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Master of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics (Course-based)

Advance your career in the global agri-food economics and policy sector.

The agri-food and natural resource sectors require leaders that can analyze and develop policy to improve life in our complex and constantly-changing world. U of G’s Master of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics (MFARE) is a professional graduate program that elevates your economic, policy development, business analysis and communications skills and provides you with hands-on learning to solve real-world challenges in the agri-food sector. Develop the knowledge and skills in economic analysis and quantitative methods, and their application to the food, agricultural and natural resource sectors. The flexible program allows you to complete a major research project or to act as a consultant and solve a complex challenge facing a real organization, further enhancing your expertise and career options.

Customize your learning

Tailor your studies to match your interests and career ambitions. Complete a major research project or apply your skills as a consultant for a real-world organization.

Specialize your degree

Focus your studies in either Agri-food sector and policy analysis or management analysis.

Course-based options

Flexible format allows you to complete the program in three or four semesters.

Reach your career goals

Gain the skills, experience and credentials needed to launch your career in the public, private or not-for-profit sector.

Connected to employers

The program’s strong connections to agri-food and natural resource sector provide you with opportunities to connect with potential employers.

World-class faculty

Tap into the world-renowned expertise and research of faculty in OAC’s Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics.

Focus your area of studies in either Agri-food sector and policy analysis or Agri-food sector management analysis.

Both options include 7 courses plus your choice of completing either a major research project or a consultancy project where you collaborate and advise a real agri-food organization.

The program provides a flexible offering for you to complete your degree in either three or four* semesters.

*eligible for Canadian 3 year post graduate work permit (PGWP)

Applied Policy Analysis
Food Firms, Consumers and Markets
Applied Microeconomics for Agricultural Economists
Food Retailing, Merchandising and Sales
Operations Management in the Agri-Food Sector
Food Security and the Economics of Agri-Food Systems in Developing Countries
International Food Industry and Policy Analysis
Natural Resource Economics

Graduates of the program will advance their careers and pursue leadership roles in a variety of sectors, including careers in consulting, business and finance, government organizations and international agencies.

Career options for MFARE graduates include:

Policy analyst
Business analyst
Business consultant
Financial analyst
Data analyst
International trade advisor
Project manager
Research analyst

Students in the MFARE program are eligible for internal and external scholarship and bursaries. The Office of Graduate Studies provides information on tuition and living costs. MFARE students are not guaranteed funding for their studies.

Apply Contact Admissions Cost of Tuition/Living

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More information on courses and admission requirements can be found here.

MFARE Graduate Calendar

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Solve real-world challenges facing our global economy

Participate in a group consultancy project where you and your classmates collaborate with an organization to solve a real-world challenge facing the agri-food sector. This could include working with businesses and organizations such as OMAFRA, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), or community-based organizations and Indigenous communities.

Apply your skills and expertise, gain leadership abilities and connect with a potential employer.

Meet the OAC community

Danielle in red coat in front of lake with rocks

"When I talk to friends from other universities it always makes me realize how much U of G has to offer – personable and engaging professors, opportunities for involvement, and both a school and city with a real community focus. Pursuing graduate studies at U of G was an easy decision for me."

Danielle Roy, Graduate Student
MSc in Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics
Hear more from Danielle

How to Apply

Apply directly online through the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

Applicants must meet the admission requirements of a baccalaureate in a honours program (or the equivalent) in a relevant field of study from a recognized university or college with an average standing of at least a 'B' (70%) average. Undergraduate upgrading prior to applying may be necessary to ensure sufficient background.

All applications will be reviewed by the MFARE Program Committee and will be evaluated based on:

Two (2) referee assessments
A statement of interest in the program and/or career goals
Work experience in appropriate and related fields

*You are still eligible to apply if you have an honours bachelor's degree in an unrelated field of study but have taken courses in related areas and/or gained relevant work experience since completing the degree.

International applications are due by February 1 (for September/Fall entry)*
Domestic applications are due by April 30 (for September/Fall entry)

*We encourage international applicants to apply well in advance of the posted deadline to allow sufficient time to arrange for any necessary documentation i.e., transcripts.

Review the U of G Graduate Studies' uploading documents information for instructions on providing required supporting documents to complete your application.
Not sure what your “admission average” is? Here’s more details on how to calculate it: Calculating Your Admission Average | Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (uoguelph.ca)
This program is predominantly a self-funded professional program. As such, students need to be prepared to cover the full costs of the program.
There’s lots of helpful information available on the U of G Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies FAQ webpage.

International applicants: 

please use this grade equivalency guide to compare your academic credentials and determine the grade equivalency needed. Additional information available on the International Applicants page.
If your first language is not English, you will be required to submit the results of a standardized language test. Please refer to the Office of Graduate Studies website for the required English Language Proficiency acceptable tests and required scores.