The Community and Social Service Management program focuses on developing skill in managing public, private or non-profit community organizations. Students will gain knowledge of community development methods and will learn strategies for relationship building and civic engagement. Human resources, financial management, strategic planning, marketing and sales, entrepreneurship in social enterprises, as well as business development and fundraising will also be addressed. Participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding of community-based social policy, public administration, and gain global perspectives on social, cultural and political issues.
Program Facts
Length: One-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate program (also available part-time) Location: Doon Start: September First-Year Capacity: 40 Tuition: Please refer to Fees Chart for more detail *Fees are higher for international students on a Student Visa. *Recreation/Athletics, Graduation/Alumni, Insurance, as well as program-related costs such as books and supplies are additional.
Admission Requirements
Diploma or degree from an accredited college or university in a related field OR equivalent experience.
Note:
Applicants possessing degrees/diplomas from institutions where the language of instruction was not English will be required to provide test scores as evidence of their English language proficiency. Test scores, if required, would be a minimum of TOEFL 580 or 237 computer-based or 92 internet-based with TWE 4.5; IELTS 6.5 with no bands less than 6.0; CAEL 70 with no sub-test band scores less than 60; CAAT D AT 65%; or equivalent scores in other recognized standard tests of English.
We offer a language program for students whose English language skills are below the standard required for admission but who have met all other admission criteria. Applicants will be eligible for admission to the post-graduate program after completion of level 4 of the General Arts and Science - English Language Studies (ELS) program with an overall grade average of 80% and no grade less than 75%. Placement in the ELS program is determined by scores on an in-house English language test or TOEFL or IELTS.
Admission Procedures
Submit proof of admission requirements.
Applicants not meeting the admission requirements will be considered on an individual basis following an assessment of resume and work experience.
Applicants not meeting credential requirements, and who are registered at university in year three of a program, may be considered for entry into the program.
Final selection is made following an assessment of the admission requirements.
For program information call the Information Centre for details at 519-748-5220 ext. 3656.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
Adults with significant life and work experience may receive credits toward a college certificate or diploma program through a prior learning assessment process (PLAR). Prior learning must be measurable at the college level and meet Conestoga standards of achievement for current courses . PLAR process is not used for admission process. Obtaining credits for courses linked to a specific program does not guarantee entrance into the program. To require guidance on the PLAR process contact the PLAR office at 519-748-5220, ext 2260 or visit: www.conestogac.on.ca/caa/testing/plar.jsp
Description: The course introduces students to institutional structures and relationships in the social (third) sector. This sector includes not-for-profit and volunteer organizations, co-operatives, credit unions, and other social purpose enterprises that seek to improve social, economic and environmental conditions of communities. Students will explore key trends and issues concerning the social economy and related social policy issues such as unemployment, immigration, and poverty. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: This course explores administrative relationships among the levels of government in Canada. The course addresses the unique management challenges in public and not-for-profit organizations, current trends such as municipal amalgamation and privatization, and career opportunities in the third sector. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: This course introduces students to current uses of information technology in community and social services. Students will explore software applications in social services such as client management systems, electronic records management systems, and relevant global information resources that can be accessed to enhance decision-making. Issues relating to information management will also be addressed including privacy, confidentiality and security of information. Students will also assess the use of web-based technologies that assist in creating online communities, and discuss how these trends coupled with mobility can assist them in the social services field. Information technology costs and methods of evaluation and deployment will also be explored. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: This course is intended to acquaint students with the intellectual tradition of moral philosophy and help them develop practical analytic and critical skills through reading, writing, and discussion. This course focuses on ethical issues faced by individuals in Canadian society. It helps students to clarify their values and establish a framework for ethical decision making. Students will explore a variety of moral issues such as euthanasia, abortion, minority rights, racism, bio-medical technology, capital punishment, pornography, discrimination, poverty, environment and war. These questions do not admit of easy answers, because there are often plausible-sounding moral reasons to be given on each side of the matter. In part because of this, there is a tendency to want to set them aside as unanswerable, as just a matter of opinion. Yet they cannot be ignored. Rather, these questions require that we think hard about them and address them carefully, and that we explore various underlying presuppositions that we often accept uncritically. As a result, this is a course in which we will focus on and practice the skill of critical thinking, and learn to express carefully, verbally and in writing, our reasoning for a given position. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: This course introduces students to the key functions and roles of managers including the principles and techniques used by managers to carry out their responsibilities. Key functional areas include planning, organizing, staffing, leading and controlling. The course also covers the role of managers as innovators.
