This website stores cookies on your computer. These cookies are used to collect information about how you interact with our website and allow us to remember your browser. We use this information to improve and customize your browsing experience, for analytics and metrics about our visitors both on this website and other media, and for marketing purposes. By using this website, you accept and agree to be bound by UVic’s Terms of Use for web and social media privacy.  If you do not agree to the above, you can configure your browser’s setting to “do not track.”

Skip to main content
People Departments Maps Buildings Rooms A-Z
University
of Victoria
Apply Library
Sign in Online tools Sign out
Graduate admissions

Community Development (MACD)

Enhance your capacity as a leader and make positive change in the non-profit, community and public sectors with the Master of Arts in Community Development.

Designed for working professionals, this full-time program is delivered online with one on-campus residency. You'll start in September and take courses year-round, finishing your degree with a research project or thesis related to your area of interest in community development.

Expected length Project or thesis Course-based
6 academic terms

Quick facts

Program options:
Master's
Study options:
Full-time study
Program delivery:
Blended, Other: Combination of online courses and a week long on-campus residency
Dynamic learning:
Co-op optional

Outcomes

MACD graduates will be able to:

  • critically analyze the historical, political and theoretical foundations of community development, demonstrating advanced understanding of their intersections, evolutions, and applications in diverse contexts
  • reflect on community-driven processes that advance social and ecological justice, equity and self-determination, centering Indigenous and local knowledge, and relational accountability in leadership 
  • identify and interpret the legal, governance, policy and societal contexts of organizations, projects and programs, with attention to public participation, community-engagement and multimodal communication 
  • synthesize complex concepts and translate knowledge for diverse audiences
  • design, manage and evaluate complex projects, programs and organizations using values-based, ethical and participatory approaches grounded in community wellbeing and sustainability 
  • assess complex challenges and generate innovative problem-solving strategies using critical, creative and decolonial thinking 
  • lead systems-level and relational transformation by cultivating equity-centered relationships and navigating complex landscapes with cultural humility and democratic accountability

Find a supervisor

You are not required to find a supervisor before applying to this program.

Program details

Providing you accurate admission requirements, application deadlines, tuition fee estimates and scholarships depends on your situation. Tell us about yourself:

Program details

This information assumes you are . If this is incorrect, please update your information.

Application deadlines

September entry – February 15, 2027

September entry – February 15, 2027

Admission requirements

  • Completion of a relevant 4-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an institution recognized by UVic.
  • Equivalent of a minimum B (5.0 G.P.A.) average in the final two years of your degree.
  • Mature students – You may be admitted as a mature student if it’s been four years from completion of a baccalaureate degree. You may also be admitted as a mature student if your grade point average is below 5.0 (B), provided you have four years relevant professional experience since completing your degree. You must submit a résumé to determine eligibility as a mature student. Recommendations must be approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies.
  • Applicants must demonstrate commitment and experience, paid or volunteer, in the community development sector.
  • If your first language is not English, you must provide proof of language proficiency. Learn more about language requirements, including allowable exemptions and tests.

Review our general admission requirements for more information.

Program specific requirements

As part of your application, you must submit:

  • contacts of two academic references. If it has been more than five years since you last attended a post-secondary institution, we recommend you include a total of three professional and/or community references (maximum one community reference) instead of academic references.
    • A community reference should be able to speak to your ability to be successful in graduate studies and how your background, experiences and abilities relate to the program. Examples of a community reference could include an Indigenous community leader or a supervisor from a volunteer role.
  • Official copies of all post-secondary transcripts.
  • A resumé listing your professional experience and other relevant experience.
  • A 750-1000 word statement of intent outlining why you are seeking an MA in Community Development and how the degree relates to your career plans, personal values and goals.
  • If you do not have a Canadian undergraduate degree, you will need to write and submit your official GMAT (Graduate Management Aptitude Test) scores.
  • Completion of a relevant 4-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an institution recognized by UVic.
  • Equivalent of a minimum B (5.0 G.P.A.) average in the final two years of your degree.
  • Mature students – You may be admitted as a mature student if it’s been four years from completion of a baccalaureate degree. You may also be admitted as a mature student if your grade point average is below 5.0 (B), provided you have four years relevant professional experience since completing your degree. You must submit a résumé to determine eligibility as a mature student. Recommendations must be approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies.
  • Applicants must demonstrate commitment and experience, paid or volunteer, in the community development sector.
  • If your first language is not English, you must provide proof of language proficiency. Learn more about language requirements, including allowable exemptions and tests.

Review our general admission requirements for more information.

Program specific requirements

As part of your application, you must submit:

  • contacts of two academic references. If it has been more than five years since you last attended a post-secondary institution, we recommend you include a total of three professional and/or community references (maximum one community reference) instead of academic references.
    • A community reference should be able to speak to your ability to be successful in graduate studies and how your background, experiences and abilities relate to the program. Examples of a community reference could include an Indigenous community leader or a supervisor from a volunteer role.
  • Official copies of all post-secondary transcripts.
  • A resumé listing your professional experience and other relevant experience.
  • A 750-1000 word statement of intent outlining why you are seeking an MA in Community Development and how the degree relates to your career plans, personal values and goals.
  • If you do not have a Canadian undergraduate degree, you will need to write and submit your official GMAT (Graduate Management Aptitude Test) scores.

Completion requirements

View the minimum course requirements for this program.

View the minimum course requirements for this program.

Funding & aid

Tuition & fees

Estimated minimum program cost*

* Based on an average program length. For a per term fee breakdown view the tuition fee estimator.

Estimated values determined by the tuition fee estimator shall not be binding to the University of Victoria.

Ready to apply?

You can start your online application to UVic by creating a new profile or using an existing one.

Apply now    How to apply

Faculties & departments

Need help?

Contact Stephen Leckie at paservice1@uvic.ca or 250-721-8074.

< Back to Public Administration overview

0 saved