Program description
You’re a professional who sees change as an opportunity. When organizational change happens, you want to help guide organizations through it, creating a positive experience. You might be tasked with leading change in your organization, or you might see your career path unfolding as an effective, in-demand change management practitioner.
The Graduate Certificate in Change Management helps you develop successful change management initiatives. You’ll gain understanding of the processes and methods that help you plan towards strategic goals. And you'll gain skills, strategies and expertise to help you carry out those plans.
You’ll look at change from a whole systems perspective, to develop a holistic approach to organizational change. You'll explore the ideas of influence and how they affect organizational culture. You'll also learn about tools that can help keep everyone on the same page as they work towards organizational change. Equipped with this graduate-level expertise, you’ll be prepared to guide organizations as they navigate successful transformations.
Some of the topics you’ll discuss include:
- connecting change efforts to organizational strategy
- whole systems interventions
- culture transformation
- managing power and influence
- engagement and communication strategies
- building sustainable change leadership capacity
- measurement and evaluation of change management efforts
You can build from here
When you successfully complete this program you have career advancing options:
- You can complete this program as a specialization option for the MBA in Executive Management and the Master of Global Management programs.
- If you have already completed this program, you can transfer all credits to the Royal Roads MBA, MGM, MA in Tourism Management, and MA in Interdisciplinary Studies programs.
We are a Qualified Educational Provider (QEP™) for the Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP®). The Graduate Certificate in Change Management aligns with ACMP’s Standard for Change Management© (The Standard) and adult education best practices.
Focus on one thing at a time
You can take any two of the courses from the Graduate Certificate in Change Management as part of our General Studies program. You can transfer credit from these courses to certificates, diplomas and degree programs later if you decide to take your studies further.
Connect with our enrolment advisors to talk about how you can use the credits you have earned towards your master's program at Royal Roads.
Program outcomes
Once you have completed this program, you'll have skills in change leadership and facilitation, engagement and communication, change measurement and evaluation, and innovation and entrepreneurship. You'll be prepared to lead and manage change across industries and sectors.
Program delivery
This program is delivered entirely online.
Online learning
Online courses consist of assigned readings, synchronous or asynchronous lectures, interactive discussions, and individual and team assignments.
You’re expected to meet deadlines and contribute meaningfully to your class. Your contributions are a big part of everyone’s learning.
You’ll take one online course at a time for a period of nine weeks each. Each online course requires approximately 10 to 15 hours of work per week.
You'll start your program with a non-credit, but required, course about academic integrity.
Virtual Residencies
This program begins with two weeks of online learning leading to a five-day virtual residency. The program concludes with a final three-day virtual residency.
Residencies are intensive and immersive. Many students say this time together is the highlight of their program.
During your residency, you can expect to participate approximately 5-7 hours daily in synchronous classes and spend additional time on individual and teamwork assignments.
Courses
Faculty
Transfer agreements
Refine results
Admission to this program is based on the applicant’s balance of work and life experience, including volunteer and community activities, practical experience or related training.
Standard admission
- Completion of either an undergraduate four-year (or comparable) degree or a graduate degree in a related field from a recognized post-secondary institution.
- Normally, at least three years of relevant full-time work experience.
Flexible admission
- To be considered for flexible admission, applicants would normally require at least five full-time years of extensive, relevant work experience and some post-secondary education.
English language proficiency
- If English is not your primary language, please review our English language requirements.
All applications to this program require submission of the following information and supporting documents before your file can be assessed for admission:
Application form
In order to apply online, you will be required to create a log-in account using your email address. You will be required to list all credit courses and/or programs you have completed or are currently enrolled in. An application fee will be required. If your application fees are being paid by a third party, review sponsored student information. Once submitted, you may check the status of your application at any time.
Missed your application deadline? While we can’t make any guarantees, we may be able to accommodate late applications if there's still space and enough time to process. If you're interested in an intake that is now closed to applications, apply for the next available intake and email Admissions with your preferred start date. Make sure you’re prepared to submit your program's required documents right away. We can't make an admissions decision without them.
Official transcripts
In accordance with RRU's admissions policy and practices, applicants are required to submit official transcripts from all post-secondary (higher education) institutions currently or previously attended, though exceptions may apply for some Graduate Certificate in Change Management applicants as outlined below:
- All applicants must declare all post-secondary studies (courses, programs, transfer credit, etc.) in their application.
- As part of the application process, applicants anticipating acceptance by standard admission will be required to provide an official transcript for the highest level, most relevant and/or most recent degree credential(s). Whenever possible, applicants are also encouraged to provide unofficial (or official) transcripts from all other institutions currently or previously attended. Additional documents may be requested at any time during the application process. Additionally, upon acceptance Admissions will determine which, if any, additional transcripts or documents will be required, and these requirements may be noted as a condition of admission.
- As part of the application process, applicants anticipating consideration under flexible admission must submit all official transcripts for all institutions currently or previously attended.
In all cases, applicants are responsible for arranging for the submission of official transcripts. Transcripts are considered official only if submitted directly by the Registrar or other recognized authority of the providing institution in the institution's original, sealed envelope. If the envelope has been opened, the transcripts are no longer official and new (official) transcripts will be required to complete your application.
Transcripts are not required for non-credit programs or courses, though some programs may require proof of professional certifications or designations.
All international transcripts or credentials are subject to an international transcript and/or credential evaluation.
Personal statement
The personal statement should be approximately one page in length and should outline your motivation for seeking entrance to the program. The statement should address the topic of how the Graduate Certificate in Change Management will contribute to your future career. Relate this to who you are, what you feel you will gain from the program, and what you feel you will gain from enrolling in the program.
Two reference letters
These documents can be written in a variety of formats. In essence, we expect the letters of reference to confirm that you are a suitable candidate for the program, why s/he feels you will succeed in the program, and describe how the program will benefit you. The context in which the referee has come to know you should also be mentioned (professional, academic, personal, volunteer, etc).
Detailed résumé
Your detailed résumé should include the following:
- Education: List all post secondary education, degrees, diplomas, and certificates you have achieved.
- Work experience: Please include name of organization, length of service and a brief description of duties.
- Voluntary/unpaid work experience: List and describe any voluntary/unpaid post-secondary employment and/or community service experience. Please include the name of the organization, length of service, and a brief description of duties. List positions you have held in this service.
- Information technology training and experience: Briefly describe your level of training and experience in the use of information technology including computers, software and telecommunications networks as tools for business, education, teaching and personal use.
- Professional memberships/affiliations: List memberships and positions you hold/have held in professional associations, service clubs, community/volunteer sector.
- Other relevant information: Provide any other information which you believe is relevant to your application and will be of assistance to the review committee.
If applicable:
- Applicants declaring permanent resident or Convention Refugee status in Canada must submit a copy of their Permanent Resident Card (PR card) along with their application.
- Transcript evaluation fee or credential evaluation report, if submitting international transcripts.
- An official English Language Proficiency score report or other evidence of proficiency if English is not your primary language.
- Other information or documents as may be requested to determine your eligibility.
For information on how and where to send your supporting documents, please refer to the document submission guidelines.
