Master of Professional Studies in Community Development
Program Overview
The Master of Community Development program at Acadia University is a two-year, interdisciplinary program that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of community development theory and practice. Students gain applied experience through a professional or teaching practicum and are prepared for careers in government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector. The program is small, with an average of 10-15 students per year, and is located in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Master of Community Development (Professional Studies degree)
The Acadia University Master of Community Development program is a small, innovative, and interdisciplinary two-year program. In this program, students work closely with a supervisor on their research and thesis, as well as take additional courses to supplement their research and expand their knowledge in the discipline. Students gain applied experience through a professional or teaching practicum that is an integral part of the program.
Objectives:
- To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of community development theory and practice.
- To develop students' skills in research, critical analysis, and problem-solving.
- To prepare students for careers in community development, including government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector.
- To foster a sense of community among students and faculty.
Program Description:
The program is interdisciplinary, drawing on a variety of disciplines, including sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, environmental studies, and planning. The curriculum is designed to provide students with both theoretical and practical knowledge. Students will take courses in:
- Community Development Theory
- Community Research Methods
- Community Planning
- Community Economic Development
- Social Justice and Equity in Community Development
- Environmental Sustainability in Community Development
- The program also includes a professional practicum that allows students to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting. Students can choose to complete their practicum in a variety of settings, including:
- Government agencies
- Non-profit organizations
- Private sector companies
- International organizations
Outline:
Year One:
- First Term:
- CODE 5960: Thesis
- CODE 5033: Community Development Seminar
- CODE 5xx3: Elective
- Second Term:
- CODE 5960: Thesis
- CODE 5543: Community Development Research Methods
- CODE 5xx3: Elective
- Third Term:
- CODE 5960: Thesis
Year Two:
- First Term:
- CODE 5960: Thesis
- CODE 5056: Community Development Practicum
- Second Term:
- CODE 5960: Thesis Completion
- Only one of the two electives is required. You may choose an elective in either the fall or winter.
Assessment:
Assessment methods in the program vary depending on the course. However, they may include:
- Essays
- Research papers
- Presentations
- Examinations
- Practicum reports Assessment criteria will be specific to each course and will be outlined in the course syllabus.
Teaching:
The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are active researchers and practitioners in the field of community development. The program also benefits from the expertise of guest lecturers and practitioners who are invited to share their knowledge and experience with students. The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Field trips
- Online learning
Careers:
Graduates of the program have gone on to work in a variety of settings, including:
- Government agencies
- Non-profit organizations
- Private sector companies
- International organizations
- Academia Some common career paths for graduates include:
- Community Development Officer
- Social Planner
- Economic Development Officer
- Program Manager
- Policy Analyst
- Researcher
- Professor
Other:
- The program is small, with an average of 10-15 students per year. This allows for close interaction between students and faculty.
- The program is located in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, which is a vibrant and welcoming community.
- The program is affordable, with tuition fees that are lower than those of many other graduate programs in Canada.
Overview:
Acadia University is a renowned Canadian university established in 1838. It is consistently ranked as the top primarily undergraduate university in Nova Scotia and among the best in Canada. Acadia offers a unique experience compared to larger universities, with smaller class sizes, more interaction with professors, and opportunities for undergraduate research or co-op work terms.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
Acadia provides a welcoming and supportive environment for students. The smaller size fosters a tight-knit community, allowing students to create a sense of home away from home. The campus is walkable, with most students living in residence or within a mile of campus. Acadia offers a range of student life supports, including academic advising, accessible learning services, tutoring, career and experiential learning, health and wellness services, housing and dining options, and campus life activities.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Small class sizes and personalized attention:
Acadia's smaller size allows for more individual attention from professors and a more intimate learning environment.Opportunities for undergraduate research and co-op work terms:
Acadia provides students with opportunities to engage in research and gain practical experience through co-op programs.Welcoming and supportive community:
The tight-knit community at Acadia fosters a sense of belonging and provides students with a strong support system.Beautiful campus and town setting:
Acadia's campus is located in the charming town of Wolfville, offering a picturesque and walkable environment.Academic Programs:
Acadia offers over 200 combinations of degree programs across the faculties of Arts, Professional Studies, Pure and Applied Sciences, and Theology. Many programs include Honours or Co-op Education options.
