Overview
The Community Economic Development certificate is designed for individuals currently working in or wanting to enter the growing field of community economic development including small business development and municipal or government relations.
These practical business courses cover key topics such as partnerships between business and government, project management, writing business plans and project proposals, and communication skills. Students can develop the holistic skill set needed for local economic development in rural and urban communities.
This program is available entirely online, with some courses also available through part-time studies.
Is this the right fit for me?
The ability to work and learn independently is critical for this program. Other factors relating to student success include:
- time management skills
- analytical skills
- computer skills
Students who are engaged and take advantage of various services usually experience more success in SAIT programs.
Laddering
This certificate ladders into the SAIT Business Administration diploma, provided students meet the admission requirements for the diploma. Students continuing their education have the option to take the diploma through full-time, part-time or online studies.
Credential
Upon successful completion of this program, students will earn a SAIT Community Economic Development certificate.
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Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities in municipal government, economic development agencies, small businesses and non-profit organizations. Potential positions include:
- economic development officer
- liaison officer
- community development officer
- planning officer
- program officer
Related careers include:
- Marketing analyst
- Business development officer
Tuition and fees
Domestic 2022/23
- Year 1: $7,139
Final costs are dependent on the number of course credits a student takes per semester.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When can you apply?
Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Applications for fall 2022 opened on Oct. 6, 2021.
- Applications for winter 2023 opened on March 31, 2022
- Applications for spring 2023 opened on June 13, 2022.
| Classes begin | Year start date |
|---|---|
| Fall 2022 | Sept. 6, 2022 |
| Winter 2023 | Jan. 9, 2023 |
| Spring 2023 | May 8, 2023 |
CEOWORLD names SAIT to two global lists of the top hospitality management and top business schools for 2022
Via SAIT media release
Admission requirements
Application dates
Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Fall 2022 start: applications open Oct. 6, 2021.
- Spring 2023 start: applications open June 13, 2022
Program requirements
All applicants, including students educated in Canada, must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission.
Direct entry: four step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to Community Economic Development.
Step 4: Find out how to monitor your application status after you apply.
Communication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
Courses
Once you have been accepted into this program, you can register for classes through mySAIT.ca.
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT-215 | Introductory Financial Accounting I | 3.0 |
| COMN-220 | Communication and Presentation Skills | 3.0 |
| ECON-305 | Macroeconomics | 3.0 |
| ECON-355 | Economic Development Fundamentals | 3.0 |
| ENTR-350 | Entrepreneurship | 3.0 |
| LDSH-360 | Business Leadership | 3.0 |
| MKTG-260 | Marketing Essentials | 3.0 |
| MNGT-250 | Organizational Behaviour | 3.0 |
| MNGT-321 | Project Management | 3.0 |
| MNGT-367 | Municipal Structure and Governance | 3.0 |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer to, within or from SAIT is available. Visit Transfer options to learn more.
Costs 2021/22
Costs
The following costs are based on a single 1.5 or 3.0 credit course. Additional fees including health and dental are assessed based on the course delivery and the number of courses taken at a time.
Domestic cost per course*
| Course credits | Course cost |
|---|---|
| 1.5 | $262.56 |
| 3.0 | $525.12 |
SAIT fees*
The following fees are based on a two-semester full course load structure. Fees for part-time programs will be assessed based on the number of courses taken within a semester.- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $183.20
- Universal transit pass (Upass): N/A
- Student support fee: $150
- Student technology fee: $150
- SAIT Students' Association (Saitsa) fee: $287.77
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $189
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $5,670 | $916 | $553 | $7,139 |
Domestic cost per course
| Course credits | Course cost |
|---|---|
| 1.5 | $283.50 |
| 3.0 | $567 |
*Maximum fee. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits a student takes per semester and whether they opt-out of health and dental benefits.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $196
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $320
- Student support fee: $200
- Student technology fee: $200
The above fees are based on a course load of nine (9) or more credits per semester. Students taking less than nine (9) credits per semester do not qualify for the UPass. Other fees will be adjusted based on reduced credit load.
Saitsa fees
Student Association fee
- Maximum: $291
Health and dental fees
- Health plan: $127
- Dental plan: $135
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
Students taking less than nine (9) credits per semester do not qualify for health and dental benefits.
For more information on health and dental benefits for international students, please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Spring 2022
Orientation
Your program orientation will take place online on Friday, May 6 from 9 - 11 am. Watch your inbox for details.
Learn more about campus orientation.
How to register for classes
You'll follow an open registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Preparation courses
To support your success, two short courses are available to prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Part-time students can register by emailing academic.coaching@sait.ca.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase is required this term.
Contact
For any questions, or to set up a virtual advising appointment, please contact our School of Business Advising Centre.
Phone: 403.284.8485
Email: business.advising@sait.ca
Academic chair
Grace McKenna, Academic Chair
Email: grace.mckenna@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
