Community Economic Development (GrDip)

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Degree

Graduate Diploma (GrDip)

Department

School of Community and Public Affairs

Faculty

Faculty of Arts & Science

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)

15	credits of Core Courses: • SCPA 501 Introduction to Community Economic Development / Introduction au developement économique communautaire (3.00) • SCPA 502 Comparative Approaches and Models in CED / Approches comparatives et modèles de DÉC (3.00) • SCPA 503 Fundamental Skills for CED Practice / Compétences de base en DÉC (3.00) • SCPA 504 Community Organizing and CED / Organisation communautaire et DÉC (3.00) • SCPA 505 Social Enterprise Development and Social Entrepreneurship / Développement d’entreprises sociales et entreprenariat social (3.00)
3	credits: • SCPA 543 A-Z Open Sessions / A - Z Sessions ouvertes (1.00) Note: Students may take multiple 1-credit sessions for a total of three credits.
6	credits: • SCPA 510 CED Field Project - Part I / Projet en DÉC. Partie I (3.00) • SCPA 511 CED Field Project - Part II / Projet DÉC. Partie II (3.00)
6	credits of Elective Courses: (chosen based on area of concentration): • SCPA 508 Financing CED Initiatives: Part I / Le financement des initiatives de DÉC. Partie I (3.00) • SCPA 509 Financing CED Initiatives: Part II  / Le financement des initiatives de DÉC. Partie II (3.00) • SCPA 515 Housing and Land Use from a CED Perspective: Part I / Logement et aménagement du territoire dans une perspective de DÉC. Partie I (3.00) • SCPA 516 Housing and Land Use from a CED Perspective: Part II / Logement et aménagement du territoire dans une perspective de DÉC. Partie II (3.00) • SCPA 522 Communications, Technology and CED: Part I / Communications, technologie et DÉC. Partie I (3.00) • SCPA 523 Communications, Technology and CED: Part II / Communications, technologie et DÉC. Partie II (3.00) • SCPA 529 International Development and CED: Part I / Développement international et DÉC. Partie I (3.00) • SCPA 530 International Development and CED: Part II / Développement international et DÉC. Partie II (3.00) • SCPA 536 Aboriginal CED: Part I  / Le DÉC en mileu autochtone. Partie I (3.00) • SCPA 537 Aboriginal CED: Part II / Le DÉC en mileu autochtone. Partie II (3.00)
	Please see the Développement économique communautaire (DEC), diplôme page for the French version.

Consult the Graduate Calendar for the complete list of courses

Admission requirements

Admission Requirements

Undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 2.70.
Two-to-four page personal statement outlining the applicant’s field(s) of interest, strengths and weaknesses, expectations and hopes from their studies, how these expectations tie into their personal and professional goals, and what they expect to contribute to a better understanding of community economic development.
Ability to read, write and express oneself in either English or French.
Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the English language proficiency page for further information on requirements and exemptions.

Application process

Review these four steps before applying

Make sure to check for program specific requirements

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.

Use the tuition & fee estimator

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.

Consult awards and funding opportunities

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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

Department of Political Science

Faculty

Faculty of Arts & Science

View program details

Community Economic Development (GrDip)

Program overview