ADMISSION APPLICATIONS TO THIS PROGRAM WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR THE WINTER 2024 TERM. |
Program description
This program, which combines management and the social sciences, helps you discover new ways of solving social problems, such as poverty, discrimination and the climate crisis.
In this program you will gain a deeper understanding of these deep-rooted problems, as well as the related systems and institutions. You will also explore models of organizations and social enterprise that can help to mobilize your community to bring about positive and sustainable change.
Throughout the program, you will have the opportunity to develop practical skills, including budgeting, strategic planning, project management and citizen engagement. Whether you are launching your own social innovation project or doing an internship in an existing organization, you can apply your knowledge in a concrete and practical way.
An innovative pedagogical approach
Practicing what it preaches, the Élisabeth-Bruyère School of Social Innovation offers a one-of-a-kind education model featuring intensive teaching blocks for mandatory courses.
Instead of attending weekly classes for different courses throughout a semester, you will take one course at a time for three weeks before moving on to the next one. This approach allows for more consistency between courses and more field-trips. It also allows you to focus on one subject at a time.
Mauril-Bélanger Social Innovation Workshop
All students in social innovation are members of the Mauril-Bélanger Social Innovation Workshop, also known as the Atelier. The Atelier is a centre for training and collaboration for people and organizations that want to have a positive impact on the community.
As part of the Élisabeth-Bruyère School of Social Innovation, the Atelier serves as a dynamic hub that cultivates innovative projects, social entrepreneurship and social innovation research. As part of the first year of your program, you will be supported by the Atelier as you work on social innovation projects in partnership with community groups.
Internships
This program includes at least one hands-on experience in the field. This experience can be done within an existing organization — in Canada or abroad — or it can involve starting a project.
Who should apply?
Engaged individuals who would like to build or work in organizations that change the world.
Career opportunities
Admission details
Registration: for fall and full-time only
Program length: 8 trimesters, or 4 years
Program delivery: on campus
Language: this program is also offered in French.
For more details, please click here.
Scholarship possibilities
Students in this program are eligible for the Special School of Social Innovation scholarship, which offers $4,000 for the first year of studies.
Students who are registered in this program may be eligible for other scholarships. For more information, please click here.
This degree is offered jointly with the University of Ottawa.
Applications: A step-by-step guide
STEP 1: Choose a program of study
STEP 2: Learn about admission requirements
STEP 3: Submit your application
STEP 4: Gather the documents needed for the assessment of your application
STEP 5: Assessment of your application
STEP 6: Accept your offer of admission
STEP 7: Choose your courses
STEP 1: CHOOSE A PROGRAM OF STUDY |
Undergraduate programs:
STEP 2: LEARN ABOUT ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS |
Ontario applicants
From secondary school
Have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with at least six 4U or 4M level courses, including one 4U level course in English or français.
From Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology (CAAT)
Our transfer agreements
Saint Paul University has developed a number of transfer agreements with colleges, allowing applicants to receive upwards of 30 units in equivalencies. Find out more by consulting the tab entitled College Credit Transfer.
Quebec applicants
From secondary school
Have a Secondary School Diploma with an average of 84%, including one course in English or français at the Secondary V level.
From Cégep
Have completed 12 courses of general studies (not including physical education and refresher courses), including English (603) or français (601). Applicants who have successfully completed 12 courses of general studies may obtain up to 15 units of advanced standing, and those who have successfully completed more than 12 courses of general studies may obtain up to 30 units of advanced standing.
Applicants from the Atlantic and Western provinces
Have a Secondary School Diploma, including one course in English or français at the Grade 12 level.
Applicants from other universities
Applications from other Canadian or international universities will be assessed based on the applicant’s previous secondary and post-secondary studies. University equivalency units may be granted depending on the studies completed and the program into which the person is admitted.
International applicants
Have a diploma attesting to 12 years of education equivalent to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Persons who have completed a secondary diploma attesting to 13 years of education, such as the Baccalauréat de l’enseignement secondaire français, can receive up to 30 units of advanced standing.
Mature applicants
When the applicant’s academic record does not meet normal conditions for admission, it is possible to apply as a mature applicant, provided that the person has not been enrolled in full-time studies for at least two consecutive years. In order to be considered for admission, applicants must have experience that can be considered sufficient preparation for pursuing undergraduate studies.
STEP 3: SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION |
You have two options
OPTION 1 |
If you are applying for admission to an undergraduate program at more than one Ontario university, including Saint Paul University:
IMPORTANT NOTE: Because Saint Paul University is federated with the University of Ottawa, you will find programs offered by Saint Paul University listed under the University of Ottawa.
OPTION 2 |
If you are applying for an undergraduate program at Saint Paul University only, or if you are applying for a master’s or doctoral program:
STEP 4: GATHER THE DOCUMENTS NEEDED FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF YOUR APPLICATION |
In order for us to assess your application, you must submit official transcripts for all of your previous studies (secondary, college and university). These transcripts must be sent directly from your academic institution to the following address:
Saint Paul University
Office of Admissions and Student Services
223 Main Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1S 1C4
CANADA
However, to expedite the assessment process for your application, you can scan your documents and e-mail them to the Office of Admissions at admission@ustpaul.ca and then send your official documents through the mail.
