Indigenous 
Overview
The Bachelor of Commerce: Social Innovation at St. Lawrence College is a unique, three-year degree designed for individuals passionate about enhancing social and sectoral outcomes through applied innovation, systems thinking, organizational resilience, and entrepreneurial solutions. This program equips students with the tools to tackle a range of business and societal challenges, such as climate change, renewable energy, bioregional integration, and regenerative practices by blending applied strategies, technological resources, experiential learning, and cross-sector collaboration.
The program is tailored for students who aspire to drive meaningful change in industries including energy, transportation, healthcare, urban development, and agriculture among others. It emphasizes career-ready skills aligned with existing and emerging employment needs. By integrating applied learning, digital tools, and sustainability methods and practices, graduates are prepared for occupations within and across private, public, co-operative, and government sectors.
What sets this program apart is its emphasis on social innovation, which combines creativity, technology, and business acumen to address evolving socio-economic issues and challenges. If you're ready to lead change and build a career that matters, the Bachelor of Commerce: Social Innovation at St. Lawrence College is your pathway to shaping the future.
Program Details
Program Highlights
Key features of the program:
- Flexible Learning for Working Professionals: With 30% of coursework delivered online, you’ll only need to attend campus two days a week for in-person classes. This structure supports career growth without compromising work-life balance.
- 300+ Hours of Experiential Learning: Through capstone projects and collaborations with industry partners, students gain hands-on experience solving real-world problems.
- Diverse Curriculum: Core business courses in accounting, marketing, and project management are integrated with specialized studies in innovation, artificial intelligence, negotiation, and sustainability.
The Bachelor of Commerce: Social Innovation degree is a distinctive and practical degree designed to equip students with the tools to address complex societal, professional, and environmental challenges. With an emphasis on sustainability, resilience, design and systems thinking, this three-year degree combines modern business strategies with a creative and socially responsive approach to problem-solving.
Key program highlights include hands-on experiential learning through collaborations with internal and external partners and developing capstone projects to respond to business and social challenges. The curriculum integrates essential business disciplines with courses in innovation, social entrepreneurship, ethics, and risk management. Students also gain exposure to advanced technologies, analytical tools, and methodologies to design and implement solutions and maximize opportunities.
Partnerships with local and regional organizations, startups, and global networks like Enactus provide hands-on experience and exposure to real-world challenges. These opportunities not only enhance employability but also allow students to build meaningful professional networks and portfolios before graduation.
The SLC Bachelor of Commerce: Social Innovation program uniquely positions graduates to lead in the rapidly evolving business landscape while contributing to meaningful social change.
Program Learning Outcomes
Consider, explore, and integrate various ways of knowing and learning into developing innovative, creative, and sustainable approaches to social, business, and environmental challenges.
- Employ project management, design thinking, and systems resiliency principles to a range of challenges and opportunities.
- Build and sustain partnerships with government, business, and community partners and manage stakeholder relations for collective action.
- Outline solutions for social, environmental, and economic challenges using digital methods, entrepreneurial practices, and innovation-based processes.
- Collaborate within professional and inter-professional working groups to assess problems and develop solutions.
- Develop and execute a business plan that addresses societal, environmental, or economic challenges to meet the needs of a variety of stakeholders.
- Conduct applied research and data-informed evaluation to measure outcomes, refine programs, and communicate value to diverse stakeholders.
- Create and evaluate social enterprises, program designs, and policy interventions using systems thinking, human-centered design, and strategic planning.
- Lead ethically and inclusively through embodying values-driven leadership that integrates equity, diversity, and community-centered decision making.
Program Outline
The program consists of 78 course credits, including 300+ hours of experiential learning.
- 20 Core Business Courses
- 2 Practical Capstone Courses
- 1 Mandated Breadth Course
- 5 Non-Core Degree Breadth Elective Courses
2026-2027
Core concepts of Canadian and global business practices will be explored while fostering critical and analytical thinking and business decision-making skills for a sustainable, environmentally conscious, and culturally diverse marketplaces.
