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Community Economic Development (GrDip)

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Degree
Graduate Diploma (GrDip)
Department
Faculty
Program type
Course-based
Primary campus
Sir George Williams (SGW)
Duration
1 year
Credits
30 credits
Start term
Fall

Program overview

The Graduate Diploma in Community Economic Development is for students who want to contribute to social justice and civic engagement, at a time when complex, large-scale challenges are affecting societies around the world. You will explore the evolution of community economic development, community organizing and different theories of economic change. Today this includes the growing interest in social innovation and how it generates uncharted paths for community-based social and economic transformation. Our faculty members are actively involved in the community and social economy sector, allowing you to benefit from their scholarship and practical knowledge. Our diverse student body is comprised of community sector workers and students with experience in a variety of organizations. Montreal’s history of community-based activism and economic development will serve as a backdrop as you take part in field projects with various local organizations.

If you do not have an undergraduate degree, admission to the program is still possible if you have relevant field experience.

This one-year program is offered in English beginning in the fall of even-numbered years and in French beginning in the Fall of odd-numbered years.

Program structure

Degree Requirements

Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 30 credits and obtain a minimum GPA of 2.70.

Please see the School of Community and Public Affairs Courses for course descriptions.

Community Economic Development (CED) Graduate Diploma (30 credits)

30

credits of Core Courses:

 

SCPA 500 Intersectionality, Anti-Racism and Indigenous Perspectives, Dialogue / Intersectionnalité, antiracisme et perspectives autochtones : dialogues (3.00)
SCPA 501 Introduction to Community Economic Development and Solidarity Economy / Introduction au développement économique communautaire et à l’économie solidaire (3.00)
SCPA 503 Beyond Capitalism for a Better World / Au-delà du capitalisme pour un monde meilleur (3.00)
SCPA 504 Community Organizing  / Organisation communautaire (3.00)
SCPA 505 Collective Enterprise and Social Entrepreneurship / Entreprises collectives et entrepreneuriat social (3.00)
SCPA 5060 Field Project Preparation / Préparation au projet sur le terrain (1.00)
SCPA 507 Participatory Management/Gestion participative (3.00)
SCPA 508 Financing CED Initiatives / Financement d’initiatives de DÉC (3.00)
SCPA 510 Field Project and Mentorship / Projet sur le terrain et mentorat (3.00)
SCPA 512 The Arts for Community Organizing and Social Justice / Les arts au service de l’organisation communautaire et de la justice sociale (1.00)
SCPA 536 Indigenous CED/Le DÉC en milieu autochtone (3.00)
SCPA 543 Special Topics in CED / Thèmes ciblés en DÉC (1.00)
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Please see the Développement économique communautaire (DEC), diplôme page for the French version.                    

Admission requirements

Admission Requirements

  1. Bachelor's degree or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 2.70. Minimum one year's paid or unpaid experience in community economic development, defined broadly to include initiatives such as collective enterprise, community organization, social movement organization, advocacy group, labour union.
  2. Students without a postsecondary degree may be considered but require a minimum five years experience in community economic development, community organizing or social movements.
  3. Basic understanding of what community economic development stands for.
Language requirements: Students enrolled in a French year of study must be able to speak, read and understand spoken French; they must be able to write in English or French. Students enrolled in the English year of study must be able to speak, read and understand spoken English; they must be able to write in English or French.

Application process

Application deadlines

FALL

April 1

WINTER

n/a

SUMMER

n/a

Priority will be given to complete applications submitted by the deadline. In some cases, programs may continue to accept applications as long as there is space available.

International students: Considering the waiting period involved in meeting the entry requirements to Canada and Quebec, we strongly encourage international applicants to apply early and submit supporting documents prior to the deadline.

Tuition & funding

Tuition and fees

Tuition and fees of the program may depend on your student status, among other key factors. Estimate these costs based on the most common situations.

Awards and funding

Funding packages are generally available for students in thesis-based programs. Course-based students may be eligible for a number of donor awards, and may consult with their department for program-specific opportunities.

Out-of-province students

Get $2,000 in special funding for graduate diploma programs. Learn more

Other programs of interest

Public Policy and Public Administration (MA)

Take the opportunity to gain valuable training in Public Policy and Public Administration. Secure a paid internship with government agencies in Ottawa and pursue a career in the public service and non-governmental organizations

Department

Faculty

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