Community Development

Get to Know the Program

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).

Take your learning and skills development off campus and across the globe.

Study Abroad
Study abroad is available!
Co-Op
Co-op is available!

Get Involved Outside of the Classroom

ACADIA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (ACDC) HANDS-ON LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

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 enroll in the co-op program
  • Choose to complete honours program
Final Year
  • Choose to complete a professional placement opportunity
  • Earn your degree

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

In class listening to lecture

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
 

Continue Exploring

Want to know more about what's in store? You're invited to continue exploring this field of study by visiting the website of this department to get a greater insight into its culture and dynamics.

Visit Department of Community Development

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