Created in 1999, the Department of Rural Development examines the implications of the changes rural society is currently experiencing, and looks to gain an understanding of solutions being used and proposed.

The establishment of the Department of Rural Development at Brandon University in 1999 was a response to the issues facing rural communities. The Department of Rural Development will increasingly become a resource for affecting change in these communities. The Department offers programs focused on rural studies and rural development that are unique in Western Canada. The Department offers undergraduate majors and a minor in Rural and Community Studies. the undergraduate majors include a cooperative option. Graduate programs include a Master of Arts in Rural Development and a Graduate Diploma in Rural Development.

The Department of Rural Development has a very close relationship to the Rural Development Institute (RDI) and look forward to continuing this relationship with Dr. Wayne Kelly, the new Director of RDI. https://www.brandonu.ca/rdi/person/wayne-kelly/