In the world of business and innovation, technology is required to capture and manage large data sets. In this course, students explore data sources, data capture decision making, and how data collections are governed. Students work with tools and techniques to collect, interpret, and present meaningful stories involving data.
Students explore economic concepts through a social innovation and sustainable development lens to gain a deeper understanding of how economists' approach, analyze, and solve social, business, and technological issues.
In this course, students explore and engage with the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in addressing complex social innovation challenges. The course provides an orientation to AI technologies and their applications in various social, environmental, commerce, and community contexts, empowering students to leverage AI for positive social impact.
*May be delivered partially or completely online
Students will explore processes for generating creative ideas and uncovering barriers that often block creativity and collaboration. Links between creativity, culture, and innovation are discovered as learners generate solutions to problems experienced by organizations.
In this course, students explore concepts and strategies grounded in the principles of social finance. According to the Government of Canada, social finance involves investments designed to achieve measurable social or environmental outcomes alongside financial returns. Learners examine innovation accounting as a socially embedded practice and develop value propositions within financial frameworks. The course also addresses both current and emerging challenges in accessing funding and resources to support social innovation initiatives.
Students incorporate strategies for critical thinking, accessibility, cross-cultural differences, problem solving, and conflict resolution while communicating within a business team. Students learn and practice digital and face-to-face strategies for advancing their professional profile, while developing communication styles that reflect formal and situational requirements.
In this course, students prepare to manage small to medium-scale projects. Students determine the financial, technological and human requirements for a project, plan the scope of the project and schedule deliverables and budget, identify potential risks and mitigations, and present the plan.
*May be delivered partially or completely online
Learners apply theoretical models of ethical decision-making to business as they examine the morals, values, cultural beliefs, and societal and environmental ramifications of business decisions. Learners evaluate potential outcomes of decisions to determine their effect on the workplace and beyond. Learners consider their own personal approaches to ethical dilemmas to exemplify how bias and culture are present in systemic ethical issues. Learners discover how organizations integrate social responsibility into their strategic plans and how certain groups may be disproportionately affected by those strategies.
Technological advancements continue to shape how we perceive and interpret data. In this course, students critically examine the concepts of perception, credibility, and reliability in relation to data. They investigate the processes of data collection and presentation, while analyzing the potential for data manipulation. The course also addresses key issues surrounding data privacy and the policies that govern its protection.
Design thinking is a structured methodology for addressing complex and ambiguous challenges. This course provides students with practical experience in the five key phases of design thinking: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test.
Students study and assess commonly used business marketing strategies, examining how different variables and environments affect marketing methods and planning. They utilize market research, customer insights, and strategies rooted in sustainability to create and showcase a marketing campaign.
*May be delivered partially or completely online
Students engage in the study of visual thinking and design, developing the skills, methodologies, and concepts required for fostering curiosity and enhancing critical analysis. Learners implement visual thinking strategies and design principles in a range of creative assignments.
Students analyze the influence of government policy on societal protection and consider how delays in policy formulation can adversely affect society. They assess the ways in which policy can direct or limit innovation and technological progress. Learners employ critical thinking and evaluative methods throughout the process of policy development.
Students will learn how to communicate and connect effectively with different partners and audiences. They will design materials using innovative thinking, present creative ideas, and build networks with partners and advisors. The course includes practicing strategies to influence, inspire, and promote meaningful social change, adapting these approaches for various groups, situations, and environments. Additionally, students will examine the ethics of influence, focusing on building and maintaining credibility and trust.
This course helps students understand system resilience by looking at it from various disciplines. They assess, engage, and manage complex business and community situations, both locally and globally. Learners examine social innovation systems to find ways to build or improve adaptable skills that help organizations succeed in complex, uncertain, and volatile conditions. The course teaches students how to enhance social, environmental, professional, and entrepreneurial outcomes, with an emphasis on building and maintaining innovative cultures.
