University Certificate in Indigenous Community Economic Development and Planning

Program overview

The University Certificate in Indigenous Community Economic Development and Planning will provide you with training and in-depth knowledge of the unique context of Indigenous communities, Nations, and organizations, including:

• The principles of Indigenous business and governance.
• Indigenous law and how it applies to Indigenous communities.
• Economic development and community planning.
• Unique insight into your community or organization through a community-led capstone project.
• Methods of community engagement and facilitation.

Why take the Undergraduate Certificate in Indigenous Community Economic Development and Planning?

Written and developed by Indigenous business scholars and practitioners, this program will enable you to effectively manage Indigenous organizations and businesses, by integrating traditional and contemporary Indigenous knowledge and principles with management practices. This program prepares you to meet the needs of Indigenous organizations and to understand the unique context in which they operate.

Routes and options

Completing this certificate puts you on your way to achieving your Bachelor of Commerce, Major in Indigenous Business.

If you are considering transferring your certificate to a degree program, you should discuss your course selection with an Indigenous program advisor.

Completion times

Finish this program in as little as 1 year of full-time study, or work at your own pace and take as long as you need. There is no time limit for completion.

Admission requirements

There are no formal admission requirements for this program. If you’re 16 or older, you can enrol anytime and start right away, regardless of your previous education. A high school diploma is not required. 

How to apply

You can apply to AU online, anytime. Once you’ve completed the online application form and paid the one-time general application fee (and transfer credit evaluation fee, if applicable), you’re officially an AU student and can start registering in courses.

• How to enrol in an undergraduate program

Make sure we get your transcripts if you want us to consider your previous post-secondary education for transfer credit.

Transfer and advanced credit

Work, life, and past educational experience may be eligible for credits towards your AU-FB education. If you’ve studied at other post-secondary institutions or want to challenge a course for credit, there are ways that you could earn credits towards your AU-FB program or course. AU’s process for transferring credits helps ensure eligible credentials from your previous education or work and life experience can contribute towards your program or course. If you’re still unsure, call an Indigenous student advisor at 1-800-468-6531. They can help you uncover credits you may already have and to navigate your next steps.

• Learn about transfer and advanced credit at AU

Program requirements

To complete the program you will need to fulfil all the requirements of the certificate.

• Requirements: Undergraduate Certificate in Indigenous Community Economic Development and Planning

Our program plans can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program, and how to plan the order you'll take them in. If you're unclear on the next steps, our Indigenous student advisor can help.

• Program plan: Undergraduate Certificate in Indigenous Community Economic Development and Planning

Required courses

Detailed information about courses in this program can be accessed using the following links:

• Undergraduate Certificate in Indigenous Community Economic Development and Planning

Tuition and fees

Once you have paid the initial application fee, tuition is pay-as-you-go for each course registration. Course fees vary depending on your location and other factors.

• Calculate your course cost

You can estimate your total program cost by multiplying the cost of a 3-credit course by the number of courses you need to take for the program. Remember that tuition costs may increase each year.

Program learning outcomes

As a result of completing this program, students will be better equipped to lead businesses and Indigenous organizations and contribute to their local economy. Students will learn to create products and services that serve Indigenous People in and outside of their communities.

Continuing education

The credits earned on this program can be applied towards the following accreditations at Athabasca University:

• Bachelor of Commerce, Major in Indigenous Business
• Bachelor of Management (3-year)
• Bachelor of General Studies