Students may begin taking the certificate courses after they have completed level I. There is no application process or admission into the certificate stream. Simply take the six required courses and declare the certificate at the point of graduation.

Courses for the Leadership and Management in the Not-For-Profit Sector Certificate

• SOCSCI 2BR3 Board and Staff Responsibilities for the Not-for-Profit Sector
• SOCSCI 2HR3 Human Resources Management for Social Sciences
• SOCSCI 2LC3 Leadership and Communications for the Not-For-Profit Sector
• SOCSCI 2OP3 Operational Planning for the Not-For-Profit Sector
• SOCSCI 2RD3 Resource Development for the Not-For-Profit Sector
• SOCSCI 2SP3 Strategic and Long Range Planning for the Not-for-Profit Sector

Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards

All undergraduate students accepted for admission to McMaster University are automatically considered for a McMaster University entrance award. Additional entrance awards, in-course scholarships, bursaries and other forms of financial assistance is available to you at various stages of their undergraduate careers.

Each scholarship, bursary, government aid or work study program a has its own unique application process and requirements. More information on financial aid visit the Office of the Registrar website.

Academic Advising

The Academic Advising office is run through the Office of the Associate Dean. The primary goal of the Advising Office is to provide all Social Sciences undergraduate students with the information and guidance they need to succeed in their academic careers.

Advisors can help you make the right academic decisions by explaining policies and regulations as well as presenting different options and supports available in your studies.

An academic advisor can assist you with:

• Course requirements, dropping and adding courses.
• Program selection, application and changes.
• Studying abroad.
• Transfer credits.
• Petitions for missed term work, deferred examinations and special consideration.
• Appeals procedures
• Referral to other campus services.

Learn more about Academic Advising in the Social Sciences.

Six courses (18 units) overall are required to satisfy the affiliated certificate requirements. These McMaster courses are considered equivalent to 18 units of university electives.

Prerequisite:  Open to BA or Hons BA Social Sciences students in Level II and above.

• Soc Sci 2BR3 Board and Staff Responsibilities
• Soc Sci 2HR3 Human Resources Management for Social Sciences
• Soc Sci 2LC3 Leadership and Communications for the Not-for-Profit Sector
• Soc Sci 20P3 Operational Planning for the Not-for-Profit Sector
• Soc Sci 2RD3 Resource Development
• Soc Sci 2SP3 Strategic and Long Range Planning

SOC SCI 2BR3 Board and Staff Responsibilities

This course examines the characteristics of non-profit organizations and the relevance of an organization’s mission within a changing environment. It will also consider the roles and responsibilities of the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors, management styles appropriate to voluntary organizations and techniques for productive meetings.

• Prerequisite: Registration in Level II or above of a program in the Faculty of Social Sciences.

(Not open to Continuing Students*)

SOC SCI 2HR3  Human Resources Management for Social Sciences

Develops comprehensive knowledge and the skills required to carry out Human Resources functions. Includes a variety of methods such as case studies and simulations to enhance learning activities.

• Prerequisite: Registration in Level II or above of a program in the Faculty of Social Sciences.
• Not open to students with credit or registration in Commerce 2BC3.

(Not open to Continuing Students*)

SOC SCI 2RD3 Resource Development

This course will investigate sources of funding for not-for-profit organizations including grants, foundations, corporate partnerships, government programs and fundraising. Students will learn how to create a resource development plan, and how to identify capacity, vision and ethics in order to assess potential resources available to the organization.

• Prerequisite: Registration in Level II or above of a program in the Faculty of Social Sciences.

(Not open to Continuing Students*)

SOC SCI 2SP3  Strategic and Long Range Planning

This course will explore the various models of strategic planning. Based on outcome, evaluation and accountability, students will learn how to select the appropriate model and how to conduct environmental analysis in order to manage the organization.

• Prerequisite: Registration in Level II or above of a program in the Faculty of Social Sciences.

(Not open to Continuing Students*)

SOC SCI 2LC3  Leadership and Communications for the Not-for-Profit Sector

This course examines personal organizational leadership styles. Students will utilize leadership competencies to effectively lead and manage an organization. Students will learn how to develop team building skills, manage productive meetings and form strategic alliances and partnerships.

• Prerequisite: Registration in Level II or above of a program in the Faculty of Social Sciences.

(Not open to Continuing Students*)

SOC SCI 2OP3 Operational Planning for the Not-for-Profit Sector

Students learn to implement and manage an annual operating plan, to set priorities, develop a clear direction for action, assign responsibilities, set out costs and indicate how revenue will be generated to fund annual programs. Students will use the plan as a resource for board, staff and volunteers and to track and evaluate progress.

• Prerequisite: Registration in Level II or above of a program in the Faculty of Social Sciences.

(Not open to Continuing Students*)

*A Continuing Student is a university graduate who is not proceeding to an advanced degree