*May be delivered partially or completely online
This course is the first of two capstone classes where students collaborate with partners, ranging from local to international, to research, define, and plan a project addressing a social innovation challenge or opportunity. The project's goals and strategies can relate to various fields, including science and technology, arts and culture, food and drink, business and community development, or production and manufacturing.
In the past, innovations designed to move society forward often overlooked their effects on the environment and fairness in society. Today, many inventors are addressing the negative consequences left by older technologies like fossil fuel vehicles, factory farming, and fast fashion. In this course, students explore why sustainability and environmental responsibility matter and learn how to weave these concepts into their capstone projects.
In this course students learn useful techniques for qualitative risk assessment and decision-making throughout the lifespan of a project. Students develop risk mitigation strategies for common types of risk encountered in businesses.
*May be delivered partially or completely online
In the second capstone course, students are responsible for developing and executing their proposed initiatives. They implement social innovation strategies to fulfil the requirements of their projects. Upon completion, learners formally present their results to an audience that may include internal and external stakeholders, sponsors, faculty members, peers, and other relevant communities.
This course offers students a critical evaluation of key issues resulting from technological advancements. Participants systematically analyze, assess, and compare historical and contemporary experiences with technological progress, providing insights into evolving challenges and emerging opportunities.
This course enables students to systematically organize concepts and structure information for the purpose of designing and delivering professional, engaging, and effective interactions with customers and partners. Students will develop persuasive communication strategies aimed at influencing, motivating, and fostering meaningful change across diverse audiences, contexts, and scenarios. Additionally, participants will refine improvisational skills to adeptly respond to questions during public speaking engagements, leaving audiences with a positive impression.
*May be delivered partially or completely online
Requirements
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent with the following prerequisites:
Minimum 65% overall average for six Grade 12U or 12M level courses including:
- Grade 12 English at the U level
- Grade 11 Math at the U or M level
OR
Must be 19 years of age or older on or before the commencement of the program in which the applicant intends to enroll (mature student) and have credits in college level grade 11 Mathematics and grade 12 English (program specific requirements still apply)
Kingston
Our Kingston campus has seen significant renovation over the past few years, including a brand new Student Life and Innovation Centre that houses a new gymnasium, fitness centre, pub, and more.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Bachelor of Commerce: Social Innovation program are prepared for a wide range of dynamic career opportunities in both traditional business settings and innovative, socially-focused industries. These roles leverage their expertise in business strategy, sustainability, and social innovation. Potential career paths include:
Business Development and Management Roles
- Business Development Officer: Creating and managing strategies to grow organizations while addressing sustainability and social goals.
- Business Methods Analyst: Optimizing processes and systems to improve efficiency and innovation in organizations.
- Organizational Analyst: Driving improvements in organizational structure and function to meet strategic goals.
Market Research and Analytics Roles
- Market Researcher/Analyst: Studying market trends and consumer behavior to develop socially innovative products and services.
- Policy and Technology Analyst: Exploring how emerging technologies and policies can drive sustainable business solutions.
Consulting and Innovation Roles
- Business Management Consultant: Advising businesses on innovative strategies to tackle societal and environmental challenges.
- Innovation Consultant: Designing and implementing creative solutions to address pressing global issues, such as climate change and urbanization.
Entrepreneurship and Leadership Roles
- Social Entrepreneur: Founding or managing businesses that prioritize societal impact alongside profitability.
- Project Manager for Innovation: Leading projects that integrate sustainability and innovative practices.
The program’s focus on real-world application and industry connections ensures graduates are well-equipped to succeed in roles requiring adaptability, strategic thinking, and a commitment to social impact. Regional demand for these positions is strong, making this a valuable degree for forward-thinking business professionals.
Program Contacts
Program Contact
Jamie Puddicombe, Associate Dean
Admissions Information