Skip to main content

Non-Governmental Organizations and Nonprofit Studies: Certificate

Description

The Certificate in NGO (Non-Governmental Organizations) and Nonprofit Studies at KPU 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 School of Business
  • Broad inclusion of local human rights, environmental, and advocacy organizations in B.C.'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. KPU 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:

  1. Skill sets: Marketing, minute-taking, database work, presenting, blogging, reporting, academic research and writing, literature reviews, fundraising principles
  2. 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 School 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.

Admission Requirements

The Faculty's Admission Requirements, which consist of KPU's undergraduate English Proficiency Requirement, apply to this program.

Curricular Requirements

Students must complete a total of 30 credits as described below:

All of:
  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:
  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:
  CMNS 1140 Introduction to Professional Communication 3 credits
  ENGL 1100 Introduction to University Writing 3 credits
And two of:
  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.

At a Glance

Faculty of Arts

kpu.ca/arts

Program Type:

  • Undergraduate

Credential Granted:

  • Certificate

Offered At:

  • KPU Langley  Langley
  • KPU Richmond  Richmond
  • KPU Surrey  Surrey
  • Online  Online

Start Date(s):

  • Fall Intake (September)  September
  • Spring Intake (January)  January
  • Summer Intake (May)  May

Intake Type:

  • Open Intake  Open intake

Format:

  • Full-time  Full-time
  • Part-time  Part-time

Minimum Credits Required:

  • 30

Instructional Cycle:

  • Semester-based

Curriculum Effective Date:

  • 01-Sep-2014

Applying to KPU:

Last Updated: 20-Dec-2018

This online version of the Kwantlen Polytechnic University Calendar is the official version of the University Calendar. Although every effort is made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, KPU reserves the right to make any corrections in the contents and provisions of this calendar without notice. In addition, the University reserves the right to cancel, add, or revise contents or change fees at any time without notice. To report errors or omissions, or send comments or suggestions, please email Calendar.Editor@kpu.ca