STEP 5: ASSESSMENT OF YOUR APPLICATION |
Once the Office of Admissions receives all the required documents, it will begin to assess your application. One of the following decisions will be sent to you at the email address you gave us, as well as to your postal address.
Possible decisions
STEP 6: ACCEPT YOUR OFFER OF ADMISSION |
To accept an offer of admission and a scholarship offer, if applicable, you must sign the form entitled Admission acceptance form that accompanies your offer of admission and send it to Saint Paul University by email, before the deadline, to the following address admission@ustpaul.ca or mail it to:
Saint Paul University
Office of Admissions and Student Services
223 Main Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1S 1C4
CANADA
STEP 7: CHOOSE YOUR COURSES |
With your offer of admission, you will receive all the information you will need to choose your courses. You will also receive the contact information for our academic advisors; you can meet with them one on one or during information sessions for guidance and to help you finalize your course selection.
Foundational Courses (12 units)
Compulsory Courses: 12 units
HTP1102 Approaches in the Humanities: Interpreting the Human Experience
HTP1103 People, Social Justice and Ecology
HTP1105 Critical Analysis, Reading and Writing Academic Works
HTP1106 The First Peoples in Canada
Discipline Specific Courses (78 units)
Compulsory Courses: 60 units
INS2101 Introduction to Social Innovation
INS2102 Social Justice and Critical Thinking
INS2103 Social Movements
INS2104 Democracy and Civic Engagement
INS2105 Social and Solidarity Economy
INS2106 Management, Administration and Social Innovation
INS3101 Self-Management in Organizations
INS3102 Practical Seminar: Introduction to Action Research
INS3103 Capitalism, Classes and Inequalities
INS3104 Labor Movements
INS3105 Gender and Feminisms
INS3106 Feminist Movements
INS3107 Ecology and Environmental Justice
INS3108 Accounting of Social Organizations
INS3109 Mobilization, Framing and Communication
INS3110 Anti-Racist and Anti-Colonial Theories
INS3111 Anti-Racist and Anti-Colonial Movements
INS4101 Power Relations in Organizations
INS4102 Starting a Social Organization
INS4103 Internship I
Optional Courses: 18 units from:
INS3112 Project Management and Social Innovation
INS3113 New Technologies and Social Innovation
INS3114 Accessibility and Ableism
INS3115 Poverty and Social Exclusion
INS3116 Territories and Local Development
INS3117 Arts and Social Transformation
INS3118 Popular Education and Knowledge Sharing
INS3119 Selected Topics in Democratic Management
INS3120 Selected Topics in Social Action
INS3340 Social Innovation and Social Justice – Practicum
INS4104 Finance and Funding Social Innovation
INS4105 Social Innovation and Global Interdependencies
INS4106 Internship II
IPA1123 Introduction to Group Dynamics
IPA2128 Group Intervention and Active Listening
IPA3126 The Spiritual Dimensions of Leadership and Group Facilitation
ISC3301 Social Marketing
ISC3339 Introduction to Public Relations
PHI2146 Social Justice
PHI3133 Feminist Ethics
PHI3308 Ethics and Public Service
With the approval of the School of Social Innovation, students may also choose optional courses from among those offered by the School of International Development and Global Studies in order to add an international perspective to their studies.
Elective courses (30 units)
Students choose 30 units or complete a minor (30 units).
Introduction to theoretical approaches in the Humanities and to the methods that are applied to interpret the multiple expressions of human experience, particularly those expressed in important works of art and literature.
Social and ecological challenges facing humanity today, and related issues of social justice. These questions will be examined from a perspective of community building and efforts towards ecological and social transformations for a hopeful future.
Development of abilities to read critically and understand academic works. Focus on formal writing skills: techniques of clear expression and construction of texts, argument development and organization. This course also includes a library laboratory component with focus on research skills, citations, and academic integrity.
Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives on the First Peoples in Canada, cultural diversity, traditional practices and beliefs, relationship with the environment, changing roles and structures influenced by colonization. Contemporary issues faced by First Nations, Métis and Inuit, including cultural genocide and trauma.
Social innovation basics, methodological foundation to study the field and best practices.
Main contemporary theories of social justice (liberal, critical, catholic, etc.) and issues related to redistribution, recognition, capabilities and accessibility.
Analyzing social situations through the lens of concepts developed by the most important schools of critical thinking and the approaches in social movement studies.
Fundamentals of democracy, participation and representative government needed to understand and move beyond the framework in which they are embedded within Western societies.
Students having completed the course DVM4154 Global Studies, Citizenship and Development will be credited for this course.
Overview of social and solidarity economy through a survey of the field’s main texts and its most important initiatives.
