Earn an innovative MBA while you work. The Masters of Business Administration in Community Economic Development is a professional program for learners who aspire to play leadership roles in the public sector, third sector organizations and in community-minded businesses. Areas of specialization include strategic leadership, First Nations economic development and public policy.
This is a part-time hybrid program with courses delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes at the Warman Campus. Courses run approximately 16 weekends per academic year.
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Entrance Requirements
Standard admission: Bachelor’s degree and standard GMAT score.
Non-traditional admission: Candidates who completed their secondary studies in Canada but do not have an undergraduate degree, can be accepted into the Cape Breton University MBA in CED if they have extensive experience and show potential for success in graduate studies.
Standard admission requirements:
- Completed application form with application fee
- Official transcripts from all previous college and university studies
- Resume detailing employment experiences, skills, community involvement and interests
- 500-800 word statement on desire to enter the program
- Three references
- Satisfactory scores on the GMAT (may be waived if applicant’s secondary and post secondary studies were completed in Canada with a B+ average, has extensive managerial experience or has completed a quantitative course with a grade of B)
- Satisfactory scores on the TOEFL/IELTS, for applicants whose first language is not English
Non-Traditional admission requirements:
- Completed application form with application fee
- Extensive managerial experience
- Diploma or equivalent academic credential
- Official transcripts of completed undergraduate courses
- Resume detailing employment experience, skills, community interests
- Three references
- 4-6 page essay outlining involvement in an initiative, philosophy of management or community involvement, participant’s learning needs and what can be offered to other students
- Satisfactory scores on the GMAT (may be waived if applicant’s secondary and post-secondary studies were completed in Canada with a B+ average, has extensive managerial experience or has completed a quantitative course with a grade of B)
- Satisfactory scores on the TOEFL/IELTS, for applicants whose first language is not English
- Satisfactory performance in an interview.
Warman
What You Will Learn
Cape Breton University’s MBA in Community Economic Development (CED) is the only MBA program in the Americas that aims to deliver advanced business knowledge and skills in the context of the community and the world. The MBA in CED offers a leading edge curriculum that includes all business subjects found in traditional MBA programs, and it also covers economic development, leadership, governance, and management of change.
This program is designed for learners who aspire to play leadership roles in the public sector, in third sector organizations, and in community-minded businesses. The MBA in CED aims to develop a new generation of leaders who have strong business management capabilities, well developed collaborative and interpersonal skills, and deep knowledge of accountability, social responsibility, and development issues and practices. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to make a difference in leading organizations in an increasingly global community and economy.
The 22-month program in Saskatchewan begins September 2024 at Great Plains College Warman Campus. Classes will be held on alternate weekends, eight weekends per year in-person, and 8 weekends per year online. The program consists of 13 core courses, 2 elective courses and a major research essay (70-90 pages). If students miss a course, they have the option of traveling to Cape Breton for a two-week period in July in order to complete.
The program also has a Prior Learning Assessment process in place which provides credit for prior courses combined with work experience. Most BBA or BComm graduates qualify for four course transfer credits and most experienced students qualify for a waiver on the GMAT entry exam.
For more information, visit Cape Breton University’s MBA in Community Economic Development program page.
To arrange an MBA information session at your agency, please contact Claudine Tan by email or by calling (306) 657-1855.
Application Process
Scholarship Eligible
SREDA Indigenous Economic Development Scholarship (SIEDS)
The Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA), Saskatchewan Indigenous Economic Development Network (SIEDN) and Great Plains College are proud to offer a scholarship for indigenous students: the SREDA Indigenous Economic Development Scholarship (SIEDS).
Students who qualify for this annual scholarship can receive up to $5,000 toward their education in the Master of Business Administration in Community Economic Development program in their first or second year of study. SREDA has invested a total of $10,000 to be spread across four academic years. The Government of Saskatchewan has matched this investment to total $20,000 as part of their Saskatchewan Innovation and Opportunity Scholarship funding.
Applications for the 2022-23 scholarship are now closed. Please check back in September 2023 for the 2023-24 scholarship details.
More Information About Scholarships
Other Information
Patricia Cook, Vice President Corporate Affairs at SIGA and a recent graduate of this program, writes:
"Through its course content and faculty expertise, the MBA program provided me a better understanding of community economic development in a global context. As a Vice President at my organization, it challenged me to think differently and more strategically about how we support programs in Saskatchewan to address the specific needs in our communities. The people that you meet and the valuable friendships that you develop make this a worthwhile investment in yourself. I would recommend this program without hesitation to anyone looking to hone their business skills and develop a solid understanding of the complex economic, environmental and social challenges required to build strong communities and industries."
