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.

A group of students with laptops smile and chat on a large couch in the KC Irving Centre.

Do you want to build the skills and methods that will let you lead in a community-based approach? The community development program at Acadia builds the foundation of leadership. We provide you with the core qualities you will need to pursue your passions. These could be social justice, environmental issues, community sustainability, and more. We focus first on critical thinking. Then we show you how to put strategic plans into action to make a difference.

You will have the opportunity to act on real issues and explore real-life experiences. We incorporate environmental issues and social leadership. You will be encouraged to think creatively as you practise your passions.

Our fourth year offers you a unique experience. Its mandatory core term has three parts:

  • a condensed schedule with two-week block classes
  • a work placement that allows you to gain valuable work experience
  • a local, national, and in some cases an international community project

The community development program also offers different ways you can get involved locally with co-op opportunities or community programs.

First Year at a Glance

First semester

  • CODE 1013
    Foundations of Leadership
  • CODE 1023
    Environment & Sustainable Society
  • CODE 1043
    Communication & Professional Skills
  • BUSI 1703 and 1700L
    Intro to Business 1, with Lab
  • ELECTIVE xxx3
    Course of your choice!

Second semester

  • CODE 1033 and 1030L
    Community Development, with Community Experience Lab
  • BUSI XXXX
    Choose any BUSI course (1st or 2nd year)
  • CODE 1963
  • ELECTIVE xxx3
    Arts/Science course of your choice!
  • ELECTIVE xxx3
    Course of your choice!

Future Careers

  • Active living and health promoter
  • Community developer
  • Community planner
  • Counsellor
  • Ecotourism/Tourism coordinator
  • Lawyer
  • Outdoor educator
  • Recreation manager
  • Social entrepreneur
  • Special events planner
  • Teacher/Educator
  • Teambuilding/Group facilitator
 

Apply to
Acadia

If you’re looking for a high-quality, high-engagement university experience, you’ve come to the right place. Bringing out the best in you is what we do best.

Applying online takes about 15 minutes. Let’s get started!

Continue Exploring

Campus Life & Residences

Most first-year students choose to live in residence to make friends and stay close to class, recreation facilities, and downtown Wolfville. Learn more about our residence experience and the student services here to support you.

Residences & Meal Plans Student Services
 
A smiling Acadia staff member speaks with a student in the KC Irving Centre Garden Room

Speak to Us

Our enrolment advisors are here to answer your questions about the application process, campus life, and more.

Connect Now
An Acadia student gestures as she leads a campus tour. The campus chapel is visible in the background.

Visit Campus

Seeing is believing. Book a campus tour to explore Acadia in person.

Book a Visit