Local Economic Development

Established in 1988, the Local Economic Development (LED) graduate program is the only master's program in Canada devoted solely to local economic development. With only 15-20 students admitted per year, graduates leave UWaterloo with credentials that are rare in the economic development field. 

This four-term full time or part time master's program is designed to prepare students for careers in local, community, or regional economic development in the public and private sectors. It offers a balance between theory and practice by combining coursework, a major research paper, an internship, and weekly seminars featuring guest speakers. 

• Srategic economic planning
• Regional development governance and policy
• Entrepreneurship and innovation
• Sustainable development strategies
• Urban and community development
• Green economy, green energy
• Social entrepreneurship & innovation
• Labour market dynamics
• Urban-rural linkages
• Local food initiatives
• Creative and cultural economies

Requirements

• An Honours Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Business, Commerce, Economics, Geography, Planning or a related field, with at least a 75% standing or other Honours Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) plus two years of work experience in the economic development field.
• Résumé
• Supplementary information form
• Transcript(s)
  • From each previous post-secondary institution.
• Writing sample
• 1 academic and 1 professional references, or 2 academic references
• IELTS 7.5; Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT) 100 overall

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

• International Master's (IMSA) & International Doctoral Student Awards (IDSA)
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (CGS)