IX. Graduate Programs
Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics
PhD Program
The PhD program in Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics focuses on two major fields of emphasis: 1) food and agricultural economics; and 2) natural resource and environmental economics.
Across these areas there is a focus on both developed and developing countries. Students in the PhD program focus on an area of specialization relevant to their thesis research, plus complete courses in microeconomic theory and economic research methods. All students must complete and defend a thesis in their chosen area of specialization.
Admission Requirements
Minimum University of Guelph admission requirements for a Doctoral program include: 1) a satisfactory baccalaureate; and 2) at the very minimum a 'B' average in a recognized Master's degree. Students entering the PhD program are expected to have satisfied the requirements, or their equivalents, of the department's MSc degree in Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics. All applicants are required to upload valid GRE (General exam only) scores with their electronic application prior to the departmental application deadline.
In cases where a student's master's degree is not equivalent to that offered by the department, the student may initially be accepted into the MSc program and may then apply for transfer to the PhD program at some time during the first three semesters. Applications for transfer must be supported by the Graduate Program Committee and approved by the Board of Graduate Studies. The student does not have to complete all the requirements of the MSc before transferring to the PhD program, but must achieve high academic standing.
Program Requirements
Students enrolled in the PhD program must successfully complete a program of at least ten taught courses that prepare them for the various elements of the qualification examination and thesis research, as outlined below. However, students that are able to demonstrate a satisfactory level of competence in any of these requirements may have these course requirements adjusted accordingly, subsequent to evaluation and the decision of the Graduate Program Committee.
Microeconomic Theory:
Economic Research Methods:
Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics
| FARE*6920 | [0.50] | Applied Policy Analysis II |
| FARE*6400 | [0.50] | Advanced Topics in Agricultural Economics |
| Plus ONE from the following: | ||
| FARE*6940 | [0.50] | Food Firms, Consumers and Markets II |
| FARE*6960 | [0.50] | Natural Resource Economics II |
Plus ONE other graduate course approved by the student’s advisory committee.
Students may also be permitted to take other courses as substitutes for the above, subject to approval by the Departmental Graduate Program Committee.
Qualifying Examination
It should be noted that successful completion of the above courses is not necessarily sufficient for qualification to PhD candidacy.
Students are expected to complete successfully the qualifying examination in microeconomic theory that aims to assess a student's understanding of key theoretical concepts. Students are allowed two attempts at this qualifying examination. Students are expected to write the first attempt at this exam in the Summer semester of their first year and (i.e. their third semester in the program), if necessary, the second attempt in the Fall semester of their second year (i.e. their fourth semester in the program).Students that fail the examination at the second attempt will not be permitted to continue.