Students will acquire the skills, knowledge and training necessary for a career in the rapidly growing field of community economic and social development (CESD). The focus is on putting theory into practice in small, primarily rural and remote communities throughout Northern Ontario. This enables students to contribute directly to the quality of life in their own communities and provides them with skills transferable to community development initiatives around the world.

The CESD program draws on knowledge from many disciplines, including business, development studies, and the social sciences. Successful CESD depends on involving community members at the grassroots level, with an emphasis on developing the talents, abilities and characters of all members of the community. The unique combination of business, economic, and social skills and knowledge delivered by this program is therefore essential for preparing students for a successful career. Graduates of this program are well placed to take advantage of the growing demand for employees with this type of training, or to become employers in charge of their own development or entrepreneurial projects.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates find employment with private or public agencies, such as governments, and non-profit community organizations, or pursue careers as social and economic development officers in both Native and non-Native communities. In addition, graduates can create their own entrepreneurial or community development opportunities, and are able to put their skills and knowledge to work in other countries through international development projects. Graduates also have the option to continue their education at the university level through the CESD program at Algoma University College, and to pursue further certification through Economic Developers’ Association of Canada (EDAC) or the Council for Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO).

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
Grade 12 English (C, M, U)
Grade 12 Math (C, M, U)

Or equivalent.

Or mature student status (an applicant who does not have a high school diploma or equivalent, and will have reached the age of 19 years on or before the start of the program). Mature students must undergo academic testing prior to admission into a program. Call the Admissions Office at 705-235-7222 for more details.

Note: Academic prerequisites for this program may be obtained free of charge through Academic Upgrading. Refer to the Post-Secondary Preparation section in this calendar for more details.

Program of Studies

Semester I
AC1004 Accounting I
CM1903-A Communications I
GN1082 College Success
IN1013 Computer Applications I
MR1033 Introduction to Marketing I
SE1004 Community Economic Development I
SE3013 Interpersonal and Group Dynamics

Semester II
AC2004 Accounting II
CM2903-A Communications II
IN2013 Computer Applications II
MR2014 Introduction to Marketing II
SE3004 Community Social Development I
SE5033 Aboriginal Social and Economic Development I
SE6023 Conflict Management and Dispute Resolution

Semester III
BU1133 Introduction to Business Management and Organizational Behaviour
BU3013 Macroeconomics
BU3053 Entrepreneurial Skills
BU3063 Business Law
SE1003 CESD Topics - Leadership
SE2004 Community Economic Development II
SE6013 First Nations Social and Economic Development II

Semester IV
AC4034 Management Accounting I
AC4053 Financial Management I
BU6074 Management of Non-Profit Organizations
MR4043 Market Research
SE4003 Government Funding & Community Resources
SE4004 Community Social Development II
SE4012 CESD Topics – Social Entrepreneurship

For program information:

Haileybury Campus
Gerry Bilodeau
Program Coordinator
705-672-3376 ext. 8822
bilodeaug@northern.on.ca

Kirkland Lake Campus and Contact North
Michael Studd
Program Coordinator
705-567-9291 ext. 633
studdm@northern.on.ca