Community Development

Community Development at the University of Victoria is a comprehensive and dynamic program designed to prepare students for meaningful careers dedicated to social change, community empowerment, and sustainable development. The program integrates interdisciplinary approaches, combining theory and practical skills, to equip graduates with the tools necessary to address complex social issues within diverse communities. Students explore a wide range of topics including social justice, public policy, grassroots organizing, Indigenous community engagement, environmental sustainability, and economic development. Through a combination of coursework, experiential learning, and community-based projects, learners gainvaluable insights into the social, cultural, and political contexts that influence community well-being. The program emphasizes participatory approaches, encouraging students to work collaboratively with community members, local organizations, and policymakers to develop innovative solutions that are locally relevant and culturally appropriate. UVic’s Community Development program fosters critical thinking, leadership, and intercultural competencies, preparing graduates to work effectively in a variety of settings such as non-profit organizations, government agencies, international development agencies, and grassroots initiatives. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests and career goals. With a strong focus on ethical practice and social responsibility, the program aims to develop community leaders committed to positive change and social justice. Graduates of the Community Development program leave with a solid foundation in community assessment, program planning, project management, and evaluation, as well as practical experience through fieldwork opportunities. The program also offers pathways for further academic pursuits, including graduate studies in related fields. Overall, UVic’s Community Development program prepares students to become innovative, empathetic, and effective agents of change, capable of contributing meaningfully to the development and transformation of communities locally, nationally, and globally.

• Anchoring a Change Agenda: Foundations(online and on campus)
• Leadership in Organizational Development for Communities(online and on campus)
• Practices and Perspectives on Forging Change(online)
• Community Based Research: Foundations(online)
• Enterprise Development for Community Benefit(online)
• Leadership, Management and Governance within Organizations(online and on campus)
• Managing Organizations, Systems and Community Transformations(online and on campus)
• Program and Project Design, Management and Evaluation(online)
• Elective

Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree (or equivalent from another country) from an accredited and recognized institution in a relevant field of study
• A grade point average of 5.0 (B) in the work of the last two years (30 units) leading to this baccalaureate degree
• A minimum of four years of professional experience, paid or volunteer, in one of the four streams of the broader community development sector (community economic development, cooperative, non-profit, and international )
• Admission as a mature student - four years after completion of a baccalaureate degree, applicants whose grade point average is below 5.0 (B) may be admitted as mature students, provided they have four years relevant professional experience since completion of their degree. Submission of a résumé is required to determine eligibility as a mature student. Such recommendations must be approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies.
• Complete the online application form.
• Assessment reports are required from a minimum of two referees. If you have graduated within the last five years two academic references are required. If it has been more than five years since you last attended a post-secondary institution, we recommend that you include the email addresses from three current or former employers or professional references who are familiar with your work in place of academic referees. The names and email addresses of your chosen assessors are required when you submit your application. To strengthen your application, we recommend that your referees attach a Letter of Reference in addition to the Assessment Report.
• Submit official academic transcripts from all post secondary institutions attended. Official transcripts are those which are received directly from the post secondary institution OR are received in the institution's sealed, stamped envelope.
• Submit a detailed résumé/CV of background information, professional or other relevant experience.
• Submit a 750-1000 word statement of intent outlining why you are seeking an MA in Community Development and how the degree relates to your career plans, personal values and goals.
• Submit other evidence of suitability for admission that you feel is relevant (e.g., academic records from non-degree courses).
• Applicants for admission whose first language is not English and who have not resided in Canada or any country where English is an official language of the country (as determined by the Graduate Admissions and Records Office) for at least three consecutive years immediately prior to the beginning of the session applied for must demonstrate competency in English. Most applicants qualify by providing results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The minimum score for the TOEFL is 610 on the paper-based test and 102 on the Internet-based test. Applicants who do not possess a Canadian undergraduate degree will be required to write and submit official results of the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).
• Upon receiving a written offer of admission from the School of Public Administration, applicants accepted to the MACD program are required to pay a non-refundable confirmation deposit of CAD $400; instructions for submitting this deposit, including timelines, are contained in the offer letter.

Scholarships

• Bursaries
• UVic awards and fellowships
• University of Victoria Graduate Donor Awards
• Canada Graduate Scholarship
• Mackenzie King Memorial Scholarships

Community Development at the University of Victoria offers a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for active engagement in social change and sustainable community building. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating theories and practices from sociology, urban planning, public policy, and environmental studies. Students explore issues such as social justice, economic development, cultural diversity, and environmental sustainability, equipping them to address complex community challenges effectively. The curriculum includes coursework in community organizing, research methods, policy analysis, and project management, along with practical fieldwork and internships that provide real-world experience. The program aims to develop critical thinking, leadership skills, and a collaborative mindset among students, enabling them to work with diverse populations and stakeholders. Graduates often pursue careers in non-profit organizations, governmental agencies, community advocacy groups, and international development, contributing to social innovation and inclusive development initiatives. The university also offers opportunities for students to conduct community-based research and participate in initiatives that promote social equity and resilience. With dedicated faculty members who are experts in their fields, students benefit from mentorship and a vibrant academic community focused on social change. The program also encourages lifelong learning and professional development to adapt to evolving societal needs. Overall, the Community Development program at UVic provides a solid foundation for those committed to making a positive difference in communities worldwide through knowledge, practical skills, and ethical practice.