Break Cycles of Poverty & Become A Driver of Social Impact

Graduate Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

**Urban poverty requires economic responses that are founded in the theology of creativity, productivity, cooperation, redistribution, management, and ownership.** The theology is outworked in self-help and other resource-building processes, that foster entrepreneurship among the poor. Social entrepreneurship and managerial skills of non-profit delivery systems, including skills in resource building are essential.
In this Certificate Program, small business owners and entrepreneurial leaders among the urban poor explore the theology and practice of developing self-help savings groups, sustainable entrepreneurship, business planning, and resource building. Those with resources are invited to learn with entrepreneurial students working directly among the poor.

Theology

Explore biblical foundations for entrepreneurship, management, marketing, and financial management.

Theory & Analysis

Learn best practices in entrepreneurial leadership and analyze organizational models.

Action

Put knowledge to practice in real-world business projects that empower marginalized communities.

Program Features

12 Credits

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

A total of three classes is required to complete this program. Get ready to be immersed in wisdom from a diverse faculty bent on preparing you for social impact!

1 Year

LENGTH OF PROGRAM

Students are able to complete the degree within one academic year by taking one course per term for a total of three courses.

Accredited

ACCREDITATION

WCIU is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).

Arial view of a refuge — topics include

**Theology of Entrepreneurship**
**Marketing Strategies**
**Business Plan Development**
**Organizational Models**
**Theology & Practice of Financial Management**
**Fundraising**
**Management Principles**
**Production**

Man pushing a cart of belongings — IS THIS PROGRAM

RIGHT FOR YOU?

**This program is a great fit if you:**
• Want to help break cycles of poverty by empowering local communities.
• Have development experience but want to grow further in understanding social enterprise.
• Are looking for a certificate you can earn from anywhere.
• Are a long-term development worker who doesn't want to stop working while studying.

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Course Information

The Graduate Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship is made up of three courses.

Course Descriptions

DS 525 - Economics of Development

This course provides learners with general knowledge of how national and global economics impact people’s well-being and their development. It equips them to better understand economic theories and models, draw on different strands of economics for their own work and challenge economic thinking more fruitfully when necessary. The learners will also be equipped to engage better with economists and policymakers on economic matters.

TUL 560 - Theory & Practice of Community Economics

This course relates biblical and theological perspectives to the theory and practice of community wealth building. Special emphasis is given to cooperatives, microenterprises, and entrepreneurship as a basis for asset building and ownership.

TUL 640 - Entrepreneurial & Organizational Leadership

This course introduces the concepts and skills of entrepreneurial and organizational leadership required to initiate new movement structures among the urban poor.

TUL 645 - Resourcing Organizations for Social Impact

This course introduces a redemptive entrepreneurial framework essential to developing sustainable resources in global urban settings. Practitioners and funders will share transformative models and inspire students to create their own fund development strategies.

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FAQs

Do I need to complete an undergraduate (Bachelor’s) level degree before applying for the graduate certificate level program?

The Graduate Certificate Program is designed for students who have already completely undergraduate work. So yes, you need to have an undergraduate degree or your region’s equivalent to qualify for this Graduate Level Certificate Program.

Will a graduate education help me move up in my organization even at the Certificate level?

While it is true that advanced degrees do not lead to climbing the organizational ladder in cross-cultural NGOs, increased effectiveness does. Consider that you will be better equipped during and after your time at WCIU.

My bachelor's degree has not trained me Biblically, or to work with cultural/historical data. Am I still able to do the program?

We have a more post-modern, cross-cultural approach than other similar programs where one size does not fit all. So, yes, often it is helpful to not have pre-packaged answers before starting the program. These areas will be developed in each student as part of the degree.

I work full-time, or my ministry keeps me going non-stop. Is WCIU’s Graduate level certificate program flexible enough for me?

The WCIU student is part-time and meets with students online. If a student is able to manage with their schedule, full-time is certainly possible.

if I complete a certificate, can I still do the Master' degree?

Yes! If you complete one of our Certificate Programs and decide you want to continue your education, you can apply the credits you earned in your Certificate Program to a Master’s Degree at WCIU.

Can I do more than one certificate?

Yes!

Do you have questions about our tuition costs or the admissions process?

Find out more on our admissions & tuition page.

admissions and tuition

Graduate Level Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship

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