Community Development Work
How To Apply
Program Details
- Program Code1230
- Credential TypeOntario College Diploma
- SchoolSchool of Community and Health Studies
- Program TypePost-secondary program
- Program Length2 years/ 4 semesters
- LocationAshtonbee Campus
- Emailcommunitystudiesashtonbee@centennialcollege.ca
- Telephone416-289-5000
Program Availability
- Program Overview
- Courses
- Career Options and Education Pathways
- Admission Requirements
- How to Apply
- Tuition and Fees
- Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
- Centennial Stories
- Faculty Members
- Advising Services
- Indigenous Studies
The Community Development Work Diploma is a two-year program that prepares you to work with diverse communities and create positive social change. You’ll learn through classroom study, skill-building workshops, and hands-on field placements that connect theory to real-world practice.
Throughout the program, you’ll explore topics such as community engagement, social policy, equity and inclusion, program planning, advocacy, and participatory research. Courses focus on collaboration, critical thinking, and practical problem-solving—skills that help you work effectively with individuals, groups, and organizations across many settings.
A key part of the program is your field placement. Under the guidance of experienced professionals, you’ll complete placements with community organizations, non-profits, advocacy groups, or municipal agencies. These experiences let you build professional connections, gain real-world experience, and make a tangible difference in your community.
When you graduate, you’ll be ready for roles such as community outreach worker and program coordinator in organizations like Community Health Centres and settlement agencies—and you’ll have the skills and confidence to help communities grow stronger and more inclusive.
Want to keep pursuing your education afterwards? This program can also lead you directly into year three of a university bachelor degree in Social and Community Development.
Please note: This program is taught using a combination of modalities. Courses may be delivered face-to-face, online, or in a blended/hybrid combination of both online and traditional classroom teaching.
Program Overview
The Community Development Work Diploma is a two-year program that prepares you to work with diverse communities and create positive social change. You’ll learn through classroom study, skill-building workshops, and hands-on field placements that connect theory to real-world practice.
Throughout the program, you’ll explore topics such as community engagement, social policy, equity and inclusion, program planning, advocacy, and participatory research. Courses focus on collaboration, critical thinking, and practical problem-solving—skills that help you work effectively with individuals, groups, and organizations across many settings.
A key part of the program is your field placement. Under the guidance of experienced professionals, you’ll complete placements with community organizations, non-profits, advocacy groups, or municipal agencies. These experiences let you build professional connections, gain real-world experience, and make a tangible difference in your community.
When you graduate, you’ll be ready for roles such as community outreach worker and program coordinator in organizations like Community Health Centres and settlement agencies—and you’ll have the skills and confidence to help communities grow stronger and more inclusive.
Want to keep pursuing your education afterwards? This program can also lead you directly into year three of a university bachelor degree in Social and Community Development.
Please note: This program is taught using a combination of modalities. Courses may be delivered face-to-face, online, or in a blended/hybrid combination of both online and traditional classroom teaching.
Courses
Career Options and Education Pathways
Companies Offering Jobs
Toronto Community Housing, City of Toronto, United Way of GTA, Centennial College, Municipal Councilor Offices, Agincourt Community Services Association, Woodgreen Community Services, Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities, Settlement Services, Community Health Centres.
Program Highlights
- The Community Development Work program will provide you with the opportunity to practice your acquired knowledge under the supervision of community practitioners in two separate real-world fieldwork settings during the third and fourth semesters.
- You'll be exposed to opportunities for international development placements.
- As a student of the School of Community and Health Studies program, you'll work in communities to advocate for change strategies that promote social, economic and environmental justice, and challenge patterns of oppression and discrimination.
Global Citizenship and Equity Portfolio
You'll develop a portfolio documenting your engagement with the College's signature Global Citizenship and Equity (GC&E) competencies. For more information on GC&E, the GC&E portfolio and the supports available to you, please visit //www.centennialcollege.ca/about-centennial/college-overview/signature-learning-experience.
Experiential Learning Opportunities
Your learning extends beyond the classroom through guest speakers, community site visits, field trips, and applied projects. These hands-on experiences help you connect theory to practice and see how community development really happens.
Supportive Learning Environment
Learn in a welcoming and inclusive setting where collaboration and respect come first. Small classes and dedicated instructors offer personalized support, mentorship, and guidance to help you reach your goals.
Field Placement Experience
Put your skills into action with a supervised field placement at a community organization, non-profit, or advocacy group. You’ll gain real-world experience, build professional networks, and make a meaningful impact in your community.
Practical, Skills-Focused Curriculum
Build the essential skills employers value—community engagement, facilitation, advocacy, program planning, and participatory research. Graduate ready to take on real challenges and create positive change in diverse communities.
Stackable Certificate
During your two years in the program, you'll have the opportunity to obtain a Stackable Certificate in Indigenous Studies: First Peoples in Canada.
