offered through Athabasca University, requires participants to complete six core management courses which provide a foundation for graduate management and accounting education. Phase One is normally completed within 15 months. Upon successful completion, students are awarded a Graduate Diploma in Management (GDM) from Athabasca University. Continuation into Phase Two of the MBA program is contingent upon successful completion of the GDM.

contains a six-day intensive course on the University of Guelph campus, where participants meet to further develop the skills learned in Phase One and to prepare for Phase Two. This week focuses on the development of a full management plan for an agribusiness organization. Six courses in applied aspects of agricultural management are required for Phase Two.

is comprised of a project-based dissertation in an applied agribusiness situation which is a major piece of research requiring data collection, analysis and the ability to link understanding of the problem with an appropriate body of literature.