ABOUT THE ACADEMY
The ECU Economic Development Academy serves seasoned economic developers and those new to the field by providing, relevant and affordable continuing education opportunities as well as an accessible credentialing program. The Academy is comprised of the North Carolina Certified Economic Developer Program and the Honors Seminar in Economic Development.
Offered in partnership with the North Carolina Economic Development Association, the certification program provides practical knowledge concerning the practice of economic development in North Carolina to economic development personnel, elected officials, business leaders and others interested in the field.
Participants who wish to earn their certification must complete seven (7) core courses and a capstone project for a total of 84 contact hours. While successfully completing the course of study will lead to the North Carolina Certified Economic Developer designation, courses may be taken as desired without formal matriculation in the certification
program.
PROGRAM COSTS and REQUIREMENTS
The 6 core courses and the Capstone course are $395 per course. Please contact UNC School of Government for the IEDC Basic Course cost, estimated cost $750. Please remember to budget for travel expenses, which are not included in course cost, as needed for participation.
One must be a member of the North Carolina Economic Developer Association to become certified. We recommend including the NCEDA Membership and Annual Conference in your budget. The certification announcement and recognition is shared at the annual event in June.
You may start the course work at any time:
Each course is offered once per year.
All courses must be completed before you may take the Capstone Project, which is offered annually.
Capstone Project applications are accepted in December and the course begins in January.