Academic Programs - Undergraduate

Community Development

The Community Development program works on building and retaining relationships that help to make a positive difference in the world. Your career paths will be rewarding. You will have the firm foundation to lead.

Learn how to make an impact.

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Want to make a real difference in the world? Acadia’s Bachelor of Community Development is designed for people who care about people, and who want to help communities thrive. You’ll learn how to turn passion into impact by connecting big ideas with real-world action. Through hands-on projects, interdisciplinary learning, and strong community partnerships, you’ll build skills in leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration while exploring values like equity, sustainability, and belonging.

This is a program about changemaking. You’ll dive into the complexities of today’s world, gaining the tools and confidence to think critically, act ethically, and lead with care. Along the way, you’ll discover your own strengths and how to use them in service of creating positive, lasting change. Our graduates are prepared to work across sectors and communities—not because they have every answer, but because they know how to listen, imagine, and build vibrant, inclusive futures together.

Practical experience is a cornerstone of the program. In your final year, you’ll complete a full-time professional placement during the winter term. Whatever you choose, you’ll get real-world experience that brings classroom learning to life.

Program options include Bachelor of Community Development (BCD), Honours (BCDH), Environmental and Sustainability Studies (BCD.ESST, BCDH.ESST), and Psychology (BCD.PSYC, BCDH.PSYC).

Sample Courses

Courses in Community Development blend theory and practice, giving you tools to understand communities and skills to work with them.

  • CODE 1013
    Leadership in Community Development
  • CODE 2033
    Sustainable Community Development
  • CODE 3023
    Community Program Design
  • CODE 3583
    Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice
  • CODE 2613
    Facilitation
  • CODE 2623
    International Community Development

Career Options After Graduation

Community Development graduates are prepared for careers that put people, places, and purpose at the centre of their work.

  • Teaching
  • Municipal services
  • Recreation and tourism
  • Planning
  • Sustainable community managers
  • Community Services
  • Outdoor Leadership
  • Youth Programming
  • Event Management
  • Social Entrepreneurship
 

Degree Timeline

First Year

  • Take required introductory courses
  • Participate in the Foundations Experience
  • Join clubs and get involved on campus and within the program

Middle Years

  • Opportunity to become a teaching assistant
  • Connect with faculty about summer research
  • Option to enrol in the co-op program
  • Choose to complete honours program

Final Year

  • Choose to complete a professional placement opportunity
  • Earn your degree

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