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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AS A CAREER

Make a difference....

Economic Development Officers are outgoing and have good people skills. They are entrepreneurial and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously. They are change agents!

What type of education do I need?

There are few post-secondary institutions in Canada that offer specific curriculum in community economic development. The profession thus draws from post-secondary graduates in various disciplines. 

A core knowledge and skills base can be augmented via professional development obtained with SEDA.

Provincial Certification is available via our PCED.SK Program. Attainment of the Professional Community and Economic Development of Saskatchewan designation may be possible after a minimum of two years of professional practice.

Examples of careers in economic development:

  • Economic development officers.
  • Managers of local or regional economic development organizations.
  • Community enterprises.
  • Business development specialists with municipalities or industry organizations.
  • Tourism or recreation specialists.
  • Public sector employees

 

This short Introduction to Economic Development provides clarity in the essential role professionals play in a community or region.

POST SECONDARY PROGRAMS IN COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The following institutions have been identified as offering specific programs targeted to community and economic development curriculum: 

Assiniboine Community College Brandon MB
Offers a two-year Aboriginal Community Diploma as well as a shorter certificate program. This program is also available via long distance education.

NOTE: Northwest Regional College (North Battleford) offers this program in partnership with Assiniboine College. They can be contacted at 306.937.5100.

Algoma University Various campuses in Ontario

Offers an undergraduate degree in Community, Economic, and Social Development. This interdisciplinary program integrates several disciplines including Community Economic & Social Development, Social Welfare, Sociology, Political Science, Geography, Economics, and Business Administration. Graduates are also eligible for certification by the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) and the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO).

Cape Breton University Nova Scotia Delivered in Saskatchewan via Great Plains College

Cape Breton University offers a Master’s of Business Administration in Community Economic Development. The degree combines business and social studies courses. The size of the school allows the adaptation of the curriculum in order to meet the evolving requirements of learners and organizations.

Information Sessions being held August 2023. Download more info here.
NOTE: Great Plains College (Warman SK campus) offers this program on a periodic basis. They can be contacted at 306.242.5377 and by email at warman.office@greatplainscollege.ca

Nicola Valley Institute of Technology Merritt and Vancouver BC

Offers an Aboriginal Community Economic Development Certificate (1 year) and Diploma (2 years)

North West College North Battleford

Offers a two-year Aboriginal Community Diploma as well as a shorter certificate program – in partnership with Assiniboine Community College of Brandon, MB. Provides students with the skills on First Nations and Métis issues. Students will develop the skills necessary to refer individuals to the appropriate services, assist them in finding answers to community problems, and initiate community activities that promote continuity of the native way of life.

Simon Fraser University Burnaby BC

Simon Fraser University hosts a center for sustainable community development. It supports sustainable community development through research, education, and training. An undergraduate certificate, post-baccalaureate diploma, graduate support, and non-credit professional development are all offered through the centre.

University of Northern British Columbia Prince George BC

Offers a Masters in Development Economics. This academic program considers the changing global, regional and national contexts for economic development; the policy lessons that can be learned from comparative studies; and the tools required to enable development economists to contribute to the development process. The Master of Arts degree in Development Economics is available on a full-time or part-time basis.

University of Waterloo Waterloo Ontario

The University of Waterloo offers professional economic development courses as well as a graduate Local Economic Development program. Many courses are offered in conjunction with the Economic Developers Association of Canada. This is the most recognized certification. EDO Certification requires completion of two years of courses along with submission of papers and a final exam. The program requires two weeks in total on site at the University or affiliate.

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