Master of Agriculture (MAg)
Apply to the REES 12 month course-based masters program, which starts annually at the beginning of September. Applications open on November 1st, and the deadline to submit your complete application is March 1st.
The Department of Resource Economics and Environmental Sociology offers a course-based MAg program, with two possible areas of specialization:
- Agricultural & Resource Economics
- Rural & Environmental Sociology
The Masters in Agriculture program is designed for early and mid-career applicants to focus on topics in one of two areas: agricultural economics (agriculture and food policy, consumption, resources and environmental sustainability), or rural and environmental sociology (social movements, risk, resilience and Indigenous studies).
As a course-based program, the focus is on interpretation, adaptation, and application of research findings, rather than carrying out research. The program can typically be completed in one year, including the following requirements:
- Eight three-credit graduate-level courses
- A project that is equivalent to a one-term course
- Completion of the University Ethics, Professionalism, and Academic Integrity Program
- A four-year undergraduate degree, or its academic equivalent, in a relevant field from a recognized institution with a grade point average (GPA) above 3.0 out of 4.0
- Satisfaction of the English Language Requirement (IELTS minimum score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 on each band)
- Appropriate academic background, which includes training in agricultural economics, rural or environmental sociology or a related field such as human geography, environmental studies or anthropology.
- Students specializing in Agricultural Economics should typically have completed courses in: Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Quantitative Methods, Applied Economics
- Students specializing in Rural and Environmental Sociology should typically have completed courses in: Statistics, Quantitative and Qualitative Methods, Social Theory
Students are not required to have a supervisor before applying.
Summary of admission requirements
University CalendarStudent Testimonials
Hear from our students about their experiences and successes. We're proud of our alumni and the careers they enter after graduation, using what they learned in their degree to pursue their passions.
"My experience in the MAg program at the University of Alberta was incredible. The program's approach and the Professors’ expertise gave me invaluable skills to address real-world agricultural and economic challenges. And also gave me friends for life."
- Henrique Tanaka (MAg’24), Senior Risk Consultant with a Data Science Team
"My experience in the REES department equipped me with practical skills to address real-world challenges and complex issues. The supportive faculty and collaborative environment were instrumental in helping me build a strong foundation that I rely on daily in my career."
– Akiza Bebwa, Policy Analyst, Ministry of Energy and Minerals, Government of Alberta
"The MAg program at the University of Alberta’s REES department offered a rigorous academic environment and practical training in applied economics and policy analysis. The program's interdisciplinary approach, combined with exceptional guidance from faculty, were instrumental in shaping my professional capabilities and career trajectory.
– Joshua Nwora, Sales Development Manager, Coca-Cola Canada Bottling Limited
Specializations
Agricultural & Resource Economics
Agricultural economics is an applied field that typically explores issues related to agriculture, food production and consumption. Resource economics seeks to understand the supply and demand of natural resources, their role in the economy, and how to manage them for long term sustainability. These fields also make significant contributions to environmental issues. Research in REES has focused on resource, environment, and development economics; agriculture and food markets/policy; production economics and development; agricultural business; international agriculture; international development and trade.
Research topics
Research in REES has focused on resource, environment, and development economics; agriculture and food markets/policy; production economics and development; agricultural business; international agriculture; international development and trade.
Rural & Environmental Sociology
Rural sociology examines social structure and social change in rural areas, as well as issues such as food and agriculture, forestry, mining and energy development. Researchers in REES examine wide-ranging, interdisciplinary and international issues such as international development, globalization, food security, climate change, gender, and Indigenous community development. Environmental sociology examines societal-environmental interactions, often focusing on environmental problems, environmental risk, environmental values, consumption, waste, and consumer behaviour.
Research topics
Researchers in REES examine wide-ranging, interdisciplinary and international issues such as international development, globalization, food security, climate change and gender. Environmental sociology examines societal-environmental interactions, often focusing on environmental problems, environmental risk, environmental values, consumption, waste, and consumer behaviour.