Welcome to Community Development

In Community Development, we are dedicated to developing interdisciplinary professional leaders committed to promoting healthy, equitable, socially responsible, and environmentally sustainable communities and lifestyles.

We promote integrated environmental and social leadership on nested issues of equity, social justice, the environment, and climate. Our comprehensive approach to education combines aspects of social justice and environmental responsibility; our teaching provides a mix of strong theoretical grounding, community engaged learning, and small classes. We emphasize engaging students in critical and creative thought and practice through a range of core courses and community experiences.

In our program, essential theory and concepts are balanced with collaborative learning. Each year, students participate in major community projects, including a 4th year option in an international setting. Students gain valuable work experience in organizations relevant to their interest through a professional work placement. Graduates complete the equivalent of a minor in business management. A co-op option is available within the degree. Students may maintain a broad focus or engage more deeply in our focus areas including:

The Acadia Community Development program seeks to build stronger community-university partnerships with and among diverse communities, Indigenous peoples, African Nova Scotians, newcomers, and historically white settler communities. We foster civic engagement and mobilize for social and environmental justice in the classroom and community. Please visit our Land Acknowledgement page.