International Community Development Extension Certificate - Online

E-mail: cehealth@mtroyal.ca
Information: 1.403.440.6867 or toll-free in North America 1.866.616.3606
Register: Start here

IMPORTANT NOTICE
The International Community Development Extension Certificate will be suspended until further notice at the end of June 2013.
Current Students: We will be offering all courses (except the first prerequisite course) twice before June 2014. Please ensure that your e-mail and mailing address are current so we can contact you will future updates.
If you have any questions regarding this program please call 403-400-6690. 

International community development is an increasingly important field where trained workers are essential. The online International Community Development Extension Certificate, developed in cooperation with the Department of Social Work and Disability Studies, is designed to prepare employees and volunteers of development agencies to understand global issues and work in developing communities around the world.

Identify the goals of international community development, identify the key organizations involved in community development and become an advocate for change in helping people and communities around the world to reach their potential.

Earn Credit Toward a Degree/Diploma
Certain Extension Certificates have been developed in cooperation with Mount Royal University credit faculties. These certificates have components which are transferable into various diplomas, applied degrees and degrees, provided applicants achieve the minimum required grade in the course(s) and meet the entrance requirements for the degree. Please see credit program websites for diploma, applied degree or degree entrance requirements. For more information on transfer credit please contact Community and Health Studies at cehealth@mtroyal.ca or 403.440.6867.

Technical Requirements
It is important that you are aware of the technical requirements for using the Blackboard online learning platform prior to registering for any of the following courses. Please refer to the following link for more information: Blackboard Technical Requirements

Program Requirements
Learners must have skills in MS Word and PowerPoint to succeed in this program. Please log in to your Blackboard course on the official course start date and refer to your Course Outline for assignment due dates. APA 6 formatting standards must be met when completing all assignments. APA Formatting

Course Expectations
The listed course hours indicate the estimated time for students to review the online learning units. The actual time spent completing assignments will vary depending on each student’s particular learning style and level of study skills.

Earning Your Extension Certificate
Complete the nine required courses (144 hours) with a minimum passing grade in each course. Please note that Foundations in International Community Development and Understanding the Issues in International Community Development are prerequisites for the other seven courses.

Career Outlook
The International Community Development Extension Certificate provides flexible education opportunities for those who work in or are interested in working or volunteering with international organizations in Canada or abroad.

Required Courses

Foundations for International Community Development
Best practices in community development ensure effective and sustainable change. Examine three models of community development and the basic principles of successful work with communities regardless of location. 

Understanding the Issues in International Community Development
The United Nations has identified a range of critical issues facing people around the world. These are access to water, shelter, education, health and human rights. Explore these issues and the implications for a population when their needs are not met.
Prerequisite: Foundations for International Community Development

Key Organizations in International Community Development
Discover the key governmental and non-governmental (NGO) organizations involved in community development around the world. Examine the expansive mandate of the United Nations and the programming conducted by organizations such as World Vision, Amnesty International and the Red Cross.
Prerequisite: Foundations for International Community Development; Understanding the Issues in International Community Development

Sustainable International Community Development
Sustainable development challenges us to explore the connections between many of the major social, economic and environmental problems facing people in the world today. Sustainable development is an emerging issue for many governments, NGOs, educational institutions and communities globally. 
Prerequisites: Foundations for International Community Development; Understanding the Issues in International Community Development

 Faith-Based International Community Development

Take an in-depth look at the contribution of faith-based organizations (FBOs) in providing food, clothing and shelter to people in need worldwide. Such activities build community and personal health and empowerment. 
Prerequisites: Foundations for International Community Development; Understanding the Issues in International Community Development

Women and International Community Development
Globally, the status of women continues to be substantially inferior to that of men, and women have less access to resources and services. One goal of international development is to improve the status of women. Explore the contribution of women to community development. 
Prerequisites: Foundations for International Community Development; Understanding the Issues in International Community Development

Children and International Community Development
Discuss the role of children in community development. Are they marginal or central to developmental planning? Healthy child development depends on meeting basic needs for nutrition, clean water, shelter and education, as well as a nurturing environment. 
Prerequisites: Foundations for International Community Development; Understanding the Issues in International Community Development

Controversy in International Community Development
Foreign aid, while vital to the survival of many nations, may also contribute to the cycle of poverty and struggle. Explore a range of controversial issues in community development. Examine the pros and cons of foreign aid and develop a personal perspective on international issues. 
Prerequisites: Foundations for International Community Development; Understanding the Issues in International Community Development

Working in International Community Development
Identify a range of opportunities for getting involved in international community development. Explore the challenges of working or volunteering in your chosen field of community development, with a focus on preparing yourself for this type of experience.
Prerequisites: Foundations for International Community Development; Understanding the Issues in International Community Development

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Student Testimonial

"This program provided me with the tools and resources I needed to feel more confident about the volunteer work I do in the international community. It exposed me to a comprehensive understanding of the goals shared within the international community and encouraged me to critically consider the challenges and potential solutions, in ways that I wouldn’t have before this training. I appreciate the interactive learning the online program offers..."

- Janine Ballingall