organizations in Practice | 3 credits | |
| BUSI 1110 | Fundamentals of Business in Canada | 3 credits | |
| MRKT 1199 | Introduction to Marketing | 3 credits | |
And two of: |
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| GEOG 1101 | Human Geography | 3 credits | |
| JRNL 1160 | Introduction to Journalism | 3 credits | |
| POLI 1110 | Ideology and Politics | 3 credits | |
| POLI 1120 | Canadian Government and Politics | 3 credits | |
| SOCI 1125 | Introduction to Society: Processes and Structures | 3 credits | |
And one of: |
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| CMNS 1140 | Introduction to Professional Communication | 3 credits | |
| ENGL 1100 | Introduction to University Writing | 3 credits | |
And two of: |
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| ACCT 1110 | Introductory Financial Accounting I | 3 credits | |
| ANTH 2120 | Cross-Cultural Women's and Gender Studies | 3 credits | |
| ANTH 2160 | Culture and the Environment | 3 credits | |
| BUSI 1215 | Organizational Behaviour | 3 credits | |
| GEOG 2400 | Introduction to GIS | 3 credits | |
| POLI 1150 | Introduction to International Relations | 3 credits | |
| SOCI 2311 | Social Justice in the Global and Local Contexts | 3 credits | |
|
POST 1100 or PHIL 1111 |
Sustainability: Analysis and Ethics | 3 credits | |
| Or any of the required course options not chosen already | 3 credits | ||
Credential Awarded
Upon successful completion of this program, students are eligible to receive a Certificate in Non-Governmental Organizations and Nonprofit Studies.