Pathways to Further Education and Career Growth
This diploma opens doors to rewarding roles in community organizations and provides direct pathways into related university degrees, including Sheridan’s Bachelor of Social and Community Development and Humber’s Bachelor of Community Development.
Community Engagement & Development
- Community Outreach or Engagement Worker
- Community Development Officer
- Community Animator/Organizer
- Community Connections Coordinator
Social & Human Services
- Systems Navigator
- Housing Stability Coordinator
- Youth Worker
- Employment Specialist
- Recreation Specialist
Health & Well-Being
- Community Health Worker/Ambassador
- Health Promoter
- Food Security Engagement Coordinator
Equity, Advocacy & Policy
- Diversity and Inclusion Specialist
- Civic Engagement / Social Responsibility Coordinator
- Constituency Assistant
- Grants Officer
- Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Lead
- Social Enterprise Coordinator
Career Outlook
- Program Manager
- Project Manager
- Manager of Community Development Initiatives
- Community Development Worker
- Community Outreach Worker
- Community Animator
- Non
- for
- Profit Community Development Consultant
- Community Support Worker
- Community Health Work(er)
- Change Maker
- Health Promoter
- Civic Engagement/Social Responsibilities Roles
- Sustainable Neighborhood Program Assistant
- Social Innovator
- Community Connections Coordinator
- Food Security Engagement Coordinator
- Project Coordinator
- Training Coordinator
- Community Engagement Coordinator
- Community Organizer
- Community Convener
- Housing Stability Coordinator
- Environmental
- Social and Governance (ESG) Lead
- Social Enterprise Coordinator
- Youth Development Worker
- Peer mentor
- Youth Services Worker
- Fundraising specialist
- Grants Officer
- Program Specialist
- Employment Specialist
- Community Engagement Specialist
- Recreation Specialist
- Diversity and Inclusion Specialist
Education Pathways
Graduates of this Community Development Work diploma program have the opportunity to apply learning achieved at Centennial for credits toward further study. Listed below are the programs from partnering institutions that are available for this program.
Please note that each each partner has minimum admission requirements to be met in order to qualify for transfer credits, which are assessed by the partner institution.
| Partner Institution | Degree |
|---|---|
| Algoma University | Bachelor or Honours Bachelor of Arts in Community, Economic and Social Development |
| Bachelor or Honours Bachelor of Arts in multiple majors | |
| Bachelor of Arts in Community Development | |
| Bachelor of Science in multiple majors | |
| Athabasca University | Bachelor of Professional Arts in Human Services |
| Centennial College | International Development Graduate Certificate (Optional Co-op) |
| Humber Polytechnic | Bachelor of Community Development |
| Lakehead University | Bachelor or Honours Bachelor degree in any major |
| Laurentian University | Bachelor or Honours Bachelor of Arts in multiple majors |
| Nipissing University | Bachelor or Honours Bachelor of Arts in multiple majors |
| Ontario Tech University | Honours Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies |
| Honours Bachelor of Commerce (bridge) | |
| Seneca Polytechnic | Honours Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies |
| Sheridan College | Honours Bachelor of Social and Community Development |
| Toronto Metropolitan University | Bachelor of Arts in Disability Studies |
| Bachelor of Health Administration degree completion | |
| Windsor, University of | Honours Bachelor of Arts in Disability Studies for CAAT Graduates |
| York University | Bachelor or Honours Bachelor degree in any major |
| Honours Bachelor of Health Studies | |
| Honours Bachelor of Public Administration | |
| Bachelor or Honours Bachelor of Social Science in multiple majors |
Please visit our website at //centennial.adv-pub.moveonca.com/outgoing-home/ for more information on articulation agreements.
For pathways to other Ontario post-secondary institutions, please visit ONTransfer.
Educational Partners
Woodgreen Community Services, Action Against Hunger, City of Toronto, United Way of GTA, Afghan's Women Association, Toronto Community Housing, Agincourt Community Services, Action for Neighborhood Change, Evergreen Brick Works, Social Services Network, Park People, City of Toronto, United Way of GTA, ChocoSol Chocolate Traders, Community-Based Tourism Network & Tubagua Ecolodge (Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic).
Placement Partners
Local: City of Toronto, Community Development Unit, Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) - Resident Engagement Unit, Council of Agencies Serving South Agencies (CASSA), For Youth Initiative, East End Community Health Centre, Working Women Community Centre, Community Outreach Canada, East Scarborough Storefront, Rexdale Women's Center, Victoria Park Action for Neighborhood Change, Art Heart, Telecare Family Services, Birchmount Bluffs Neighborhood Center, Toronto Intergenerational Partnerships, City of Markham, Impact'n'Communities, Tropicana Community Services, Park People, Asoni Organization, Warden Woods Community Centre, Community Resouce Centre (CRC) Markham, DurhamONE, The Neighbourhood Organization (TNO), Big Brothers Big Sisters, Second Chance, Riverdale Immigrant Women's Centre (RIWC), Corbrook, Eastview Community Health Centre, Bangladeshi Community Services.
