Non-Governmental Organizations and Nonprofit Studies
The Certificate in NGO and Nonprofit Studies at KPU prepares students for voluntary and entry-level work at NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations). In Canada, the nonprofit and voluntary sector is the second largest in the world, with over 1 million full-time (FTE) paid employees. There is an increasing move towards professionalization in this area, as evidenced by the rise in the number of nonprofit organizations who are applying for the Imagine Canada Standards Program. Accordingly, the program draws on courses from both the Faculty of Arts and the School of Business which ensures familiarity with financial management and accountability, in addition to a background in the innovation and social values often associated with the sector.
In this section
Student Profile
The Certificate in NGO and Nonprofit Studies is readily accessible to recent high school graduates who are passionate about social change and are 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.
Career Opportunities
Our graduates would be most suited to apply for some combination of the following postings:
- Project Facilitator/Coordinator
- Contract Outreach/Community Engagement Liaison
- Project Analyst/Researcher
- Office Assistant/Marketing Assistant
Current National Occupational Classification (NOC) categories fail to capture the diversity of experiences for workers in NGOs. These are the most relevant NOC categories, at present (next update 2016):
- NOC code 0114 – Other administrative services managers
- NOC code 0423 – Managers in social, community and correctional services