Two Indigenous Studies students at Georgian College in the Indigenous Resource Centre

Build stronger and healthier Indigenous communities

Indigenous Community and Social Development Ontario College Diploma, Co-op program

Learn to inspire community and social growth. Established program, experienced faculty. Two co-op work terms help lead to meaningful employment.

Program code ICSD
Duration 2 Years
Credential Ontario College Diploma, Co-op
Program Delivery Full-time
Program delivery method(s) In person What does this mean?

Program information

Program description

In this program, students focus on the planning, evaluation and administration of social/health care programs and services within Indigenous communities and organizations. Students study business and community development, health and well-being, language and culture while integrating cultural, social and health issues relevant to Indigenous peoples in Canada.

Cultural teachings and smudging are integrated daily throughout each academic semester in social activities, individual program courses, and Traditional Teacher/Elder visits.

Please note: Indigenous includes First Nations, Metis, Inuit and Non-Status People.

Intake information

Start dateCampus
Fall 2025 Barrie

Tuition and fees

Work-integrated learning

What are the admission requirements for the Indigenous Community and Social Development program?

Indigenous Community and Social Development admission requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or mature student status
  • Grade 12 English (C or U)

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/

Pathways

Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details:
www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

What career paths can I take as a graduate of this program?

Your Indigenous Community and Social Development diploma gives you many career opportunities

Students are prepared for administration and front-line staff positions within organizations such as community health centres, school boards, post-secondary institutions, social service organizations, healing lodges and mental health centres.

Why study Indigenous Community and Social Development at Georgian?

Program highlights

  • Receive an award-winning education in a culturally inclusive learning environment
  • Graduate job-ready in two years for a variety of frontline positions such as outreach worker, cultural resource specialist, restorative justice co-ordinator, youth worker, student advisor or court worker
  • Experience a unique blend of cultural teachings, language, and program and project administration within one program
  • Enjoy a home away from home in our Wiidookdaading Indigenous Resource Centre! Take part in cultural teachings, craft workshops, guest speaker events, feasts and more
  • Gain valuable work experience and workplace connections with exciting work-integrated learning opportunities
  • Access the many support services available in the Wiidookdaading Indigenous Resource Centre
  • Pathways to degree opportunities available

What courses are included in the Indigenous Community and Social Development diploma program?

Course overview

18 Program Courses
2 Communications Courses
4 General Education Courses
2 Co-op Work Terms

Program-specific courses

Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the Indigenous Community and Social Development program outline.

  • COMP 1003 – Microcomputer Applications
  • GNED 1010 – Ojibwe Language and Culture 1
  • INDG 1000 – Personal Growth and Development
  • INDG 1001 – Indigenous Heritage, Tradition and Culture
  • Select 1 course from the communications list during registration.
  • Select 1 course from the general education list during registration.

Your course delivery method(s)

In person

This program is delivered fully in person and requires you to attend campus.

Please note, delivery methods are based on planning for the upcoming semester and are subject to change.

Indigenous Studies students using computers inside the Indigenous Resource Centre at the Georgian College Barrie Campus

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Indigenous Studies student at Georgian College standing in front of a mural featuring an Indigenous medicine wheel

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Do you have questions about Indigenous Community and Social Development? Contact us!

Thinking about applying to Georgian?

Contact Michele O’Brien, Program Coordinator to explore your study options.

Already applied to Georgian?

Connect with the Office of the Registrar for admissions-related questions.

Are you an international student?

Contact our international recruitment team to learn more about studying at Georgian. 

Questions about Indigenous Services at Georgian?

Contact Alicia Thompson, Community Liaison Officer, Indigenous Services to learn more.

Ways to connect

Get to Know Georgian

Attend a Get to Know Georgian virtual info. session on Dec. 3 at 5 p.m.
Learn more.

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Take a guided, in-person tour
of our campuses.
Book a campus tour.

One-on-one appointments

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with a recruitment specialist.
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