MBA in Community Economic Development

Program Snapshot

Program Types: Degree, Graduate
Program Duration: 2 Year
Fields of Study: Business, Community Economic Development, Sustainability

Develop Stronger Economic Ties

Our communities are the threads that tie our country together. From helping to build a strong economic engine, to facilitating the cultivation of our healthy food, each community plays an important role in the development of our society. The Cape Breton community, although small in size, is big in opportunity. Here, you’re free to explore a welcoming island with warm people who see the same potential in you as you do in them.

The MBA in CED offers a leading edge curriculum that includes all business subjects found in traditional MBA programs, with an emphasis on economic development, leadership, governance and management of change. The program resonates with people who aspire to play leadership roles in the private, public and community sectors.

There are many MBA programs around the globe. However, the program found here at Cape Breton University is the only one in Canada that includes community economic development at its core. It’s for people who want to make a difference where they live and work. Here, we teach the lessons that inspire students to make a positive change wherever they go. The MBA in Community Economic Development has been offered by the Shannon School of Business at CBU since 1997.

Ready to Apply?

Students sitting in CBU courtyard near residence buildings.

MBA ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

MBA INFORMATION SESSIONS

MBA BILINGUAL PROGRAM

What is the tuition for this program?

These numbers are an estimate for planning purposes only. These numbers include tuition & fees for the entire MBA program.

Canadian Residents
- Studying on CBU campus (traditional Fall/Winter semester & July residency): $29,102.64
- Studying in person, off-campus (weekend delivery): $40,397.12
  - This includes the Brandon, Edmonton, Saskatoon and Toronto weekend delivery cohorts.
International Residents
- Studying on CBU campus (traditional Fall/Winter semester & July residency): $46,140.64

MBA Planners & Sample Courses

MBA ON-CAMPUS PLANNER

Traditional Fall/Winter Semester Format

MBA ON-CAMPUS PLANNER

July Residency Format

MBA OFF-CAMPUS PLANNER

Weekend Delivery Format

Why study at CBU?

As one of Canada’s youngest and most ambitious post-secondary institutions, Cape Breton University is focused on creating some of the most relevant, progressive and innovative programs in the world. Our MBA in Community Economic Development is the only program of its kind in North America. This degree delivers advanced business knowledge and skills to make a difference in the local and global community. In addition to being offered in Sydney, Nova Scotia, the program is delivered on weekends in six locations in face-to-face classes with acclaimed faculty from across Canada. Off-site venues include: Brandon, Edmonton, Saskatoon and Toronto.

Accreditations

CBU is a Canadian public university, established by legislation in the Province of Nova Scotia, and accredited by Nova Scotia’s Department of Education and the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission. It is a fully accredited member of:

The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC)
The Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU)
The Council of Nova Scotia University Presidents (CONSUP)

Additionally, CBU’s MBA in CED is accredited by:

The Campus Alberta Quality Council
The Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities
The Saskatchewan Higher Education Quality Assurance Board
- This program is offered with the written authorization of the Minister of Advanced Education effective July 1, 2020. This authorization was provided after the program proposal underwent a quality assurance review and was found to meet the standards established by the Minister. Prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and the degree will be appropriate to their needs.

What skills will I gain from this program?

Advanced analytical and strategy skills
Advanced interpersonal and communication skills
Advanced research skills
Application of an international perspective to risks and opportunities in managerial decisions
Integrated knowledge through interdisciplinary approaches
Management of change, growth, and new opportunities
Strategic leadership
Understanding of the role of business and community in affecting the economy, quality of life, health, and the environment
Understanding of community economic development and business

Possible Career Paths

General Management
Executive Director
Policy Analyst
Consulting

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Applied Research Projects (ARP)
- CBU recognizes the value of, and demand for, research skills in the public, community and private sectors. Given this, CBU is one of the few institutions that requires a mandatory research project as the culmination of the MBA in CED degree.
- The ARP is the MBA in CED capstone deliverable. Under the supervision of a research advisor(s), this project provides the opportunity to engage in experiential learning through direct involvement with a community, company, government agency or non-profit organization.
Community Action Research
Community-Based Participatory Research
Community-Engaged Research with Community-Based Organizations
Guest Speakers
Media/Videos Projects
Simulations

To learn more about CBU’s Master of Business Administration in Community Economic Development, please email mba@cbu.ca.

