The MSc and PhD in Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics (FARE) are offered through the Department of FARE with two key areas of study: 1) Food and agricultural economics, and 2) Natural resource and environmental economics. Both programs are focused on developing a fundamental understanding of economic principles and their application to agricultural, resource, rural and related issues through research. Problem identification, conceptualization skills, and communication skills are also an important area of development.
Best in Canada
Study in Canada’s top agricultural economics program in the Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of Guelph.
Elevate your impact
Broaden your career options by achieving a high-quality graduate degree and improve your ability to make a difference in the world.
Research-based studies
Alongside faculty members and other students, you will develop, conduct and publish impactful research in your area of plant interest.
Collegial environment
Join a department dedicated to providing you with a superior learning experience. You will be treated as a colleague, receive significant one-on-one attention and given challenging and rewarding opportunities.
Rigorous economics training
Receive a well-rounded education through a combination of economic theory, quantitative methods, agricultural economics subject matter and applied research experience.
Explore your options
Securing a faculty advisor is not required for application. You will select an advisor during the first two semesters of the program providing you time to explore your research and learning options.
- Methodologies of Econometrics
- International Food Sector and Policy Analysis
- Natural Resource Economics
- Applied Policy Analysis
- Agricultural Trade Relations
- Food Firms, Consumers and Market
- Applied Microeconomics for Agricultural Economists
- Applied Quantitative Methods for Agricultural Economists
- Policy analyst
- Professor
- Research associate
- Economist
- Data scientist
- Consultant
- Chief officer
MSc and PhD graduates from the Department of FARE apply their rigorous training and research experience in a number of rewarding ways. Many of our graduates take positions in government, such as the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs, Health Canada, and Forestry Canada. Some join private firms or become sought-after consultants. Others become professors.
A career destination survey of 203 MSc graduates and 40 PhD graduates of the department found these results:
- Master’s Destinations: FARE Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Doctoral Destinations: FARE Fact Sheet (PDF)
- MSc students are funded upwards of $22,000 per year
- PhD students are funded upwards of $30,000 per year
Many of our graduate students also compete successfully for University of Guelph scholarships and awards.
More details on funding your graduate studies are available on the Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies website.
MSc Program: The aim of the MSc program is to develop in students a fundamental understanding of economic principles and their application in identifying and solving relevant problems related to food, agriculture, and natural resources. The MSc requires the completion and defense of a research-based thesis and can be completed in approximately 5 or 6 semesters.
Admission Requirements: B- average over the past two years in a four-year honours degree in Food, Agriculture or Resource Economics (or in a field of economics). Students are expected to have already taken the following basic courses as part of their undergraduate studies:
- Intermediate level micro-economic theory (ECON*2310 or equivalent)
- Calculus and matrix algebra with applications to economics (ECON*2770 or equivalent)
- Intermediate level statistics (ECON*3740 or equivalent)
- Advanced microeconomic theory (ECON*3710 or equivalent) course at the undergraduate level is strongly recommended as preparation for the MSc program.
- Applicants are not required to write the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
PhD Program: Students in the PhD program focus on an area of specialization relevant to their thesis research, plus complete courses in microeconomic theory and economic research methods. The PhD program requires the successful completion of a qualifying exam and the completion and defense of a research-based thesis in 12 semesters.
Admission Requirements: A minimum of 73% (B) in your Master’s program equivalent to the MSc in FARE (Note: most successful applicants have an average of 80%, A-, or higher). PhD applicants are required to write the General Graduate Record Examination (GRE-General only)