Bachelor of Arts in Community, Economic, and Social Development

At Algoma University, tuition is CAD 24,600 per year (international).

This four-year program prepares students to work in community development, economic justice, and social advocacy. It draws from social work, Anishinaabe studies, economics, and business administration. Field placements in the third and fourth years offer hands-on learning. These placements let students use classroom knowledge on real community challenges.

A 150-hour placement is required in third year. A 300-hour placement with a major paper or project is needed in fourth year. Courses cover local economic autonomy, equity in service delivery, and community organizing. Students can specialize in either Local Economic Autonomy or Community Services and Equity Studies. The program builds practical skills like grant writing, fundraising, and policy analysis.

Graduates take jobs in government, non-profits, cooperatives, and research. Some pursue graduate studies in sociology, education, or sustainable development. The program supports international experiences and partnerships with the NORDIK Institute and the IPTP. Students can join initiatives like the People's Garden to tackle food security and strengthen campus community.

Algoma University in Sault Ste. Marie, Canada, founded in 1967, is a close-knit campus with around 2,000 students that emphasizes undergraduate teaching and community engagement. Its regional setting provides a supportive environment for study and outdoor living, while academic programs focus on liberal arts, sciences, business and applied disciplines. The university is known for personalized learning, small class sizes and high faculty accessibility—qualities that suit students seeking direct mentorship and hands-on experience.

Curricula are designed to connect classroom learning with local and regional opportunities, including co-op experiences, internships and community-based projects. Faculty collaborate with local industry and Indigenous communities to provide experiential learning that builds employability and civic awareness. Student services support academic advising, career planning and research opportunities, helping learners translate study into practical outcomes.

International students are welcomed into a compact, friendly campus where support for arrival, housing and integration is prioritized. Campus clubs, volunteering and outdoor recreation make it easy to build connections beyond the classroom. For prospective students who value individualized attention, meaningful community ties and a learning environment that bridges theory with real-world application, Algoma offers a focused and supportive option in northern Ontario.