Graduate Diploma in Community Economic Development (GrDip) at Concordia University Montréal

Concordia University Montréal

Canada, Montreal West

University Rank:#465

The Community Economic Development (GrDip) at Concordia University Montréal is a Full Time Graduate Diploma program offered on the Sir George Williams (SGW) campus in Montreal West, Canada. The program is delivered on campus in English and can be completed in 1 year. Students develop academic knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for future careers in this field. Tuition fees are USD 17,131 / year, and the next available intake starts on September 1, 2026.

About Graduate Diploma in Community Economic Development (GrDip)

Program overview

The Graduate Diploma in Community Economic Development is for students who want to contribute to social justice and civic engagement, at a time when complex, large-scale challenges are affecting societies around the world. You will explore the evolution of community economic development, community organizing and different theories of economic change. Today this includes the growing interest in social innovation and how it generates uncharted paths for community-based social and economic transformation. Our faculty members are actively involved in the community and social economy sector, allowing you to benefit from their scholarship and practical knowledge. Our diverse student body is comprised of community sector workers and students with experience in a variety of organizations. Montreal’s history of community-based activism and economic development will serve as a backdrop as you take part in field projects with various local organizations.

If you do not have an undergraduate degree, admission to the program is still possible if you have relevant field experience.

This one-year program is offered in English beginning in the fall of even-numbered years and in French beginning in the Fall of odd-numbered years.

Disciplines

Faculty of Arts & Science

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Graduate Diploma in Community Economic Development (GrDip) at Concordia University Montréal

Entry Requirements

Admission requirements

Admission Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 2.70. Minimum one year's paid or unpaid experience in community economic development, defined broadly to include initiatives such as collective enterprise, community organization, social movement organization, advocacy group, labour union.
Students without a postsecondary degree may be considered but require a minimum five years experience in community economic development, community organizing or social movements.
Basic understanding of what community economic development stands for.

Language requirements: Students enrolled in a French year of study must be able to speak, read and understand spoken French; they must be able to write in English or French. Students enrolled in the English year of study must be able to speak, read and understand spoken English; they must be able to write in English or French.

English Requirements

PTEMin 61
IELTSMin 7
TOEFLMin 90

English Program Requirements

English language Requirements

IELTS

Scores below 6.0: No Admission

Applied Linguistics (MA):Minimum score of 7.0 with 7.0 in writing and at least 6.5 in each of the other three components

Chemistry (PhD, MSc):Minimum score of 6.5 with no component under 6.5

Child Studies (MA):7.0 score with no component under 6.5

Communication Studies (PhD, MA, Diploma):Minimum overall score of 7.5

Economics (PhD, MA, Diploma):6.5 overall, no parts under 6.5

Geography, Urban and Environmental Studies (PhD, MEnv, MSc, Diploma):7.0 score with no component under 6.5

Human Systems Intervention (MA):7.0 score with no component under 7.0

Youth Work (Diploma):Minimum overall score of 7.0

TOEFL

Scores below 80: No Admission

Applied Linguistics (MA)

Minimum score of 90 with 27 in writing and at least 20 in each of the other three components

Chemistry (PhD, MSc)

:Minimum score of 90 with no component under 20

Child Studies (MA):Minimum score of 90 with 23 in writing and at least 20 in each of the three other components

Communication Studies (PhD, MA, Diploma):Minimum overall score of 106

Economics (PhD, MA, Diploma):Minimum score of 90 with no component under 20

Geography, Urban and Environmental Studies (PhD, MEnv, MSc, Diploma):Minimum score of 95 with no component under 20

Human Systems Intervention (MA):Reading 20, Listening 20, Speaking 26, Writing 24

Youth Work (Diploma):Minimum overall score of 95

DTE

No English language courses required.

Score above 120

Some programs require a higher minimum score. See below.

Some programs offer admission with additional English language courses as determined by a Concordia University placement test. Please contact the Department to confirm your program’s requirements.:

Applied Linguistics (MA):Score above 125 and no parts under 120

Biotechnology (Diploma)
:120 overall and no parts under 110

Chemistry (PhD, MSc):Score above 125

Child Studies (MA):Score above 125

Communication Studies (PhD, MA, Diploma):Score above 125

Economics (PhD, MA, Diploma):120 overall and no parts under 110

Geography, Urban and Environmental Studies (PhD, MEnv, MSc, Diploma):Score above 125 and no parts under 110

Human Systems Intervention (MA):Score above 125

Youth Work (Diploma):Score above 125

PTE:

For more information on the test, or to register: pearsonpte.com.

PEARSON	Admission condition
61 or higher and no part under 53	No English language courses required.
Between 52 and 60 or any part under 53	Some programs offer admission with additional English language courses as determined by a Concordia University placement test. Please contact the Department to confirm your program’s requirements.
Scores below 52: No Admission

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

17,131 / year

Graduate Diploma in Community Economic Development (GrDip) at Concordia University Montréal

Concordia University Montréal

Canada, Montreal West