MSc Marketing and Consumer Studies

During the first year, you'll focus on your coursework which includes 5 core business courses, 2 research seminars and 1 elective. During this time you will collaborate with faculty and fellow peers on research projects. 

You'll then be given guidance from an advisory committee to complete your research and develop a strong thesis or complete an applied research project.

Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered for admission:

• A four-year honours Bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) with at least a B average (73-76%) in the final two years of undergraduate study;
  • International applicants should use this guide to compare their academic credentials and determine the grade equivalency needed.
• Applicants are required to submit two letters of reference, preferably including at least one academic reference.
• An academic background in consumer studies, the social sciences or humanities, marketing, finance, or real estate.  
• GMAT, GMAT Focus, or GRE score report. The preferred scores for competitive admission are 550 (GMAT), 515 (GMAT Focus) or 55th percentile across all sections (GRE).
  • Applications without GMAT or GRE scores will be considered incomplete and may not be reviewed for admission until a score is provided.
  • For highly qualified domestic applicants, exemptions from submitting GMAT, GMAT Focus, or GRE score reports may be considered. Eligible candidates are encouraged to contact the Graduate Program Coordinator, Professor Yuanfang Lin (yuanfang@uoguelph.ca), to discuss whether a test score exemption is appropriate in their case.
• Proof of English proficiency, if applicable. Test scores must be dated no later than September 2024 to be valid for Fall 2026 admission.
  • Applicants who completed a post-secondary degree from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, or New Zealand may request that this requirement be waived. This request will be reviewed by the graduate selection committee, who may ask for an interview and/or supplementary documentation in their consideration.

Applicants with considerable professional experience in a business or management role, who meet the minimum grade requirements but are lacking in the required academic areas may be asked to complete one or more recommended undergraduate courses in order to comply with program standards.

Application deadlines for Fall 2026 admission:

• April 1 - submission of the online application form and all required supporting documents.
• Applications incomplete following the deadline of April 1, 2026 will be automatically closed.

Graduates of this program pursue careers in a number of unique areas in marketing, advertising and public sector, including; 

• Marketing research
• Brand management
• Marketing management

• Advertising and communication
• Quality management
• Quality control consulting

The Department of Marketing and Consumer Studies typically provides funding support to most admitted MSc students in the form of departmental scholarships and graduate teaching assistantship positions. Funding levels vary based on students’ academic achievements, qualifications, and overall merit. 

Students are encouraged to plan their finances accordingly.

Click here for information regarding tuition of the MSc Marketing and Consumer Studies program.

Click here for more information regarding financing your degree with the Student Financial Services.
 

Are you an international student considering applying to Lang's MSc Marketing and Consumer Studies program? The digital international student viewbook provides you with an overview of our programs, admission requirements, and supports available for international students at the University of Guelph and Lang.

View Lang's International Student Viewbook

Please refer to this guide to determine if you meet the equivalent of a four-year Honours degree with an average of 73% or higher.

To view the 2023-2024 Academic Calendar for the MSc Marketing and Consumer program, click here.