Community Development Work

Program Overview

The Community Development Work program equips students with skills in social justice, sustainable development, and community engagement. Through field placements and a diverse faculty, the program emphasizes connecting theory to practice. Graduates are prepared for careers in community development, social work, and other fields where they can promote social and environmental justice.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Community Development Work program prepares students for an interdisciplinary field, working with groups experiencing marginalization.
Graduates will develop skills in social justice, anti-oppressive practice, sustainable development, community engagement, community asset-mapping, fundraising, team building, collaborative leadership, project management, research, and project evaluation.
• Objectives: The program aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively engage with marginalized communities, promote social and environmental justice, and challenge patterns of oppression and discrimination.

Outline:

• Program Content: The program covers a wide range of topics, including:
• Social justice and anti-oppressive practice
• Sustainable development
• Community engagement
• Community asset-mapping
• Fundraising
• Team building and leadership
• Project management
• Research
• Project evaluation
• Program Structure: The program is a two-year, four-semester program.
It is offered at the Ashtonbee Campus.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program uses a combination of teaching methods, including guest speakers, field trips, collaborative projects, and classroom teaching.
• Faculty: The program's faculty have a diverse range of local and international community development settings and educational backgrounds.
• Unique Approaches: The program emphasizes connecting theory to practice through field placement learning opportunities.
Students will engage in field placement opportunities/on-the-job internship experiences with organizations, institutions, and social enterprises actively engaged in community work.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the program can pursue careers in a variety of fields, including:
• Community development
• Social work
• Non-profit management
• Public health
• Education
• Opportunities: Graduates will have the opportunity to work with diverse populations, including marginalized communities, youth, and seniors.
Graduates will also have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, including community organizations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.
• Outcomes: Graduates of the program will be prepared to make a positive impact in their communities and promote social and environmental justice.