Guelph University - Master of Science in Capacity Development and Extension

Capacity Development and Extension (CDE) offers a professionally oriented programme leading to the MSc degree. The programme covers a broad range of topics including rural extension theory, adult learning and development, capacity development, interpersonal communication, communication technology and international extension. 

 MSc programme is completed between four to six semesters. The MSc degree is based on either coursework plus a major paper option or the option of reduced coursework with the design and defense of a research-based thesis.

The Capacity Development and Extension curriculum focuses on:

•     Historical, philosophical and sociological foundations of capacity building
•     Extension theory and methods
•     Adult learning and development
•     Facilitation and conflict management
•     Capacity building and sustainable development
•     Decision making and conflict
•     Qualitative and quantitative research methods

The programme consists of a set of requirements:

•     Foundations of Capacity Building and Extension
•     Research Design
•     Quantitative or Qualitative Techniques

Plus Restricted Electives:

•     Community Engagement and Public Participation
•     Capacity Building for Sustainable Development
•     Facilitation and Conflict Management
•     Readings in Capacity Building and Extension
•     Communication for Social and Environmental Change
•     Community Environmental Leadership

Plus Open Electives in other areas of research interest, such as community media, gender studies, children, youth and development, project management, implementation analysis, innovation systems theory and practice, action learning, environmental education, etc.

In addition to course work, students write a thesis or major research paper on a topic approved by his/her Advisory Committee. The THESIS option requires that students complete six courses (three core courses, plus two restricted electives, plus one open elective), in addition to the thesis. The MAJOR PAPER option requires that students complete eight courses (three core courses, plus four restricted electives, plus one open elective), in addition to the major research paper.

Click here for more detail on the courses.

CDE is a learner-centered community, grounded in practice-based theories. CDE values social justice through shared decision-making, open communication, respect for difference, and commitment to conflict management. The programme seeks to pursue creative and independent thought in their intellectual pursuits.

A variety of learning formats are offered by the programme including independent study, seminars, a practicum, international courses, and research colloquia.

As interns, graduate research assistants, or leaders of their own class-based learning projects, CDE students are engaged in professional work contexts. Faculty work with interested graduate students to connect them with community service and research initiatives. Projects and internships vary from semester-long postings with international agencies to short-term collaboration with local organisations.

Freire, P. (2002). Chapter 2. In P. Freire, Pedagogy of the Oppressed, 30th Anniversary Edition, M.B. Ramos, (Trans.), (pp. 71-86). New York: Continuum.
Handley, Karen, Andrew Sturdy, Robin Fincham, and Timothy Clark (2006). "Within and Beyond Communities of Practice: Making Sense of Learning Through Participation, Identity and Practice." Journal of Management Studies 43:641-653.
Klerkx L.aurens W. Andy Hall and Cees Leeuwis (2009). Strengthening agricultural innovation capacity: Are innovation brokers the answer? International Journal of Agricultural Resources, Governance and Ecology 8(5/6): 409–438.
Lauzon, A.C. (2005) Extension and Rural Learning. In International Encyclopedia of Adult Education. L. English (ed), Palgrave MacMillan.
Leeuwis, Cees and Noelle Aarts (2011) Rethinking Communication in Innovation Processes: Creating Space for Change in Complex Systems, The Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension, 17:1, 21-36
Mulder, Martin (2001). "Competence development - some background thoughts." The Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension 7:147-158
Peschi, M.F. (2007). Triple Loop Learning as Foundation for Profound Change, Individual Cultivation and Radical Innovation. Constructivist Foundations. 2(2-3):136-145.
Reason, Peter (2002). “Justice, Sustainability, and Participation.” Concepts and Transformations 7 (1): 7-29.
Ubels, Jan, Naa-Aku Acquaye-Baddoo and Alan Fowler. (2010). Chapter 1. In Capacity Development in Practice, Edited By, London: Earthscan.
Wenger, Etienne C., and William M. Snyder (2000). Communities of Practice: The Organizational Frontier. Harvard Business Review January-February 2000.
Wilkins, Karin Gwinn, Thomas Tufte and Rafael Obregon (2014) Handbook of development communication and social change. Wiley. New York.
Wilkins, Karin Gwinn and Florencia Engel, eds. (2012). Nordicom Review Special Issue, 33.

Click here for publications by Associate Professor, Helen Hambly Odame.

Click here for publications by Acting Director and Professor, Al Lauzon.

Key academic staff related to this Masters Degree are:

Helen Hambly Odame, Course Co-ordinator and Associate Professor
She joined SEDRD - Capacity Development and Extension in September 2003. She has more than 20 years of experience in international research and development programmes in Africa, North Africa and Latin America. She came to the University of Guelph after 8 years as a research and training officer with the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). Helen has also worked with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the non-governmental sector in Canada. Helen is the Capacity Development and Extension Graduate Coordinator.
Click here for more information about Helen Hambly Odame.

Al Lauzon, Acting Director, SEDRD and Professor
Al Lauzon is currently a professor in the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development. Al has degrees in psychology, extension education, and adult education and community development. He teaches in the Capacity Development and Extension MSc programme and also teaches in and is the Coordinator of the Capacity Development and Extension master's programme and the Rural Studies PhD programme. Click here for more information about Al Lauzon.

Ricardo Ramirez, Adjunct Faculty

Ricardo Ramirez's work in the field of information and communication technology (ICT) emphasises participatory action research. He has worked with communication as a component of rural and remote development projects with NGOs, universities, consulting firms, and the United Nations. He was associate professor of Capacity Development and Extension in the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development where he remains as adjunct professor.  Click here for more information about Ricardo Ramirez.