How long is the program?
The Diploma in Social Responsibility & Sustainability is a 12-month professional diploma that runs from September through August.
The program combines 2 in-person modules in October & May, live online learning, one-to-one mentorship, independent study, and applied assignments. Throughout the year, participants complete a capstone project focused on a real-world sustainability, social responsibility, social impact, ESG, or organizational challenge relevant to their work or interests.
The program is designed for working professionals and enables participants to balance learning with career, family, and community commitments.
What is the cost?
Tuition for the 2026–2027 cohort is:
$8,700 CAD for applications received on or before August 15, 2026 (Early Tuition Rate), paid in 4 installments.
$9,200 CAD for applications received after August 15, 2026 (Regular Tuition Rate), paid in 4 installments.
A non-refundable deposit of $975 is required upon acceptance. Flexible payment plans are available.
Tuition includes all course materials, mentorship, online learning activities, and breakfasts/lunches/refreshment breaks during in-person sessions. Travel and accommodation costs are not included.
Do you take International Students?
Yes. We welcome participants from around the world.
International participants are responsible for obtaining any required travel documentation and for arranging travel and accommodation for the in-person components of the program. Please note that this professional diploma does not qualify for a Canadian Post-Graduation Work Permit.
Who should apply?
The program welcomes professionals from corporate, nonprofit, public sector, consulting, educational, healthcare, and social enterprise environments.
Participants include those seeking to:
- Transition into sustainability, ESG, social responsibility, or social impact roles
- Advance their careers and deepen their expertise
- Lead sustainability, social responsibility, EDI, governance, or stakeholder engagement initiatives
- Strengthen their ability to create positive social and environmental impact within their organizations and communities
We value diverse professional experiences and perspectives and encourage applications from individuals at various stages of their careers.
Are there admission requirements?
While many applicants hold a post-secondary diploma or degree and have relevant professional experience, applications are reviewed holistically.
We look for individuals who demonstrate:
- A commitment to learning and professional growth
- Interest in sustainability, social responsibility, ESG, social impact, or related fields
- The ability to contribute to a collaborative learning environment
- A desire to apply their learning through a practical capstone project
Qualified applicants will be invited to participate in a telephone or virtual interview as part of the admissions process.
How does mentorship work?
Each participant is matched with a mentor whose expertise aligns with their professional interests and capstone project.
Mentors are experienced practitioners and leaders from corporate, nonprofit, consulting, public sector, and social enterprise environments. Throughout the program, mentors provide guidance on assignments, capstone development, career growth, and professional challenges.
Mentorship is one of the program’s most distinctive features and often becomes a lasting professional relationship.
Why are cohorts limited to a maximum of 40 participants?
The program is intentionally designed as a small-cohort experience to support meaningful discussion, peer learning, mentorship, and individualized feedback.
Participants benefit from close interaction with faculty, mentors, guest speakers, and fellow learners throughout the year.
Can I speak with a graduate before applying?
Prospective applicants may request to be connected with a program graduate to learn more about the participant experience, career outcomes, and professional opportunities associated with the Diploma.
Are bursaries or scholarships available?
Several bursary opportunities are available to support accessibility and student success.
Ron Knowles Bursary Award
Established in memory of one of the program’s founding instructors and mentors, this bursary supports learners who demonstrate a commitment to ethical leadership and positive social and environmental impact.
Dr. Mimi Marrocco Social Responsibility & Sustainability Bursary
Named in honour of the founder of the Diploma, this bursary recognizes emerging leaders who demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and community impact.
BIG Award in Social Responsibility & Sustainability
Funded by Best in Governance Inc. (BIG), this $5,000 award supports students from equity-deserving groups and/or students committed to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging through their professional practice.
Indigenous Student Funding
Indigenous learners may also be eligible for external funding opportunities, including support available through Indigenous education and leadership funding organizations.
External Funding
Participants may also wish to explore employer professional development funding, educational assistance programs, and external scholarships such as the RBC Reimagine Scholarship.
What will I produce during the program?
Participants complete a series of applied assignments that build toward a capstone project focused on a real organizational or community challenge.
Depending on their area of focus, participants may develop sustainability strategies, stakeholder engagement plans, impact measurement frameworks, ESG initiatives, social impact reports, governance recommendations, EDI strategies, community investment plans, or other practical tools that can be implemented in their professional contexts.
Can I receive a replacement diploma or certificate?
Graduates of the Certificate in Corporate Social Responsibility and the Diploma in Social Responsibility & Sustainability may request replacement academic documents. Please contact ce.stmikes@utoronto.ca for information on the reprint process and associated fees.
My question wasn’t answered here, what do I do?
Contact Continuing Education at USMC any time at ce.stmikes@utoronto.ca.