Master of Arts in Community Development (MACD)

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

Core courses (6):
CD501 - Foundations for Community Change
CD512 - Program Evaluation for Community Development
CD518 - Democratic Governance and Community Engagement
CD505 - Research Foundations for Community Development
CD532 - Managing Community Organizations
CD531 - Leadership and Transformation

Elective courses (2), Choose from:

CD506 - Enterprise Development for Community Benefit
CD522 - Understanding and Mainstreaming Gender
CD526 - Communication and Engagement
CD530 - Systems Thinking, Innovation and Strategic Planning
CD540 - Community Development and Planning in Action
CD590 - Directed Studies

+ Courses in topics offered by the School of Public Administration (ADMN) or other UVic departments, with permission of Graduate Adviser. Customize your degree by focusing your electives in your area of interest. Our focus areas range from dispute resolution to Indigenous governance.

Final requirement – Thesis or Project:
Beginning in their fourth term, students will work on a Master’s Thesis (CD 599), a substantial analysis of an organizational issue, policy issue, or other relevant topic approved by their faculty supervisor, which may be done in collaboration with a client. In cases requiring confidentiality or other special circumstances, a student may complete a Master’s Project (CD 598, 4.5 units) instead of a Master’s Thesis, but this must be discussed in advance by the Graduate Advisor and the student’s supervisor. If a project is completed the MACD degree will be 16.5 units.

Program length:
The program begins in September, operates year-round and can be completed in 2 years if the regular schedule is followed. Please also see MACD program schedule and requirements in the academic calendar.