Bachelor of Commerce in Social Innovation

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Commerce in Social Innovation program provides students with a strong foundation in business management while integrating principles of social justice, sustainability, ethical governance, and community development. Students develop expertise in areas such as marketing for social impact, financial management, organizational leadership, social policy, innovation strategies, and corporate social responsibility (CSR). The program emphasizes real-world applications, encouraging students to work on projects that address poverty reduction, environmental sustainability, mental health advocacy, youth development, accessibility, rural development, and other pressing social issues. By combining business acumen with a mission-driven mindset, students learn how to balance profitability with societal benefit.

Curriculum: The curriculum is structured to deliver both comprehensive business training and a deep understanding of social innovation frameworks. Core business courses include economics, accounting, business analytics, marketing, operations management, financial planning, and strategic leadership. These are complemented by specialized courses in social innovation, design thinking, social entrepreneurship, community engagement, ethical decision-making, sustainable development goals (SDGs), Indigenous community relations, and policy analysis. Students participate in case studies, innovation labs, collaborative community projects, and entrepreneurial simulations that strengthen their problem-solving abilities. The curriculum also integrates applied research, experiential assignments, and fieldwork opportunities that enable students to develop practical skills in impact assessment and project implementation. In their final year, students complete a capstone project focusing on a real-world social challenge, partnering with organizations to deliver measurable impact.

Research Focus: St. Lawrence College promotes a strong culture of applied research within the social innovation field. Students are encouraged to engage in research topics such as sustainable business models, social enterprise development, environmental solutions, community well-being, Indigenous governance, mental health advocacy, rural economic development, and nonprofit leadership. Faculty research often explores impact measurement, social value creation, inclusive entrepreneurship, and public policy analysis. Students learn to conduct evidence-based research, evaluate program effectiveness, analyze social trends, and apply data-driven insights to support innovative solutions. This research-oriented approach prepares graduates to contribute to policy development, organizational strategy, and community planning.

Industry Engagement: The program benefits from extensive industry partnerships with businesses, social enterprises, community organizations, nonprofit agencies, government departments, and sustainability-driven companies. These collaborations create opportunities for internships, co-op placements, field projects, and networking events. Industry leaders participate in guest lectures, workshops, mentorship programs, and innovation challenges that expose students to current issues and professional expectations. Through hands-on engagement with real-world organizations, students gain practical experience in project development, community consultation, fundraising, program evaluation, and social impact marketing. The strong industry connection ensures graduates possess relevant skills and are workforce-ready for careers that prioritize innovation and positive social influence.

Global Perspective: St. Lawrence College integrates a global mindset into the Bachelor of Commerce in Social Innovation program by highlighting how international systems, global markets, and cultural contexts influence community development and social change. Students examine global case studies, international development frameworks, cross-cultural leadership strategies, and worldwide social innovation trends. The curriculum encourages critical thinking about global inequalities, sustainability initiatives, corporate ethics, and humanitarian challenges. By exploring the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), students gain insight into global social priorities and learn how businesses can contribute responsibly. The inclusive, multicultural learning environment at SLC helps students build cultural competence, empathy, and adaptability—key qualities for future leaders in social innovation. Graduates are well-prepared to work in international NGOs, global social enterprises, multinational corporations, and cross-border community development projects.