Program description

The Graduate Diploma in Social Organization Development is geared to the practice of social innovation in a professional context. The program is book-ended by two compulsory courses. The first, at the start of the program, discusses the foundations and main approaches of social innovation. The second, at the end of the program, allows students to assess and support an organization or incubate a new project.

Three electives strengthen participants’ practical skills. You can study the main techniques for mobilization and communication in the context of social change and collective action; the effects of technology on organizations; coordination and management methods for established social organizations; as well as best practices for partnerships with the public sector, private backers or other social groups that promote organizational development. You will also learn how to use management tools suited to social organizations.

The program, which is organized to emphasize the links between theory and practice, provides students with the main analytical frameworks and approaches needed to meet current challenges facing social organizations.

Who should apply?

This program is aimed specifically at employees and managers of social organizations, social entrepreneurs, activists, community workers, union members or members of a cooperative. It can also be suited to some workers from the public and para-public sectors or any professional who wishes to make a career change and has an innovative project in mind.

To make it easier for working professionals to participate, all courses for the diploma are given in the evening.

Mauril-Bélanger Social Innovation Workshop

All Social Innovation students are members of the Mauril-Bélanger Social Innovation Workshop, also known as The Atelier. The Atelier is a centre for training, collaboration and co-working for people and organizations that want to have a positive impact in their community.

Admission details

Enrollment: full-time or part-time
Program length: five courses over one year full-time or two years part-time
Program delivery: on campus
Languages: this program is offered in English and in French.

For more details, please click here.

Scholarship Opportunities

Students enrolled in this program may be eligible for a number of scholarships. For more information, please click here.

This diploma is conferred jointly with the University of Ottawa.