Search

Programs

Programs by Area of Study

Course Descriptions

Arts and Science Electives

Tuition Rates

Academic Schedule

Academic Regulations and Policies

Admissions Regulations

Registration Regulations

Student Financial Support

Student Records Regulations

Graduation Regulations

About Northern Lights College

Division of Academic and Vocational Programs

Division of Trades and Apprenticeship Programs

Division of Continuing Education

Community Development Worker Diploma

Location(s): ​Dawson Creek, ​Fort St. John, Chetwynd, ​Fort Nelson, and ​Tumbler Ridge

The Community Development Worker Diploma provides students with the knowledge, skills, and applied preparation required to work in the field of community development. Through a two-year program of study, students develop competencies to support economic and social development initiatives in diverse community settings. The diploma may also provide pathways for transfer to further post-secondary education.

The information on this program page is a summary of the official Program Information and Completion Guide approved by NLC’s Education Council

Career Prospects

Graduates of the Community Development Diploma may be qualified to seek employment in social development or economic development in local government, non-profit or business sectors. Students who are already employed may use this program to enhance their skills and knowledge base. 

Details

Intakes

LocationStartingType
ChetwyndFallFull-Time, Part-Time
WinterFull-Time, Part-Time
SpringFull-Time, Part-Time
Dawson CreekFallFull-Time, Part-Time
WinterFull-Time, Part-Time
SpringFull-Time, Part-Time
Fort St JohnFallFull-Time, Part-Time
WinterFull-Time, Part-Time
SpringFull-Time, Part-Time
Fort NelsonFallFull-Time, Part-Time
WinterFull-Time, Part-Time
SpringFull-Time, Part-Time
Tumbler RidgeFallFull-Time, Part-Time
WinterFull-Time, Part-Time
SpringFull-Time, Part-Time

Length

60 credits (915 hours), minimum.
This is a two year program taken over four semesters as full-time study.  Part-time study is an option; however, all Community Development Diploma courses must be completed within six years of program admission.

Estimated Program Fees

Program fee type: Academic
Costs indicated are estimates for a full-time course load.
Book, instruments, supplies, uniforms/clothing and third-party fees are additional.

Domestic Fees

 TuitionStudent FeesInstruction-related
Fees		Total
Year 1$ TBD$ TBD$ TBD$ TBD
Year 2 (estimated)$ TBD$TBD$ TBD$ TBD

International Fees

 TuitionStudent FeesInstruction-related
Fees		International
Medical Insurance		Total
Year 1$ TBD$ TBD$ TBD$ 289.80*$ TBD
Year 2 (estimated)$ TBD$ TBD$ TBD$ TBD

*Per four months

Still have questions?

Contact:

Admission Requirements

A. Domestic students and students from countries that practice Standard Written English (see Appendix A) must have official transcripts demonstrating that they have met the English Requirements: One of the following with a “C” grade or higher: English 12 or English Literature 12 or English First Peoples 12, ENGL 050, or ENGL 099. Alternatively, any university-level English course with a “C” grade or higher. Students who do not meet one of the above English requirements must complete the NLC Writing Assessment for appropriate course placement. 

B. International students who do not meet the requirement A. above, and domestic students who received their secondary education in French or another language, must show that they have met the NLC English requirement: see Appendix A (General Academic English Language Proficiency Requirements)
plus,

C. Students must have official transcripts demonstrating the following Math Requirement: One of the following with a ‘C’ grade (60%) or higher: Pre-calculus 11, Principles of Mathematics 11, Foundations of Math 11, MATH 040, or equivalent. Alternatively, readiness for MATH 050 as determined by the CCP Math appraisal.

Note that some course options have specific prerequisites.  Meeting the program entrance requirements does not ensure course prerequisites have been met for all available courses.

Important Notes

  1. This program is eligible for Canada Student Loans. Visit Student Aid BC to apply for financial assistance online. Note that dual credit students and International students are not eligible for Student Aid.
  2. The Community Development Diploma at NLC may be recognized for up to 60 transfer credits to other universities or colleges.   For individual, course-by-course transfer to various institutions, students are advised to consult the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca/

Program Requirements

Residency Requirement50% of all coursework must be completed at Northern Lights College. Note that a minimum 60% or ‘C’ grade is required for courses to be considered for transfer into this program.
Minimum Grade Requirements2.00 program Grade Point Average (GPA); D grade (50%) minimum in all courses

*Please note the following break down is based on a student beginning their program in the Fall semester. Students starting in other semesters should consult with the course catalogue in Borealis and with a Program Advisor when selecting courses.

First Year Required courses:

First Year Options Courses:
(choose two courses, with no more than one selected from any one thematic area)

Political Economy and Organizational Life:

Social Equity, Policy and Community Practice:

Law, Governance and Indigenous Perspectives:

Additional First Year Course Requirement:

  • One open elective course (3.0 credits)

Second Year Required courses:

Second Year Options Courses:
(choose three courses, with no more than two selected from any one thematic area)

Political Economy and Organizational Life:

Entrepreneurship, Business Development, and Marketing:

Social Equity, Policy and Community Practice:

Law, Governance and Indigenous Perspectives:

Research, Data and Technology:

Additional Second Year Course Requirement:

  • One open elective course (3.0 credits)

Notes:

  • Students must plan their program accordingly to ensure pre-requisite courses are taken prior to choosing electives. 
  • Students should consider post diploma plans when choosing open electives. In particular, students moving on to degree programs are advised to consult with receiving institutions to ensure they have the required courses.

Credential

Community Development Worker Diploma