Research

The PhD in Rural Studies offers a breadth of research opportunities. Building from the core disciplinary strengths of SEDRD, doctoral students investigate issues that broadly or pointedly affect rural communities and landscapes. Some of the program’s topical diversity is indicated by student research titles.

Doctoral research is financially supported by faculty research projects or through independently-pursued funding. Faculty research projects are described on the core discipline pages in SEDRD (landscape architecture, capacity development and extension, rural planning and development). Doctoral student research can be funded by the International Development Research Centre, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research; in fact, students are strongly encouraged to apply for funding from these granting bodies. In addition, the University’s Office of Research assists with applications to other granting bodies such as the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, non- governmental organizations, and foundations.