Program Overview

Introduction to Acadia University's Community Development Program

Acadia University offers a Master of Community Development program, which is an intensive, self-directed, and engaging program that combines study, research, and professional work in community development. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of community development principles and practices, as well as the skills and knowledge necessary to work effectively in this field.

Program Overview

The Master of Community Development program is a two-year program that is intentionally kept small to allow for highly focused attention from faculty mentors. The program is thesis-based, and students work closely with a supervisor on their research and thesis, as well as take additional courses to supplement their research and expand their knowledge in the discipline. Students also gain applied experience through a professional or teaching practicum that is an integral part of the program.

Research Interests

The program focuses on several research areas, including:

• Ecotourism/Sustainable Tourism/Indigenous Ecotourism
• Community Youth Leadership
• Sustainable Community Development
• Environmental Education
• Sustainable Food Systems
• Environmental Sustainability
• Community Leadership, Systems Change, and Equity
• Healthy Active Living, Community Design, and Government Policy
• Natural Parks Management

Program Requirements

To be eligible for the program, applicants must have an undergraduate degree in a related discipline, such as community development, environmental studies, or a related field. Applicants must also have a strong interest in one of the research areas of the department and be seeking a challenging program.

Admission Requirements

Candidates for admission to the graduate programs of Acadia University must possess an Honours degree or a four-year bachelor's degree from an approved university. Those candidates possessing a major in a field other than that of their graduate program will normally be required to take sufficient undergraduate courses to make up the equivalent of an Acadia undergraduate major. Special consideration may be given to those candidates wishing to change from one undergraduate field to a related graduate one.

GPA Admission Requirements

Applicants must have at least a B- average (70%) in the courses taken in the major field in the last two undergraduate years (or 60 credit hours) of university study, including coursework in undergraduate degree(s) and any graduate work completed. For research-based programs, it is essential to note that lack of faculty resources due to program over-capacity, or similar reasons, could also result in an unfavourable admission decision that is not related to the merit of the admission application.

Guidelines for International Students

Acadia University has specific guidelines for international students, including:

• Afghanistan: 80% (B) for admission; 85% (B) for internal scholarship; 86% (A) for external scholarship
• Australia: 2nd Class, Lower Division (B- or 70%) for admission; 2nd Class Upper Division (A or 73%) for internal scholarship; 1st Class (A+ or 83%) for external scholarship
• Bangladesh: 2nd Class, Lower Division (B-, 50%, or 2.7/4.0) for admission; 2nd Class, Upper Division (B+, 55%, or 3.3/4.0) for internal scholarship; 1st Class (A-, 60%, or 3.7/4.0) for external scholarship
• Benin: 11/20 (B-) for admission; 12/20 (B) for internal scholarship; 14/20 (A-) for external scholarship
• Brazil: 7/10 (70%) for admission; 8/10 (80%) for internal scholarship; 9/10 (90%) for external scholarship
• Cameroon: 2nd Class, Upper Division (B or 3.0/4) for admission and internal scholarship; 1st Class (A or 4.0/4) for external scholarship
• Chile: 4.5/7.0 (B-) for admission; 5/7.0 (B) for internal scholarship; 6/7.0 (A-) for external scholarship
• China: 80% (B) for admission; 82% (B) for internal scholarship; 89% (A) for external scholarship
• Columbia: 3.5/5.0 for admission; 3.7/5.0 for internal scholarship; 4.0/5.0 for external scholarship
• Croatia: 3.0/5.0 (B, or Dobar [Good]) for admission and internal scholarship; 3.5/5.0 (A, or Vrlo Dobar [Very Good]) for external scholarship
• Cuba: 4.0/5.0 (B or 3.0/4) for admission and internal scholarship; 4.5/5.0 for external scholarship

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees for the Master of Community Development program vary depending on the student's residency status. The fees are as follows:

• Graduate Fees for Nova Scotian Students: $7,145.10 per year (2-year programs)
• Graduate Fees for Canadian Students: $7,431.60 per year (2-year programs)
• Graduate Fees for International Students: $16,881.98 per year (2-year programs)

Program at a Glance

The program consists of several courses, including:

• CODE 5960: Thesis
• CODE 5033: Community Development Seminar
• CODE 5xx3: Elective
• CODE 5543: Community Development Research Methods
• CODE 5056: Community Development Practicum

Conclusion

The Master of Community Development program at Acadia University is a comprehensive and engaging program that provides students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to work effectively in community development. The program is designed to be small and intensive, allowing for highly focused attention from faculty mentors. With its strong research focus and emphasis on practical experience, this program is ideal for students who are passionate about community development and want to make a positive impact in their communities.