The Certificate in Democratic Leadership will be available for a fall 2025 start (pending MPHEC approval)
Certificate in Democratic Leadership
Acadia University's exciting, new certificate program is intended to build knowledge around the structures, processes and ideas of our political systems. It aims to prepare students to confidently consider seeking public office, and to empower those who want to practice high standards of leadership and encourage ethical, effective leadership from others.
Offered through the Department of Politics, in partnership with Open Acadia, this 15 credit-hour program can be completed as a stand-alone credential or an embedded credential, with the additional option to transfer courses towards a degree. This unique program prioritizes accessibility, offering students the option to complete required coursework all on campus, all online, or through a combination of both.
Benefits of Acadia's Certificate in Democratic Leadership
Employers are looking for skills in analytical and creative thinking, leadership and social influence, and for those with an interest in lifelong learning. Courses about leadership are in demand because they establish better decision-making, stronger teamwork and cultivate future leaders.
A Certificate in Democratic Leadership can help prepare you to seek elected roles in federal, provincial, municipal or Indigenous arenas, and to work in political offices. As well graduates will be better suited for leadership and management roles in the public and non-governmental sectors.
Required courses to earn this certificate will be available entirely through asynchronous online delivery, or can be combined with some in-person and/or synchronous online courses.
In this program you will:
- Complete coursework developed by the network of institutions with Jarislowsky Chairs in Trust and Political Leadership
- Engage in experiential learning and be exposed to new and exciting ideas, people, and issues (POLS 2000 - Politics Passport)
- Gain knowledge of political systems; how leaders behave and executive-level decision-making processes in politics
- Be better prepared to seek elected office, to move up to hold leadership roles and/or support others to do so
NOTE: Initially, students can begin the program with in-person courses only, combining in-person and online courses will be an option as online versions of the required courses become available. Students will take courses as timetabled by the Department of Politics.
Required Introductory Course(3 credit hrs; choose 1 of 2) |
POLS 1303 Law, Politics, and Government (3)
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POLS 2003 Introduction to Public Policy and the Public Good (3) |
Compulsory Courses(6 credit hrs) |
POLS 2223 Introduction to Canadian Politics (3) |
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POLS 2023 Introduction to Democratic Leadership (3) |
Elective Courses(6 credit hrs; choose 2 of 4) |
POLS 3133 Leaders and Cabinets in Canada (3) |
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POLS 3203 Political Leadership in Atlantic Canada (3) |
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POLS 4023 Getting Elected in Canada (3) |
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POLS 3523 Political Ethics (3) |
Non-Credit Experiential |
POLS 2000 Politics Passport (0) Required prior to program completion |
Acadia University's Certificate in Democratic Leadership is open to both new and current students.
New Students
Admission to the Certificate in Democratic Leadership will follow the normal admission requirements to the Bachelor of Arts (Politics). Non-traditional learners are also encouraged to apply. Successful completion of COMM 1213, or equivalent, with a minimum grade of 60% may be required.
Current Students
Students enrolled in any program at Acadia University are generally eligible to enroll in the Certificate in Democratic Leadership but, must obtain permission from the Head of the Department of Politics to register.
For inquires or additional information, please contact:
Jessica Saunders
Email: jessica.saunders@acadiau.ca
Coordinator, Programs
Open Acadia
Acadia University