Diploma in Social Responsibility and Sustainability. 

70% of grads get promoted within a year of graduation.*

Earn a recognized sustainability credential and lead change across sectors.

Align your career with the social impact you want to create.

  • Develop the frameworks needed to implement sustainability initiatives.
  • Learn directly from experienced sustainability practitioners working across sectors.
  • Work on a personalized capstone project that addresses challenges in your industry.
  • Receive one-on-one mentorship from an experienced practitioner guiding your professional development.
  • Continue working full-time while you learn with a flexible, blended program model.
  • Join a global community of professionals committed to building more responsible organizations.

*Source: University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto

Get more program information today!

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Program Insights

Delivery

Duration

Upcoming Intake

Enrolment deadline

Cost

$9,400
+ HST (Full certificate)

In-person & online (synchronous)

July

March 31

16 months

Diploma overview

Sustainability strategy development

Learn how organizations implement sustainability strategies that align with business goals and societal impact.

Sustainability and ESG foundations

Understand the evolving world of corporate social responsibility, sustainability strategy, and ESG leadership.

What you’ll learn

Key skills to lead sustainability initiatives

Change leadership

Build the leadership capabilities needed to guide organizations through sustainability transformation.

Stakeholder engagement

Develop strategies for working with internal teams, communities, and investors to advance sustainability initiatives.

Sustainability reporting and frameworks

Explore leading sustainability frameworks and reporting standards used across industries.

Systems thinking and ethical leadership

Develop the ethical leadership perspective needed to address complex sustainability challenges.

Capstone project development

Design and implement a sustainability initiative that applies what you learn directly within your organization.

This program has made me a better professional and a better person. Its content equips you to tackle real-world, complex challenges, and the hybrid format made it easy to build authentic relationships while managing work and family commitments.

I had an incredible experience with this program. It is one of the best in the field, taught by exceptionally knowledgeable professors, and it truly boosted my professional growth. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to deepen their knowledge in the field of social responsibility and Sustainability.

This program may be right for you if you are:

Who is this program for?

  • Working in corporate, nonprofit, government, or consulting roles where sustainability or ESG initiatives are emerging priorities
  • Responsible for sustainability reporting, social impact programs, or stakeholder engagement
  • Seeking the credibility, frameworks, and mentorship needed to advocate for sustainability initiatives within your organization

The Diploma in Social Responsibility and Sustainability is designed for mission-led professionals seeking to integrate sustainability into their careers or organizations.

  • Looking to transition into a sustainability, ESG, or social responsibility role
  • Interested in aligning your career with purpose-driven work that creates measurable impact

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Submit your online application

Complete the application form and provide your learning objectives, letter of application, and résumé or CV.

How the application process works

Application review

The admissions team reviews your application and invites selected applicants to an interview.

Admissions interview

During a virtual or phone interview, you will discuss your learning goals and potential ideas for your capstone project.

Receive your offer of admission

Successful applicants receive an official offer letter by email.

Confirm your place in the program

Accept the offer and submit your reservation fee ($975, applied to your tuition) to secure your place and begin your learning journey.

Funding and financial support

Tax credits

This program is eligible for Canadian Tuition Tax Credits and the Canada Training Credit, which can help offset tuition costs.

Government training grants

Through provincial Job Grant Programs, employers may receive funding covering up to 80% of tuition for organizations with fewer than 100 employees and up to 50% for larger employers.

Flexible payment plans

Tuition can be paid in one, two, or three instalments over the duration of the program.

Bursaries and scholarships

May include the Best in Governance Bursary ($5,000), Dr. Mimi Marrocco Bursary ($2,500), Ron Knowles Bursary ($1,500), Alumni Bursaries ($500–$1,000), and the RBC Foundation Green Skills Scholarship (up to $5,000).

I began this graduate diploma because I wanted to be a social justice advocate. This program trained us how to be changemakers as much as it did about what needs to change. It gave us approaches to thinking and roadmaps which validated and supported what I was trying to achieve. Being with this cohort of like-minded individuals who think in a transformational way has been the most impactful takeaway. If you are unsure what your social license is and how to use it, this course will be a game-changer.

Susan’s wisdom turned complexity into clarity. Her guidance reminded me that mentorship isn’t about giving answers — it’s about helping you find your own with confidence.

Why study at the University of St. Michael’s College?

Learn from practitioners in the field

Study within the University of Toronto ecosystem

Courses are taught by experienced professionals working in social impact, ESG, evaluation, and strategy.

Earn a certificate from an institution connected to one of Canada’s leading universities.

Apply what you learn immediately

Join a cross-sector network

The University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto is committed to education that supports responsible leadership and meaningful societal impact.

Connect with social impact professionals across diverse sectors, such as nonprofit, corporate, government, and consulting.

Develop practical frameworks and strategies you can implement directly within your organization.

Your next step in advancing social impact.

The Diploma in Social Responsibility and Sustainability equips you with the knowledge, mentorship, and practical experience to lead these initiatives with confidence.


Fill out the form below to receive program details and learn how this diploma program can support your professional goals.

Earn an essential social impact credential and connect proof to purpose across sectors.

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