Community Design (BCD) (Major)

Program Overview

The Community Design program at Dalhousie University is designed for students passionate about enhancing the quality of life in communities. This undergraduate program offers a unique opportunity to customize your degree while gaining practical experience in planning sustainable environments. Students will engage in hands-on learning that emphasizes the importance of sustainability and community well-being. The program is housed within the Faculty of Architecture and Planning, located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and is committed to fostering a deep sense of social responsibility among its students.

Program Structure

The Community Design program is structured to provide a comprehensive education in planning, with a focus on sustainability and community engagement. The program offers various options to tailor your educational experience:

• Program Length: Typically spans four years for a Bachelor’s degree.
• Options for Honours, Internship, Major, and Minor.
• Experiential learning opportunities through internships in local planning organizations.
• Small class sizes to promote a collegial and cooperative learning atmosphere.
• Combination of lectures, seminars, and studio courses to cover foundational theories of planning.

Students are encouraged to connect with academic advisors to explore various program options, including specialized Honours tracks in Urban Design and Environmental Planning.

Featured Experiences

• Hands-on learning through community projects and real-life planning scenarios.
• Internship opportunities with local planning organizations, enhancing practical experience.
• Collaboration with community clients to address real-world issues.
• Networking opportunities through established relationships with professional planning organizations.
• Experiential learning emphasized through place-based projects.

Career Options

Graduates of the Community Design program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

• Urban Planner: Focuses on developing land use plans and programs that help create communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize physical facilities.
• Sustainability and Climate Change Planner: Works on strategies to mitigate climate change impacts and promote sustainable practices in urban development.
• Transportation Planner: Specializes in designing and improving transportation systems to enhance mobility and accessibility in urban areas.
• GIS Analyst: Utilizes Geographic Information Systems to analyze spatial data and support planning decisions.
• Community Development Coordinator: Engages with community members to develop programs and initiatives that promote social and economic development.

BCD Honours graduates have the opportunity to pursue further studies or become Registered Professional Planners, enhancing their qualifications and career prospects.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.