Quicklinks

Admission Requirements

General Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree with a B+ (75% average) from a recognized university
a completed online application form, with a non-refundable application fee
official transcripts for all previous post-secondary study
a resume detailing employment experience, skills, community involvement and interests
a two-page statement (approximately 500-800 words) outlining your background and interests, and why you are interested in joining the CBU MBA program – what it will do for your career, your organization, and/or your community
three reference letters, preferably including one professional and one academic
*Note that each referee will be required to complete a secure referee form initiated by you through your CBU Future Student Account, identifying themselves and their relationship with you, and rating you on specific attributes identified on the digital form. After you have sent your request to each referee, please direct them to monitor their emails for an invite to fill out the referee form. Hard copy Reference Letters will not be accepted.
official score report showing satisfactory scores on the GMAT (for international students – minimum 500 with a balanced score) or GRE (for international students – minimum 304 with a balanced score)
proof that CBU’s English language proficiency requirements have been met (for students whose native language is not English)
work experience is not required but MBA course work will be more meaningful if you have some work experience
satisfactory performance in an interview (if applicable)
For Canadian candidates who do not have an undergraduate degree:
Canadian candidates who do not have an undergraduate degree, and show potential or success in graduate level study, may be admitted to the MBA in CED as non-traditional students. Outstanding career and/or volunteer experience is expected. These candidates will be assessed individually in such areas as experience and performance in a number of education/training courses. Applicants must provide all documentation listed above along with proof of significant experience in managerial/decision-making positions and official copy of a high school diploma or equivalent academic credential.
Note regarding official documents
The Educational Testing Service must forward GMAT/GRE and English language score reports directly. Photocopies of these documents will not be accepted.
GMAT/GRE Waiver
Applicants who have completed a minimum of 2 years of undergraduate study in a North American, UK, EU, New Zealand, or Australian university with a B+ average may be provided with a GMAT/GRE waiver. Senior, experienced managers, who completed their primary and secondary education in Canada and show potential for success in a graduate program, may also qualify for a GMAT waiver. For more information on GMAT/GRE waivers, please email mba@cbu.ca.
See CBU’s English Language Requirements here.

General Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree with a B+ (75% average) from a recognized university
a completed online application form, with a non-refundable application fee
official transcripts for all previous post-secondary study
a resume detailing employment experience, skills, community involvement and interests
a two-page statement (approximately 500-800 words) outlining your background and interests, and why you are interested in joining the CBU MBA program – what it will do for your career, your organization, and/or your community
three reference letters, preferably including one professional and one academic
*Note that each referee will be required to complete a secure referee form initiated by you through your CBU Future Student Account, identifying themselves and their relationship with you, and rating you on specific attributes identified on the digital form. After you have sent your request to each referee, please direct them to monitor their emails for an invite to fill out the referee form. Hard copy Reference Letters will not be accepted.
official score report showing satisfactory scores on the GMAT (for international students – minimum 500 with a balanced score) or GRE (for international students – minimum 304 with a balanced score)
proof that CBU’s English language proficiency requirements have been met (for students whose native language is not English)
work experience is not required but MBA course work will be more meaningful if you have some work experience
satisfactory performance in an interview (if applicable)
For Canadian candidates who do not have an undergraduate degree:
Canadian candidates who do not have an undergraduate degree, and show potential or success in graduate level study, may be admitted to the MBA in CED as non-traditional students. Outstanding career and/or volunteer experience is expected. These candidates will be assessed individually in such areas as experience and performance in a number of education/training courses. Applicants must provide all documentation listed above along with proof of significant experience in managerial/decision-making positions and official copy of a high school diploma or equivalent academic credential.
Note regarding official documents
The Educational Testing Service must forward GMAT/GRE and English language score reports directly. Photocopies of these documents will not be accepted.
GMAT/GRE Waiver
Applicants who have completed a minimum of 2 years of undergraduate study in a North American, UK, EU, New Zealand, or Australian university with a B+ average may be provided with a GMAT/GRE waiver. Senior, experienced managers, who completed their primary and secondary education in Canada and show potential for success in a graduate program, may also qualify for a GMAT waiver. For more information on GMAT/GRE waivers, please email mba@cbu.ca.
See CBU’s English Language Requirements here.

If students wish to perform a preliminary assessment converting grades into the Canadian equivalent, please use the following tool: https://www.scholaro.com/grade-conversion/

Note that this does not guarantee acceptance into the program, and is to be used solely as a reference point.

Transfer Student Requirements

In order to transfer to CBU you must be in good academic standing at your current/previous institution.
You must meet the general admissions requirements (or the post-secondary equivalent) for the program, found under the Canadian or International tabs of this tool.
To see if your institution is an articulation partner, please view our articulation agreements page.
Please email us if you have specific questions about admission requirements and transferring to CBU:
- International students: internationaladmissions@cbu.ca.
- Canadian students / Permanent Residents of Canada: admissions@cbu.ca