This program is for anyone interested in exploring economic development training for professionals that create sustainable social solutions in communities. The program examines three key areas: economic development, business retention and expansion, and business and investment attraction. You will learn the foundational knowledge, tools, and resources needed for working within community economic development and with elected officials. Discover effective strategies to promote a healthy and thriving business community, and learn how to develop business investment strategies that will benefit your community.

Economic Developers Alberta

This short program is offered in cooperation with Economic Developers Alberta. It brings economic development training to Alberta professionals by combining the Community Economic Development courses offered by EDA into a joint program with UCalgary Continuing Education.

View course timetable

This program is perfect if you...

  • Are seeking training opportunities in the economic development area
  • Want to improve social conditions in communities
  • Are preparing to write the certification exam for EDAC's Ec.D professional certification
  • Are currently enrolled in or have already taken one or more of the Community Economic Development courses
Digital Badge

What will I get?

Students who complete this program will receive a Digital Badge.

Program details

Online

Courses in this program are delivered online. Courses are scheduled at convenient times, allowing you to complete the program at a pace that fits your life.

You should plan on studying and working approximately 6 hours per week per course.

Online learning fits into busy schedules by taking the learning experience out of the traditional classroom. Students have online access to instructors, fellow learners, and learning materials.

Before taking your first online course, we recommended taking our free course: Digital Skills for Learning Online

3 Courses, 45 Hours

All Continuing Education programs are developed with part-time learners in mind. Community Economic Development is a 45-hour program.

The length of time it takes to complete this program varies by student. If you take one course per term, you will complete the program in less than a year. You will complete the program faster if you take multiple courses per term.

View course timetable

$1,275

The approximate cost to complete Community Economic Development is $1,275.

On completion of this program, you may wish to pursue studies in another.

Upon completing the Community Economic Development program, you can receive 2/3 credit (up to a maximum of 30 hours) towards the Certificate in Professional Management – Economic Developers.

If you wish to pursue another program:

  1. Complete the Application for Admission for your next program
  2. Contact us to request transfer of the equivalent course credits

The transfer of course credits will not happen without your request.

Each year, scholarships and awards are given to deserving students not only for their academic achievement, but also for community involvement. Award sponsors include both corporate and private donors.

To apply, you must meet eligibility criteria and submission deadlines. Students in this program may be eligible for the following awards:

It is the student's responsibility to ensure all requirements for graduation are fulfilled.

See Graduation for details.

This program does not qualify students to apply for an international study permit.

International students who wish to live and work in Canada should consider our International Professional Programs.

Questions? Please contact us...

Courses

Minimum Required

45 Hour(s)

Maximum Allowed

45 Hour(s)

  • BMC 325 Economic Development: Establishing the Foundation
    Hours

    15.0

  • BMC 336 Business Investment Attraction
    Hours

    15.0

  • BMC 335 Business Retention and Expansion
    Hours

    15.0

Required fields are indicated by .