Next information session
All classes in this program will be delivered online for the Spring and Summer 2021 terms due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines.
Learn more
Overview
Explore the growing field of community economic development including small business development and municipal or government relations. Master skills in project management, developing business plans and proposal writing.
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.
Students can transfer these courses to a full-time or part-time Business Administration diploma (Management major). Students have up to five years to complete all the courses.
Students are strongly encouraged to bring a laptop to all evening and weekend on-campus classes. This will enable you to better apply your learning and practise your skills through classroom activities and examples and make effective use of time allocated to working on group or individual assessments.
Visit our computers and laptops page for standard laptop requirements and contact business.advising@sait.ca if you have any questions.
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.
Credential
Upon successful completion of this program, students will earn a SAIT Community Economic Development certificate.
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 or part-time studies.
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
Cost per course*
1.5 credit course: $254.10
3.0 credit course: $508.20
1.5 credit course: $262.56
3.0 credit course: $525.12
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
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 year-round. Apply now!
| Term | Program start |
|---|---|
| Spring 2021 | May 10, 2021 |
| Fall 2021 | Sept. 7, 2021 |
| Winter 2022 | Jan. 10, 2022 |
In good company — SAIT ranked one of the best business schools in the world
SAIT’s School of Business is one of three Canadian schools to make the top 100 of CEOWORLD Magazine’s Best Business Schools in the World for 2021.
Admission Requirements
Admission and Selection
- Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis for this program.
Admission Requirements
To get started, simply submit an application through ApplyAlberta. All applicants, including students educated in Canada, must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission. There are no additional entrance requirements for this program.
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 selection
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
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.
2020/21 Domestic cost per course
| Course Credits | Course cost |
|---|---|
| 1.5 | $254.10 |
| 3.0 | $508.20 |
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: $171.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): N/A
Student support fee: $100
Student technology fee: $100
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 device that meets the hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
- Find out about tuition and financial aid.
* Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
2021/22 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 device that meets the hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Find out 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 2021
Orientation
No orientation is required for students in part-time studies.
Delivery
All classes in this program will be delivered online for the Spring 2021 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines.
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.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The spring 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 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.
Meet some of the instructors
Instructor