Students having completed the course DVM4150 Social Economy and Local Development in Developing Countries will be credited for this course.
Basics of management and administration necessary for the proper functioning of a social organization.
Students having completed the courses ADM1100 Introduction to Business Management will be credited for this course.
Structures, bodies, and modes of operation within democratic organizations.
Basic introduction to action research through getting involved in an organization and/or implementing a project, critically reflecting on the experience.
Theoretical foundations of Marxist analysis, key concepts and contemporary debates, in particular, current economic and technological changes.
Analysis of the trajectory and dynamics of social movements focused on issues of class and socioeconomic inequality.
Theoretical foundations and key concepts of different approaches to feminist and gender studies.
Analysis of the trajectory and dynamics of social movements focused on gender issues.
Major issues and debates concerning ecology and environmental justice, examined through the lens of specific cases.
Financial statements of a social organization and the accounting system that produces them.
Tools and techniques developed by social movements to mobilize communities in support of an innovative project. Discourse, design, and public relations strategies in a social innovation context.
Theoretical foundations and key concepts of anti-racist and anti-colonial theories (decolonial, postcolonial, indigenous).
Analysis of the trajectory and dynamics of social movements focused on issues of colonialism and racism.
Basic notions in project management adapted to the reality of innovative social organizations.
Analysis of new technology issues for social innovation projects and actors.
Study of different strategies to foster the conditions of solidarity needed for organizations to actively include people living with disabilities.
Analysis of different issues related to poverty and study of the social actors and their strategies in the struggle against poverty and social exclusion.
Major components of a sociopolitical framework designed to help understand issues related to the use of a geographic space and its anchoring in communities and ecosystems.
Overview of different art initiatives and projects taking a critical approach.
Study of Paulo Freire’s pedagogical approach and its use in people’s organizations to transmit and create knowledge.
In-depth study of specific topics related to democratic management.
In-depth study of specific topics related to social action.
Hands-on work with community-based organizations at the Mauril-Bélanger Social Innovation Workshop (The Atelier): getting involved with one of these organizations in the development of a project aiming to creatively address social problems on a small scale; strategies for change in various domains related to social justice (racism, poverty, gender, food, housing…) based on initiatives of social and political actors, including activists and organizations.
Tools and techniques in leadership development. Study of power relations in organizations’ practices and discourses.
Key steps to launch an organization: mission, partnerships, team, funding, organizational structure.
Prerequisite:INS3108 Accounting of Social Organizations.
Conducting a complete diagnosis of a specific issue in an organization or participate to the elaboration of a specific project, within or outside an organization. Graded S/NS.
Overview of strategies to secure funding and support for new social projects including social finance.
Study of the interdependencies between the local, the national and global in social innovation.
Internship in a social organization or developing an action research in partnership with a social organization (collaboration agreement, project development and identification of research aims and process, conducting the action research, results presentation and reflective analysis). Graded S/NS.
This course initiates participants to the group phenomenon and to different fundamental concepts, such as group typology, elements of group dynamics, as well as conditions and factors that are part of interpersonal and group communication. Participants learn to be aware of the quality of their participation and to develop their capacity to observe and to interact.
This course was previously HUM1103 and IGL1103.
Focus on the active listening model as applied to group intervention and leadership. Listening skills for interpersonal and group situations such as empathy, congruence, paraphrasing, reflecting, feedback, questioning, process.
This course was previously ANI2126 and IGL2126.
Deepening of one's conception of spirituality and presentation of various guiding methods adapted to personal development groups: self-training, support group meetings, life experience analysis and planned action. Community cooperation and psychosocial basics are addressed.
This course was previously ANI3112 and IGL3112.
Marketing in general, social marketing and advertising and related communication tools. Basic concepts; application of the marketing and advertising approaches to the promotion of social ideas, values and causes: product and audience analysis, identification of marketing and communications objectives, campaign evaluation.
History and basic models of public relations. Main approaches, tools, audiences, work environment. Management, marketing, advertising, public affairs. Case studies.
Explores, from the perspective of social justice theories, issues such as social inequalities, poverty, refugees, war, and environmental degradation. Examines criticisms of this perspective.
Examination of the development of critical theories and new ethical models in different feminist currents. How these ethics take into consideration the marginalized voices of oppressed groups.
Ethical issues relating to the public sector. Definitions of the common good and of public service. Study of the role of public policy in the functioning of various states and governments, and the implications of their coherence or conflict in the social, political and economic realms.
Contact Us
Office of Admissions, Registrar and Student Services
Room 148
Saint Paul University
223 Main Street
Ottawa, ON
K1S 1C4
CANADA
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Telephone: 613-236-1393
Fax: 613-782-3014
admission@ustpaul.ca
Hours of Operation
Monday to Friday | 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. |
1 p.m. to 4 p.m. |
Please leave your documents in the mailbox in front of room 148 when our offices are closed.
223 Main Street
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
K1S 1C4
Toll free
1.800.637.6859
613-236-1393
613-782-3005
info@ustpaul.ca