Graduate ­­­­­Certificate in Social Economy, Co-operatives and Nonprofit Sector

Offered in partnership with the Canadian Centre for the Study of Co-operatives, the Graduate ­­­­­Certificate in Social Economy, Co-operatives and Nonprofit Sector (GSECN) is designed for mid‑career professionals working in the third sector or government. The program helps you deepen your understanding of third‑sector organizations—including co‑operatives, credit unions, non‑profits, charities, community associations, and social enterprises—that provide goods and services to individuals and communities.

Some of these organizations, such as locally owned financial services and grocery providers, have operated for decades, while others are newer and work in areas ranging from renewable energy to affordable and supported housing, to mental health and addictions, and more. While diverse in form and focus, these organizations share a commitment to inclusive decision‑making and addressing broader social and economic challenges. 

What you will learn

Comprised of three graduate-level classes, the certificate covers a range of topics and issues, including:

• Organizational forms in the social economy sector (including co-operatives, nonprofits, social enterprises and more)
• Principles of good governance in the social economy
• Management and leadership excellence
• The interplay between the social economy and public policy
• Emerging forms of sector-led initiatives and inter-organizational governance
• Public and community engagement strategies

All students must complete the following foundational course (three credit units) that provides a solid grounding in issues across all third-sector organizational forms:

• JSGS 849 - Foundations in Social Economy and Public Policy (offered online)

After completing this course, you will have the option to specialize in one of three possible streams:

Laddering option: Students who have successfully completed this program may have their course work count towards a full master's degree within JSGS. Please talk with an academic advisor for more details.

This certificate is 9 credit units.

Student fees

In addition to tuition above, students also pay fees for programs like health and dental insurance, a bus pass, and other campus services. The amount you need to pay depends on if you are taking classes full time or part time, and if you are on campus or not. The table below assumes you are on campus full-time.

Tuition information is accurate for the current academic year and does not include student fees. For detailed tuition and fees information, visit the official tuition website.

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Graduate Certificate (G.Cert.) - Standard admission

• Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English. A minimum overall TOEFL score of 86 is required with a minimum score of 20 in each area, or a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum score of 6.0 in each area, or another approved test as outlined in the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Academic Policies.
• A four-year honours degree, or equivalent, from a recognized college or university in an academic discipline relevant to the proposed field of study
• A cumulative weighted average of at least a 70% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (i.e. 60 credit units)

Graduate Certificate (G.Cert.) - Non-standard admission

Applicants who do not meet the standard admission requirements can apply using the non‐standard application process. In this case, applicants must

• Have completed at least one year (18 credit units) of higher education
• Taken a minimum five-year break from formal higher education
• Possess a minimum of ten years of work experience with at least five years of management experience

Deadlines and important dates

Submit an online application

Before beginning your online application, be sure that you have carefully reviewed all program information and admission requirements on this page.

During the application, you'll be asked for:

• Personal information such as your name, address, etc.
• Contact information of your three referees
  
  • For your letters of recommendation, two of your referees must be academic contacts, and the third may be academic or professional
• Your complete academic history from all previous post-secondary institutions

The application takes about 30 minutes to complete. You may save your application and return to it later.

At the end of the application, you will need to pay a non-refundable application fee: $125 for domestic students and $145 for international students. Your application will not be processed until payment is received.

• Begin an application
• How to apply

Submit required documents

Once you've submitted your online application, you will have access to upload your required documents, and provide the contact information for your references. To do this, go to the "Supplemental Items & Documents" tab in your application.

• After you apply