Community Development

Department of Community Development and Social Work

Community Development Bachelor of Arts (3-year)

Community Development is a three year interdisciplinary degree program that includes required courses in Community Economic & Social Development and Social Welfare. Community development practitioners work alongside people in communities to effect change. They help communities identify common concerns and solutions, and build relationships with organizations and those in positions of power so that everyone can become involved in issues that affect their lives. Community development practitioners create opportunities for communities to learn new skills and, by enabling people to act together, foster social inclusion and equality. Community development practitioners often work within a defined geographic area (urban, rural, First Nation), or with specific groups including people with disabilities, youth, children and families, newcomers, the unemployed and/or the homeless. The program includes a 150-hour field placement that will link community development concepts, values, and theory to practice.

College transfer students will enjoy seamless pathways into the BA in CD that build on prior learning at the diploma level, and will be able to complete their degree in either Sault Ste. Marie or in Timmins. Classes in Timmins will be offered on the Northern College campus using a “blended learning” model – a mix of in-person and videoconference-based learning. College graduates in Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins are now able to “degree-ladder” without leaving their home communities.

 

Gain work experience while you study

In your upper-level CESD courses, community-based field placements and research give you the opportunity to put what you’ve learned into practice and make a difference.