Other:
Acadia University is located in Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaw nation.
Entry Requirements:
Canadian Students:
- B-average (70%)
- Honours degree or four-year bachelor's degree from an approved university.
Additional Requirements for Canadian Students:
- Master of Education:
- Two years of paid, full-time equivalent, post-degree teaching or related experience is required.
- Two current arm's length references from individuals familiar with your academic and professional abilities are required.
- One reference must be an academic reference from a recent instructor/teacher/professor.
- The second reference must be a professional reference from an individual familiar with your professional performance.
- If the applicant has not taken a course in the last five years, two professional references may be submitted. This is the only case where two professional references are acceptable.
- Master of Education in Counselling:
- Equivalent of two years of full-time, paid, relevant experience following completion of a four-year undergraduate degree.
- Experience may be accumulated over a period longer than two years. Your application will not be considered if you do not have this experience.
- Relevant work experience should involve strong interpersonal and communication skills. Some examples might include social work, peer helping, pastoral care, working with vulnerable populations, teaching, special needs care, group home work, hospice work, at-risk youth outreach, community outreach, distress line work, big brothers/sisters, and lay counselling programs.
- Participation in an interview as part of the application review process.
- Master of Education - Curriculum Studies (General):
- Bachelor of Education degree or its equivalent (e.g., NS Teachers College plus an undergraduate degree).
- Submission of a letter of intent describing the nature and focus of study the applicant wishes to pursue. This letter should discuss relevant academic study and professional experience related to the applicant's program interests.
International Students:
- Minimum B-average (70%) in the courses taken in your major field in the last two undergraduate years.
- Honours degree or four-year bachelor's degree from an approved university.
Additional Requirements for International Students:
- Masters of Education:
- Two years of paid, full-time equivalent, post-degree teaching or related experience is required.
- Two current arm's length references from individuals familiar with your academic and professional abilities are required.
- One reference must be an academic reference from a recent instructor/teacher/professor.
- The second reference must be a professional reference from an individual familiar with your professional performance.
- If the applicant has not taken a course in the last five years, two professional references may be submitted. This is the only case where two professional references are acceptable.
- Master of Education in Counselling:
- Equivalent of two years of full-time, paid, relevant experience following completion of a four-year undergraduate degree.
- Experience may be accumulated over a period longer than two years. Your application will not be considered if you do not have this experience.
- Relevant work experience should involve strong interpersonal and communication skills. Some examples might include social work, peer helping, pastoral care, working with vulnerable populations, teaching, special needs care, group home work, hospice work, at-risk youth outreach, community outreach, distress line work, big brothers/sisters, and lay counselling programs.
- Participation in an interview as part of the application review process.
- Master of Education - Curriculum Studies (General):
- Bachelor of Education degree or its equivalent (e.g., NS Teachers College plus an undergraduate degree).
- Submission of a letter of intent describing the nature and focus of study the applicant wishes to pursue. This letter should discuss relevant academic study and professional experience related to the applicant's program interests.
Program specific additional admissions requirements:
- Geomatics:
- Bachelor of Science in Biology, Earth and Environmental Science and Physical Geography.
- At least a B-average in relevant disciplines in the last two undergraduate years.
- Candidates should have been enrolled in the NSCC Geomatics diploma program before applying for the MSc degree program.
- Acceptance of a qualified candidate will also be contingent on letters of support from appropriate referees.
- Chemistry:
- High academic standing in fields like Biology, Physics, Geology and Engineering.
- At least a B-average in the courses taken in the major field in the last two undergraduate years.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- English:
- International students whose first language is not English must provide proof of competency through a recognized English language test, such as:
- TOEFL (84)
- IELTS (6.5)
- CAEL (60)
- PTE Academic (61)
Note:
- The above entry requirements are subject to change. It is recommended to refer to the official website of Acadia University for the most updated information. It is recommended to consult the official website of Acadia University for the most up-to-date information.