Program Overview

Community Economic Development (GrDip)

The Graduate Diploma in Community Economic Development is designed for students who want to contribute to social justice and civic engagement. This program explores the evolution of community economic development, community organizing, and different theories of economic change.

Program Overview

The program is offered in English beginning in the fall of even-numbered years and in French beginning in the fall of odd-numbered years. It is a one-year course-based program that requires students to complete a minimum of 30 credits and obtain a minimum GPA of 2.70.

Program Structure

• The program consists of 30 credits of core courses, including:
  • SCPA 500 Intersectionality, Anti-Racism and Indigenous Perspectives, Dialogue
  • SCPA 501 Introduction to Community Economic Development and Solidarity Economy
  • SCPA 503 Beyond Capitalism for a Better World
  • SCPA 504 Community Organizing
  • SCPA 505 Collective Enterprise and Social Entrepreneurship
  • SCPA 5060 Field Project Preparation
  • SCPA 507 Participatory Management
  • SCPA 508 Financing CED Initiatives
  • SCPA 510 Field Project and Mentorship
  • SCPA 512 The Arts for Community Organizing and Social Justice
  • SCPA 536 Indigenous CED
  • SCPA 543 Special Topics in CED

Admission Requirements

1. Bachelor's degree or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 2.70.
2. Minimum one year's paid or unpaid experience in community economic development.
3. Students without a postsecondary degree may be considered with a minimum of five years of experience in community economic development, community organizing, or social movements.
4. 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 and write in English or French.
  • Students enrolled in the English year of study must be able to speak, read, and understand spoken English and write in English or French.

Application Process

Review the four steps before applying, ensuring to check for program-specific requirements.

Application Deadlines

• Fall: April 1 (Canadian resident), January 15 (U.S. and international)
• Winter: Not applicable
• Summer: Not applicable

Tuition and Funding

• Tuition and fees may depend on student status.
• Estimate costs based on the most common situations using the tuition and fee estimator.
• Funding packages are generally available for students in thesis-based programs.
• Course-based students may be eligible for donor awards and should consult with their department for program-specific opportunities.

Other Programs of Interest

• Public Policy and Public Administration (MA)
  • Course-based
  • Internship
  • Department: Department of Political Science
  • Faculty: Faculty of Arts & Science