Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
This is a four-year research-based PhD program, with three possible areas of specialization:
- Agricultural and Resource Economics
- Rural & Environmental Sociology
- Forest Economics
Before beginning your application to the REES Doctor of Philosophy, please review the University Calendar or the following admission and program requirements.
Summary of Admission Requirements Complete Program Requirements (PDF)
Funding Options
- REES offers guaranteed funding of approximately $25,000/year
- Selected excellent doctoral students can receive up to $37,500/year in funding
Student 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.
"Pursuing a PhD at REES has been one of the best professional decisions I’ve made. Throughout the program, I discovered my passion for research, honed my skills and expertise, and realized my potential to become an academic. Along the way, I also built lifelong relationships with mentors and friends who have profoundly shaped my journey."
– Lusi Xie, Assistant Professor at the University of Georgia
"REES provided me with rigorous economics training that has enabled my success in government, consulting, and academic roles. I also benefitted from exceptional supervision in the Department, and have received ongoing career-development support since graduating."
– Claire Doll, Research Fellow, UWA Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy
"The graduate program in REES provided me with exceptional opportunities to realize my potential. The interdisciplinary and collegial department culture fostered innovative collaborations which pushed me to think of problems in new ways. I felt very prepared to enter the competitive job market and tackle major environmental challenges."
– Angeline Letourneau, PhD, Hennebach Assistant Professor in Energy Transitions and Society, Colorado School of Mines
Areas of specialization
Agricultural and 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.
REES research in this area focusses 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
Join researchers in REES in examining wide-ranging, interdisciplinary and international issues such as international development, globalization, food security, climate change and gender. Specialize in one of two areas:
- 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.
- Environmental sociology examines societal-environmental interactions, often focusing on environmental problems, environmental risk, environmental values, consumption, waste, and consumer behaviour.
Forest Economics
Forest economics focuses on public policy and regulatory issues in the forestry sector. It explores the roles of institutions and property rights in regulating the timber supply, and the provision, production, and trading of forest resources and products.
Participate in current research and learn from professors experienced in the sector, like Marty Luckert.