Arts

Social Innovation certificate

The Social Innovation certificate consists of four core INNV courses and five elective courses (minimum 27 total credits), providing students a collaborative opportunity to develop habits of mind, and skills in changemaking. Changemaking, as defined at UFV, is the process of taking informed and intentional action to create positive cultural, social, environmental, or economic change while utilizing problem-solving approaches that embrace decolonization and Indigenization, sustainability, social justice, and transformative education practices. Changemaking practices the values embedded in Íyáqáwtxw, “House of Transformation.” At UFV it is grounded in four core principles: inclusive empowerment, decolonization and Indigenization, sustainable futures, and reciprocity.

The program is designed to help students also develop sustainable leadership skills and the eight essential career-ready competencies. It is structured around four core courses that are facilitated through active engagement and applied learning. The certificate can be taken as part of many different degrees at UFV, or as a standalone credential.

The Social Innovation certificate is intentionally designed to welcome current students, as well as community members interested in enhancing their professional skills in social innovation, through changemaking.

This is an integrated and interdisciplinary program where students learn by doing and gain practical future-ready skills that apply to a wide variety of workplaces, and social and community contexts. It can be completed in two years, or students wishing to incorporate it into their degree can complete it over four years.

The certificate concludes with a practical applied project where students work as partners with community and employer organizations. Gaining such real-world experience prepares students to transfer their knowledge and learning to work outside of the classroom.

Entrance requirements

Non-UFV students may apply directly for admission to the Social Innovation certificate only. Current UFV students wishing to complete the certificate may do so by declaring the program through the Academic Advising Centre. Students must ensure that they meet course prerequisites.

Applicants must meet the Entry-level English language proficiency requirement. For details on how this requirement may be met, see the English language proficiency requirement section of the calendar.

Option 1: Secondary school

B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent, or minimum 19 years of age before the first day of classes.

Option 2: University entrance (for students who have attended some post-secondary school)

One of the following:

• Completion of a minimum of 9 credits in courses numbered at the 100 level and above, with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 on all credits attempted.
• Completion of a post-secondary career or technical diploma (minimum of two years post-secondary credit) from a recognized Canadian or International post-secondary institution, with a minimum CGPA of 2.50 (equated to the UFV grading system), calculated on all courses taken.
• Completion of a three- or four-year Bachelor's degree from a recognized Canadian or International institution, with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 (equated to the UFV grading system).

Option 3: Other admission categories

This program is open to international students.

Students may apply directly for the certificate only, or they may apply to complete it at the same time as they pursue another program. Students must ensure that they meet course prerequisites

When to apply

Applications are accepted for entrance to the Fall, Winter, and Summer semesters. For application deadlines, see Specific intake application process.

How to apply

1. Apply online at ufv.ca/admissions/apply.

   Additional documents required for a complete application:

   • Official transcripts (or interim transcripts) from all post-secondary institutions attended (excluding UFV) showing grade/course achievement as per entrance requirements. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly to UFV from the originating institution; see the Transfer Credit section for details.
2. Applicants will be advised of an admission decision and, if accepted, will be provided with registration information. A deposit is required prior to registration (see the Fees and Other Costs section) and will be applied toward tuition fees.

Basis for admission decision

Applicants who meet the entrance requirements will be admitted in order of their application date. This date is set when an application, all required documentation, and the application fee have been submitted.

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section.

Program duration

Depending on the elective course choices, students may be able to complete the certificate in four semesters. The program can be completed on either a part-time or full-time basis.

Program outline

Note: The Elective course list will be available later in the 2025/26 academic year. Contact socialinnovation@ufv.ca for additional details.

Transferring courses

Students may have courses from other institutions that could meet the elective requirements. Students should consult with an Academic Advisor at UFV if interested in transferring courses into the certificate. Likewise, students wishing to transfer courses in the certificate to other institutions should contact the institution to which they intend to transfer, or refer to the B.C. Transfer Guide for transfer details.

Undergraduate continuance

Students enrolled in undergraduate courses (courses numbered 100 or higher) must maintain an undergraduate Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 2.00 to remain enrolled in Good Academic Standing at UFV. Students in Good Academic Standing will have no registration limits placed on them. Failure to meet the minimum CGPA requirement will result in restrictions on registration and may eventually lead to academic suspension from undergraduate studies at UFV. Students on Academic Warning or Academic Probation are limited to registering in 10 credits. For further details, see the Academic standing and undergraduate continuance section of the academic calendar. Academic standing is governed by UFV’s Undergraduate Continuance policy (92).

Residency

Students must complete the four INNV courses and at least one elective course applicable to the certificate at UFV.

Graduation requirements

To be eligible to graduate, students must achieve a minimum program and cumulative GPA of 2.00. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure all program requirements are met.

See the Graduation section of the calendar for more information.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.