Democratic Leadership Certificate

The Democratic Leadership Certificate is designed for aspiring political and community leaders, whether pursuing elected office, leadership roles in advocacy organizations, public service careers, or simply studying leadership. It can be completed as a stand-alone credential or embedded within an undergraduate degree program at Vancouver Island University. The certificate consists of ten courses: three foundation courses, at least one of which must be an introduction to politics course; three core democratic leadership courses, including POLI 267 plus two electives from a specified list; and four approved elective courses. Students pursuing the embedded option within an existing VIU degree do not apply separately, and instead notify their program advisor or the Registration Centre of their intent. The program runs intakes each September, January, and May, and some of its courses carry their own prerequisites.