Master of Business Administration in Community Economic Development

Program Snapshot

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.

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

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: Kingston; Toronto; Brandon; Saskatoon; Edmonton and Calgary.

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

Sample Courses

  • MBAC 6125: Strategic Management
  • MBAC 6118: Principles of Venture Analysis
  • MBAC 5107: Economic Geography
  • MBAC 6107: Comparative Development

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 application form, with the non-refundable application fee
  • official transcripts for all previous post-secondary study
  • a resume detailing employment experience, skills, community involvement and interests
  • a 500-800 word statement on desire to enter the program
  • three reference letters, preferably including one professional and one academic reference, each accompanied by a completed reference form
  • satisfactory scores on the GMAT or GRE
  • satisfactory scores on the TOEFL/IELTS (for students whose native language is not English)
  • satisfactory performance in an interview
  • For Canadian candidates who do not have an undergraduate degree:

    Canadian candidates who do not have an undergraduate degree, and show potential for success in graduate level study, may be admitted to the MBA in CED as non-traditional students. Extensive career and/or volunteer experience are 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 and a 4-6 page essay outlining desire to enter the program.

    Reference letters must be originals, sent directly by the referees. Only official transcripts sent by the Registrar of the issuing institution will be accepted. The Educational Testing Service must forward GMAT, GRE and TOEFL/IELTS score reports. Photocopies of any of these documents will not be accepted.

  • Additional Information

    To submit your references or to learn more about CBU’s Master of Business Administration in Community Economic Development program, 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 application form, with the non-refundable application fee
  • official transcripts for all previous post-secondary study
  • a resume detailing employment experience, skills, community involvement and interests
  • a 500-800 word statement on desire to enter the program
  • three reference letters, preferably including one professional and one academic reference, each accompanied by a completed reference form
  • satisfactory scores on the GMAT or GRE
  • satisfactory scores on the TOEFL/IELTS (for students whose native language is not English)
  • satisfactory performance in an interview
  • For Canadian candidates who do not have an undergraduate degree:

    Canadian candidates who do not have an undergraduate degree, and show potential for success in graduate level study, may be admitted to the MBA in CED as non-traditional students. Extensive career and/or volunteer experience are 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 and a 4-6 page essay outlining desire to enter the program.

    Reference letters must be originals, sent directly by the referees. Only official transcripts sent by the Registrar of the issuing institution will be accepted. The Educational Testing Service must forward GMAT, GRE and TOEFL/IELTS score reports. Photocopies of any of these documents will not be accepted.

  • Additional Information

    To submit your references or to learn more about CBU’s Master of Business Administration in Community Economic Development program, please email mba@cbu.ca.

  • See CBU’s English Language Requirements here.

Please select your country to view admission requirements.

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:

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