The University of Guelph offers an honours program leading to a Bachelor of Commerce degree (BComm). The BComm(FAB) major is offered through the Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics, one of six academic units of the renowned Ontario Agricultural College.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
This applied program provides in-depth knowledge about key business aspects in the dynamic and innovative food and agri-business industries. In this major, students acquire analytical and management skills and graduates become business professionals and entrepreneurs, providing leadership for industry and communities.
Value and Supply Chains
Customer needs are becoming more diverse and value oriented. To meet demand and provide value in a competitive way requires coordination from field to table through supply chains, including all stakeholders in production, processing and distribution.
Entrepreneurship
Taking risks to exploit market opportunities is a fundamental entrepreneurial function that is needed to create wealth for society. A suite of project and case-based courses provide the training for fundamental entrepreneurial skills, such as business opportunity assessment and risk management.
Global and Local Markets
Increasing international trade and trade liberalization provide opportunities for businesses but may also pose threats for local markets. Gaining knowledge on how markets are interconnected provides the skill to see the bigger picture behind industry trends and identify market opportunities.
Policy and Competitiveness
Individual sectors of the food and agriculture industries operate under different sets of regulations. This program delivers in-depth understanding of the fundamental impacts policy measures can have on markets and the competitiveness of the businesses operating in them.
LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Students in the Bachelor of Commerce in Food and Agricultural Business have many opportunities to learn outside of the classroom.
- Work with faculty on an independent research course where you can design and implement an experiment under the supervision of an expert in the field.
- Join faculty on excursions to Costa Rica and the United States where you will learn about agriculture in other cultures.
- Study for a semester in another country on an exchange program or a study abroad program. Students have attended universities in countries such as Norway, England, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands and Austria.
- Gain experience in a relevant summer job while earning academic credit in our experiential education courses.
- Deepen your industry knowledge and professional skills through eight-month work terms in the Co-op program.
- Network with industry leaders at various career building events and career fairs.
- Gain leadership skills while being a leader in the university community. Students have the opportunity to run a leadership conference, become a peer helper to help other students in various ways or run for student government.
SENSE OF COMMUNITY
Students in the Bachelor of Commerce in Food and Agricultural Business are part of a close-knit community that is friendly and stimulating, with a history of pride, tradition and culture. As one of the founding colleges of the University of Guelph, the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) has become Canada's largest and most comprehensive institution for teaching and research in food, agriculture, communities and the environment. FARE, the Department of Food, Agriculture and Resource Economics, places a strong emphasis on teaching excellence and faculty members have won numerous teaching awards. Departmental research has been recognized nationally and internationally. The atmosphere is informal and collegial.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Ontario secondary school students applying to the program require English (ENG4U), Advanced Functions (MHF4U), and 4 additional U/M courses.
Please see the admission website for national and transfer admission requirements as well as estimated admission averages.
FINANCING YOUR EDUCATION
Alumni, friends and partners of OAC support scholarships and awards each year for new and in-course students. The University of Guelph also provides a variety of scholarships and bursaries for deserving students.
More information: www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/studentfinance
More information
Visit the OAC website: www.oac.uoguelph.ca or contact:
BComm Program Office
519 824 4120 ext 56757
bcomm@uoguelph.ca
www.uoguelph.ca/cme/bcomm
John Cranfield
Faculty Advisor, Professor
Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics
519 824 4120 ext 53532
jcranfie@uoguelph.ca