Students will apply management principles and concepts to various work situations in order to overcome challenges, resolve problems and enhance organizational effectiveness. The course also introduces students to governance structures, roles and responsibilities with a specific focus on not-for-profit and community based organizations. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: This course is aimed at familiarizing students with theories and processes of community development and civic engagement. Students will use a variety of case studies to analyze ways in which the public is engaged in decision-making and deliberative practices. The course will explore planned interventions to address issues such as poverty, housing, public safety, and the environment. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: This course explores the roles of entrepreneurs operating their own community-based organizations and managing small business enterprises. Students will assess their personal entrepreneurial characteristics and their abilities to act entrepreneurially within social or ?third sector? organizations. These include not-for-profit and volunteer organizations, co-operatives, and other social purpose enterprises that seek to improve social, economic and environmental conditions of communities. The course draws from case studies to explore key trends and issues relating to the social sector. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: This course focuses on strategies for business development and fundraising for social enterprises. Students will be introduced to business development planning processes, marketing tools and techniques, fundraising events, as well as strategies for creating and building partnerships, and cultivating major donors. Students will have an opportunity to work directly with a not-for-profit organization to prepare a business development plan or program proposal. They will also examine effective techniques for program needs assessment and evaluation. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: Today’s technology employees need financial management skills to make decisions and manage projects within an organization. This introductory course for non-accounting students covers aspects of both financial accounting and management accounting. Students will be able to apply concepts of financial accounting to both personal and business situations, including the preparation and use of basic financial statements. Management accounting topics will allow the students to understand cost behaviour and its use in decision-making, evaluate capital investments, and prepare operating budgets. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: The primary focus in this introductory course is to offer the student an in depth view into the world of the Human Resource (HR) Management functions and each of its specialties. The course emphasis is on the skills and techniques utilized by HR professionals in each of their specialty areas, and how they are related to the organization’s overall strategy and objectives. Hours: 42 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: World cultures both broadly and deeply affect and are affected by globalization in ways that unify and divide as well as produce equities and inequalities among people and nations. In this course, students will focus on topics pertaining to similarities and differences world cultures and societies. Incorporating varying perspectives on diversity, students develop an understanding of the impacted groups, develop strategies which demonstrate respect for diversity, and critically examine social change performed on a world stage. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: In this course, students will explore theories and practices relating to community leadership and will apply them to a variety of case studies and experiential learning activities. Topics include leadership styles, team building, motivation and empowerment, problem-solving and conflict resolution, diversity, change management, and community relationship building. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Graduate Opportunities
Graduates may enhance employment opportunities in community, government, private and non-profit organizations.
Degree Completion Opportunities
Conestoga College is dedicated to creating exciting and flexible degree completion opportunities for many programs for current, former and prospective students. Learn how a Conestoga education can respond to the community's demand for a skilled workforce and help you to reach your goal of a challenging and rewarding career.
Visit our Degree Completion Opportunities website.
Financial Assistance
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a needs based program designed to help Ontario students cover the cost of post-secondary education. Funded by the federal and provincial governments, OSAP is intended to promote equality of opportunity for post-secondary studies through direct financial assistance for educational costs and living expenses. These interest-free loans are intended to supplement your financial resources and those of your family. The majority of students apply for loan assistance via the OSAP website: http://osap.gov.on.ca. Students can also print the application booklet through the OSAP website.
For more information, please visit Financial Aid/Awards.
Program Advisory Committees
The College appoints Program Advisory Committee members for diploma, degree, certificate and apprenticeship programs. Committees are composed of employers, practitioners and recent program graduates. College representatives (students, faculty, and administrators) are resource persons. Each committee advises the Board on the development of new programs, the monitoring of existing programs and community acceptance of programs.
For a list of the current members, please visit our Program Advisory Committees.
