Why study this program?
The Department of Resource Economics and Environmental Sociology offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Agriculture in Agricultural and Resource Economics/Rural Sociology, Master of Science in Agricultural and Resource Economics, Forest Economics, Rural Sociology, and Risk and Community Resilience, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Agricultural and Resource Economics, Forest Economics, and Rural Sociology. A joint program leading to dual degrees of Master of Business Administration and Master of Agriculture is also offered. Areas of emphasis in graduate programs include: the economics of agricultural markets and price behavior; production economics and agricultural business management; economics of agricultural and rural development; economics of policy intervention; environmental and natural resource economics, forest economics, rural sociology, environmental and resource sociology, community-based resource management, indigenous knowledge systems, resource policy analysis, and agroforestry. Department program guidelines are contained in the REES Graduate Studies Handbook.
Entrance Requirements
For master’s programs, the Department’s minimum admission requirements are an undergraduate degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.
For doctoral programs, the Department’s minimum admission requirements are an approved master’s degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.3 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.
Where applicable, applicants must meet the minimum English Language Requirement .
Applicants to the PhD program are required to submit a test score for a Graduate Record Examination (verbal, quantitative, and analytical sections).
Applicants to the MAg/MBA program are required to submit a test score for a Graduate Management Admission Test.
Applicants are also required to submit a CV, statement of interests, and three letters of reference.
Students are required to complete a minimum of 18 units in coursework and a thesis.
Agricultural/Resource and Forest Economics
- Six 3-unit graduate-level courses from the Department of Resource Economics and Environmental Sociology, approved by the department
- Programs will depend on the student’s academic background
- Students are required to take microeconomic and macro-economic theory, graduate-level applied econometrics.
- Additional coursework may be required.
Rural Sociology
- Six 3-unit graduate-level courses approved by the department
- Programs will depend on the student’s academic background
- Students are required to take courses in social theory, quantitative methods, and qualitative methods, plus two courses that are directly or indirectly related to the student’s field of research
- Additional coursework may be required.
Thesis
- Registration in 900-level THES. All candidates for the PhD must prepare and defend a dissertation on an approved topic
Professional Development and Ethics Requirements
All REES PhD students are expected to participate in department and University professional development and ethics activities to comply with the University requirement of 8 hours of professional development and 8 hours of ethics activities. Students are also expected to participate in the department seminar series.
Comprehensive Exams
To prepare for their candidacy examinations, students in Agricultural/Resource and Forest Economics are required to take preliminary examinations in theory, a field of specialization and a supporting field.
Students in Rural Sociology are required to complete two comprehensive examinations: a preliminary examination (based on a pre-established reading list) and a specialization examination.
Academic Standing Requirement
To remain in a REES PhD program students are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 with no grade less than C+.
Length of Program
The time required to complete the PhD will vary according to the academic background of the applicant and the nature of the research undertaken; however, a minimum of 36 months is normally required.
The maximum time to complete the PhD program as set by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies is six years.
Courses
Graduate courses can be found in Course Listings , under the following subject headings:
Agricultural and Resource Economics (AREC)
Forest Economics (FOREC)
Interdisciplinary (INT D)
Rural Sociology (R SOC)
The Department automatically considers all applicants for graduate teaching and research assistantships. To ensure consideration the candidate’s application and supporting documents must be received by the Department before February 15. Applications received after that date will be considered for assistantships only if funds are still available. Details of scholarships and other sources of financial assistance are included on the GPS website at www.gradstudies.ualberta.ca
For general information, please visit the Tuition and Fees page on the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research site.The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research administers over $29 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for graduate students, as well as financial and loan advising. Additional scholarships are also available for specific faculties and programs.
Please refer to the detailed program information or email grad.ales@ualberta.ca.
General inquiriesPlease check out some of our most frequently asked questions (FAQS) to see if your question has been answered, or contact the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) during our office hours.
Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR)
Killam Centre for Advanced Studies
2-29 Triffo Hall
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E1