MA in Community Development

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This section covers the most frequently asked questions concerning the Master of Arts in Community Development (MACD). Many of your questions should be answered below. Please do not hesitate to contact the program staff should you have any additional questions or inquiries. We would be happy to assist you.

Email: macd@uvic.ca
Phone: 250-721-8074

How much work experience do I need to be considered for the program?
We ask that applicants have a minimum of four years of professional experience, paid or volunteer, in the community development sector (non-profit, co-operative, community economic development or international community development).

Are there prerequisites needed for students interested in the MACD program?
The primary audience for this degree is individuals who are mid-career within the broad community development sector. To be eligible for admission the minimum requirements are:

• a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent from another country) from an accredited and recognized institution in a relevant field of study
• a grade point average of 5.0 (B) in the work of the last two years (30 units) leading to this baccalaureate degree
• a minimum of four years of professional experience, paid or volunteer, in the broader community development sector  

How much will the tuition be for the MACD program?
The tuition for the entire program is currently about $15,000 for domestic students. Based on 2011-12 tuition fees, students pay 6 full fee instalments of $2,397 and one program re-registration fee of $799 in the 7th  term of study. The fees are slightly higher for international students. A full description of the fees is available at: https://web.finance.uvic.ca/tuition/fees.php. Information on program fees is available at http://web.uvic.ca/calendar2011/GRAD/TaOtF/index.html

Are there any scholarships/bursaries available to students?
You can find information on bursaries and scholarships through the Student Awards and Financial Aid Office.

Does tuition for the MACD program include the residential workshops?
No, students are expected to cover the cost of food, accommodation and travel for each residency. Accommodation may be available on campus. For information in this regard, please see http://www.housing.uvic.ca/summer/index.php.

What is a residency?
For the MACD program, residencies are referred to as the two “residential” workshops held in the summer terms. In other words, during a residency you will be on campus. At every other point throughout the program you will be completing online course work from any location.

Aside from the mandatory residencies, are there any other in-class components to the program?
No. The residencies are the only in-class components of the MACD program. All other course work is to be completed online using the Moodle Learning Management system. For some courses, you might meet fellow students online for a seminar or discussion.

Is there a co-op option available for the MACD program?
No. At this point in time there is no co-op option for the MACD program.

Are there any International exchange experiences available?
Until 2014, Canadian students pursuing their MA in Community Development can now study for one term at an International University, thanks to an HRSDC grant through the Program for North American Mobility in Higher Education. Students will have the opportunity to attend one of the following Universities:

• Baruch College, City University of New York (NY, NY)
• University of South Florida (Tampa, FL)
• Technologies de Monterrey (Mexico City)
• Benemerita Universidad Autonoma de Puebla (Puebla, Mexico)
• Universidad Autonoma de Tamaulipas (Tampico, Mexico)

Students will receive a $3500 stipend to attend one term at one of the above Universities. Students will continue to complete their courses online as required for the MACD program, but will also take one or more courses at the receiving institution, as well as volunteer at a local community organization.

If you are interested in pursuing this opportunity please speak with the program manager.