The Master of Applied Environmental Studies (MAES) in Local Economic Development (LED) is a one-year Master's program that balances theory and practice. Your eight one-term courses and research paper will give you the theory behind economic and community development.
Through a four-month internship and weekly seminars with professors and economic development professionals, you'll gain practical skills and valuable experience.
The program is directly linked to current trends in local economic development in Canada through the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) continuing education program for practicing economic developers, the core functions of which take place each year on the University of Waterloo campus.
The MAES degree in Local Economic Development is recognized by the Economic Developers Association of Canada as part of their professional certification.
The program is not available by distance eduction nor online. However, we do try to cluster our courses into one to two days per week to facilitate part-time students taking these courses. The Faculty of Environment does offer a Master of Environment and Business program, which is offered online.
The overall goal of the program is to prepare you for a career in local/community economic development. This general goal is supported by several specific objectives:
