The MSc in Rural Planning and Development is offered through our School of Environmental Design and Rural Development (SEDRD) and provides the opportunity for graduate study, research and professional development in either Canadian or international context.
Interdisciplinary study
Explore the challenges and opportunities faced by rural communities to find approaches, solutions, and processes of change for rural communities.
2-year accredited program
Ensure your career is on the right path with this two-year program accredited by the Professional Standards Board and the Canadian Institute of Planners.
Join world-class research programs
Benefit from the strong research networks developed by your supervising faculty members. Meet mentors and colleagues locally and globally.
Unique in Canada
University of Guelph has Canada’s only planning program exclusively focused on rural, Indigenous, and remote communities.
Focus on your interest
Study in either the Canadian or international stream and choose an emphasis: Community and Social Development; Land Use Planning; Resource and Environment Planning; Rural Policy, or Indigenous Planning.
Learn from the best
Work and study with leading national and international scholars and practitioners in rural planning and development.
The MSc program offers courses in all three semesters: Fall (September – December), Winter (January – April), and Summer (May – August). The MSc program typically offers at least one online course in each semester. Student may enroll in either full-time or part-time studies in the MSc program. Students select from three routes for completion of their studies:
- Thesis Route: Five (5) required courses, five (5) electives + thesis
- Major Research Paper Route: Five (5) required courses, seven (7) electives + a major research paper
- All-Course Route: Five (5) required courses + nine (9) electives
Students also select to study in one of the following streams:
- Canadian Stream: The focus of the Canadian stream is on rural, Indigenous, and remote communities in Canada. Students gain critical knowledge and skills sets in planning theory, planning law, plan formation, implementation, project management, and evaluation. These skills are developed and demonstrated through community-based course projects, case studies, and student research.
- International Stream: The International stream prepares students for practice and research in rural and regional development planning in the international context. It focuses on the rural regional dimension within a national or global context, in particular the policy, planning and management processes that are driving development interventions. It emphasizes applied research and practice based on a firm foundation of theory.
Both streams are recognized by the Professional Standards Board, the Ontario Professional Planners Institute, and the Canadian Institute of Planners.
Collaborative Degree Opportunities
Rural Planning and Development participates in the International Development Studies (IDS) collaborative specialization. The MSc degree for students in this program will have the specialist designation Rural Planning and Development: International Development Studies. Please consult the International Development Studies listing for a detailed description of the collaborative specialization including the special additional requirements for each of the participating departments.
Rural Planning and Development participates in the collaborative specialization in One Health. Master’s students wishing to undertake thesis research or their major research paper/project with an emphasis on One Health are eligible to apply to register concurrently in Rural Planning and Development and the collaborative specialization. Students should consult the One Health listing for more information.
- Rural Research Methods
- Planning and Development Theory
- Foundations in Rural Planning Practice
- Land Use Planning Law
- International Rural Development Planning
- Rural Development Administration
This is just a sample of the courses. View all course requirements and options here.
Sample careers this program supports, include:
- Planners with local, provincial, federal governments
- Policy and program analysts
- Consultants with Canadian and international companies
- International development agencies�
- Community and economic development
- Community advocates
- Environmental/conservation planning
The MSc program and the University of Guelph provide a series of scholarships and funding supports to graduate students. That being said, the MSc program in Rural Planning and Development is predominantly a self-funded professional program. As such, students need to be prepared to cover the full costs of the program. Here are a few funding supports that may be available:
- Entrance Scholarships: Each year the MSc program strives to provide entrance scholarships to student with strong academic performance. The value and quantity of this financial support changes from year to year.
- Graduate Research Assistantships: Faculty members may have opportunities for graduate students to work on funded research projects. The funded research initiatives change from year to year. For further information please contact individual faculty members.
- Graduate Teaching Assistantships: The School of Environmental Design and Rural Development typically hires a small number of graduate students to provide support to undergraduate courses. These positions are advertised in advance of each semester.
- University Scholarships: The University of Guelph offers many resources to financially support graduate students. Explore your funding options on the Graduate Studies website.