International: Dominican Republic-Community Based Tourism Network, Peru-Learning for Hope, South Africa-United Nations, Bangfladesh-B.R.A.C., Ghana-Support Youth Agnecy, Costa Rica-Tech University (supporting Indigenous youth).
Areas of Employment
Areas of EmploymentAdmission Requirements
Academic Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older)
- Grade 12 English (C or U), or equivalent (minimum grade required), or take the Centennial College Centennial English Admission Test
Additional Requirements
Semester Requirements
A C Grade is required in all core courses.
How to Apply
1. Apply Online
Domestic Students
If you are applying through the Better Jobs Ontario Program, please work with an Employment Ontario service provider. For more information go to Better Jobs Ontario Program.
If you have previously attended a full-time program at Centennial College, you may be eligible for a Program Transfer. Visit Enrolment Services at any Campus for information.
All other applicants must apply online at Ontariocolleges.ca. A non-refundable application fee of $150 must accompany applications. The fee is payable online, by telephone, online banking, by mail, or in-person to Ontariocolleges.ca. For more information go to Ontariocolleges.ca Application Fees.
International Students
Apply directly to Centennial College here.
2. Submit Documents
Domestic Applicants
Current Ontario high school students and graduates from Ontario high schools: Notify your guidance counsellor that you have applied to college and your school will forward transcripts to Centennial College via Ontariocolleges.ca.
Graduates of college/university, or high school outside Ontario but within Canada: You are responsible for requesting that your educational institute sends any required documents and transcripts to Ontariocolleges.ca.
Domestic applicants who attended school outside of Canada: If you are submitting transcripts to meet admission requirements, you must have the transcripts assessed by an independent credential assessment agency such as World Education Services (WES) or International Credential Assessment Service (ICAS). For more information go to Submitting your Transcripts.
International Applicants
Please refer to the International Education Application Guide.
3. Confirm Your Offer of Admission
Offers of Admission are sent by mail to eligible applicants. When you receive your offer, you must login to your account at Ontariocolleges.ca and confirm before the Deadline to Confirm noted in your offer letter.
You may confirm only one college and one program offer at a time.
You must confirm your offer by the Deadline to Confirm noted in your Offer of Admission letter or your seat may be given to another applicant.
When you confirm your Offer of Admission at Centennial College you are given access to your personal myCentennial account where you can check your email, grades, register for courses, pay tuition fees, and see your class timetable.
4. Pay Fees
Centennial fees statements are sent by email to your personal email account and to your myCentennial email account. Fees statements are not mailed.
You must make a minimum payment by the Fees Deadline noted in your Fees Statement or your seat may be given to another applicant.
5. Build Your Timetable (Register for Courses)
Build your timetable (web-register for courses) at my.centennialcollege.ca.
Fall registration begins mid-July
January registration begins mid-December
May registration begins mid-April
Your web-registration will not open if:
You have not submitted your minimum fee payment by the deadline
You received a Conditional Offer of Admission and you have not met the conditions of your offer.
Once you have paid your fees or have made appropriate arrangements, register for your courses online through myCentennial.
Tuition and Fees
Fees noted below are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters, beginning Fall 2025.
| Student | Tuition (2 Semesters) | Ancillary Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | $2,721.00 | $1,347.33 | $4,068.33 |
| International | $17,148.00 | $1,845.28 | $18,993.28 |
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes describe what graduates of the program have demonstrated they can do with the knowledge and skills they have achieved during their studies. The outcomes are closely tied to the needs of the workplace. Through assessment (e.g., assignments and tests), students verify their ability to reliably perform these outcomes before graduating.
- Maintain professional working relationships which adhere to ethical standards when dealing with potential conflict of interests within the community.
- Identify personal values and motivational goals that would assist in the successful implementation of community projects.
- Apply leadership, team building, networking, conflict resolution and organizational skills to working in teams with a variety of populations.
- Advocate for community needs, values and goals through community agencies and professional organizations.
- Apply principles of community development to a variety of diverse individuals, organizations and communities in order to meet the special needs of multicultural groups.
- Contribute to the design, implementation, and evaluation of community development programs and services aimed at addressing community needs and reducing social inequalities.
- Analyze trends and issues in the political, social and economic environment of a community in order to effectively deliver contemporary community program.
- Assess community needs based on community member consultation, feedback from community workers and the use of community assessment tools.
- Provide appropriate referral information to assist individuals, groups and organizations in accessing existing services and community resources.
- Develop Community Development policy that facilitates social empowerment and promotes global citizenship, diversity, equity and inclusion.
- Apply fundraising strategies to secure resources for the implementation of community programs that facilitate personal, organizational and community goals.
- Examine contemporary Community Development research in order to identify and implement specific community development approaches that will best promote community action.