At a glance
48 mo
Duration
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IELTS
€0k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- Co-op and Study Abroad opportunitiesPractical Experience
- Final-year professional placementHands-on Learning
- Interdisciplinary learning approachHolistic Education
- Strong community partnershipsCommunity Engagement
- Focus on equity, sustainability, and belongingValues-Driven
Acadia University's Bachelor of Community Development program is designed for students passionate about creating positive change in communities. This program equips you with the skills and knowledge to address complex societal issues, fostering leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration. Through a blend of theoretical learning and practical experience, you will learn to connect innovative ideas with real-world action, emphasizing values such as equity, sustainability, and belonging. The curriculum focuses on developing changemaking abilities, encouraging critical thinking and ethical leadership. You will explore various aspects of community development, preparing you to work across diverse sectors and build inclusive futures. A cornerstone of the program is hands-on learning, culminating in a full-time professional placement during your final year, providing invaluable real-world experience. Students can choose from several program options, including the Bachelor of Community Development (BCD), Honours (BCDH), Environmental and Sustainability Studies (BCD.ESST, BCDH.ESST), and Psychology (BCD.PSYC, BCDH.PSYC), allowing for specialization based on individual interests.
Curriculum
Courses in Community Development integrate theory and practice, providing you with tools to understand communities and the skills to work effectively within them.
- Typical Courses
- Leadership in Community DevelopmentCODE 1013
- Sustainable Community DevelopmentCODE 2033
- Community Program DesignCODE 3023
- Diversity, Equity, and Social JusticeCODE 3583
- FacilitationCODE 2613
- International Community DevelopmentCODE 2623
Careers
Graduates of the Community Development program are prepared for diverse careers focused on people, places, and purpose. They develop the skills to listen, imagine, and build vibrant, inclusive futures.
- Teaching
- Municipal services
- Recreation and tourism
- Planning
- Sustainable community managers
- Community Services
- Outdoor Leadership
- Youth Programming
- Event Management
- Social Entrepreneurship
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Community Development program for international students?
- For the American Education System, you need Grade 12 English and four additional Grade 12 courses with a B average. For the International Baccalaureate Diploma, an overall score of 24 or better is required, including IB English. Completion of high school is generally required, though exceptional students may be admitted earlier.
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- International tuition fees are charged per-credit-hour for 1-3 courses per term or as a fixed full-load fee for 4-6 courses per term. For more than 6 courses, a fixed fee plus a per-credit-hour rate applies. Supplementary fees are mandatory for all students.
- How long is the Bachelor of Community Development program?
- The program requires 120 credit hours in total, with a full course load typically being 12-15 credit hours (4-5 courses) per term. A full-time professional placement is a component of the final year.
- What are the career prospects after graduating from this program?
- Graduates are prepared for roles in teaching, municipal services, recreation and tourism, planning, community services, outdoor leadership, youth programming, event management, and social entrepreneurship.
- When can I apply for the Community Development program?
- Applications for the 2026/27 academic year are currently closed. Please check back in mid-September for information on applications for the 2027/28 academic year.
- Does the program offer any practical experience opportunities?
- Yes, the program emphasizes hands-on learning, including a full-time professional placement in the final year. Co-op and study abroad opportunities are also available.
Entry requirements
High School DiplomaCompletion of high school. In some cases, very capable students may be admitted after their penultimate high school year.
American Education SystemGrade 12 English, plus four additional Grade 12 or senior high school (college preparatory) courses, with an overall average of B or better.
International Baccalaureate (IB) DiplomaIB Diploma including IB English, with an overall score of 24 or better. Students with a score of 30 or higher will receive 30 hours of university credit. Individual credit may be given for IB certificate courses completed at the Higher Level with grades of 5, 6, or 7. Courses required for specific programs must be completed with a 4 or better.
Bermuda CollegeStudents who have completed studies at Bermuda College may receive transfer credit. Course descriptions of completed work must be submitted with the application.
Students are generally advised to have senior year secondary school standing in subjects they plan to continue studying at university, as many first-year university courses have secondary school prerequisites.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition fees for international students are based on a per-credit-hour model for 1-3 courses (up to 11.1 credit hours) per term, or a fixed (full-load) tuition fee for 4-6 courses (11.1 to 18 credit hours) per term. For more than 6 courses, the fixed tuition plus a per-credit-hour fee applies. Supplementary fees are mandatory and cover technology, athletic/health services, campus card access, campus renewal, and the Acadia Students' Union fee. Health and dental insurance is also mandatory but can be opted out of with proof of alternate coverage. Certain courses may have additional supplemental fees.
Tuition (home)Tuition fees for domestic students are based on a per-credit-hour model for 1-3 courses (up to 11.1 credit hours) per term, or a fixed (full-load) tuition fee for 4-6 courses (11.1 to 18 credit hours) per term. For more than 6 courses, the fixed tuition plus a per-credit-hour fee applies. Supplementary fees are mandatory and cover technology, athletic/health services, campus card access, campus renewal, and the Acadia Students' Union fee. Health and dental insurance is also mandatory but can be opted out of with proof of alternate coverage. Certain courses may have additional supplemental fees.
Living—
Tuition and fees are approved annually and are subject to review and expected increases. A typical course is 3 credit hours. A full course load is generally 12-15 credit hours (4-5 courses) per term, with most undergraduate degrees requiring 120 credit hours in total.
How to apply
1. Review Admission GuidelinesCarefully read the general admission guidelines and any specific requirements for your country or educational system (e.g., American, International Baccalaureate). Ensure you meet the academic criteria for entry to Acadia University.
2. Prepare Required DocumentsGather all necessary academic records, such as high school transcripts, IB Diploma results, or Bermuda College transfer credit documentation. For IB students, ensure all required courses meet the minimum grade of 4 or better for program-specific prerequisites.
3. Submit Your ApplicationComplete the online application for admission to Acadia University. Ensure all fields are accurately filled out and all required documents are uploaded or sent as instructed.
4. Monitor Application StatusAfter submission, regularly check your application status for any updates or requests for additional information from the Admissions office.
Scholarships
Acadia Interim Loan ProgramShort-term repayable loan (amount varies based on need)
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Community Development program for international students?
+
For the American Education System, you need Grade 12 English and four additional Grade 12 courses with a B average. For the International Baccalaureate Diploma, an overall score of 24 or better is required, including IB English. Completion of high school is generally required, though exceptional students may be admitted earlier.
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
International tuition fees are charged per-credit-hour for 1-3 courses per term or as a fixed full-load fee for 4-6 courses per term. For more than 6 courses, a fixed fee plus a per-credit-hour rate applies. Supplementary fees are mandatory for all students.
How long is the Bachelor of Community Development program?
+
The program requires 120 credit hours in total, with a full course load typically being 12-15 credit hours (4-5 courses) per term. A full-time professional placement is a component of the final year.
What are the career prospects after graduating from this program?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles in teaching, municipal services, recreation and tourism, planning, community services, outdoor leadership, youth programming, event management, and social entrepreneurship.
When can I apply for the Community Development program?
+
Applications for the 2026/27 academic year are currently closed. Please check back in mid-September for information on applications for the 2027/28 academic year.
Does the program offer any practical experience opportunities?
+
Yes, the program emphasizes hands-on learning, including a full-time professional placement in the final year. Co-op and study abroad opportunities are also available.