HOLISTIC APPROACH

If you build a mine, but destroy the environment, was it a success? Should you pursue prosperity today at the risk of impoverishing future generations?

Too often, our society regards economic and social development as separate, unrelated issues, says Brent Krmpotich, Algoma University’s director of marketing, communication and student recruitment.

But Algoma’s one-of-akind four-year Bachelor of Arts in Community, Economic and Social Development (CESD) purposely takes a holistic approach. “Students in the program are focused on helping communities thrive socially, as well as economically,” he says.

A distinctive interdisciplinary program, CESD integrates social work, sociology, political science, geography, economics and business administration. The aim: to give students the knowledge and understanding they need to advocate for positive change, fight for economic and social equality and defend human rights.

The hands-on degree requires students to complete work placements in third and fourth year that have included Habitat for Humanity, Batchawana First Nations, Garden River First Nations and the United Way, among others.

Students who wish to make meaningful change in their community can learn more about the CESD program at AlgomaU.ca.