Program Overview
The Agricultural Economics program provides a comprehensive understanding of the economics of food production and distribution. It equips students with analytical and problem-solving skills, preparing them for careers in agriculture, food systems, natural resource management, and international development. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, hands-on experience, and career preparation.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
Agricultural Economics is a field of applied economics that aims to optimize the ways we produce and distribute food. This program will give you a foundation in agriculture and international development, food systems, trade, and natural resource management and policy.
Objectives:
- Provide a comprehensive understanding of agricultural economics principles.
- Develop analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Prepare students for careers in various sectors related to agriculture and food systems.
Outline:
Program Content:
The program covers various aspects of agricultural economics, including:
- Agriculture and Food Markets: Structure and behavior of agricultural markets, supply and demand analysis, market failures, and government policies.
- Agricultural Policy: Public policies and programs related to agriculture, including farm support, trade policies, and environmental regulations.
- Food Systems: Production, processing, distribution, and consumption of food products.
- Natural Resource Management: Economics of natural resource management, including water, land, and forests.
- Trade: International trade in agricultural products, trade policies, and the impact on agricultural markets.
- Other Relevant Topics: Econometrics, statistics, and research methods.
Structure:
- Core Courses: Required courses that provide a foundation in agricultural economics principles.
- Electives: Students can choose elective courses to specialize in specific areas of interest, such as agri-business, environmental economics, or professional agrology.
- Specializations: Students can choose to specialize in one of the following areas:
- Agri-business: Financial and market analysis, policies for agriculture and food systems, business management.
- Environmental Economics: Economics integrated with biological and environmental sciences, environmental policies, and management of natural resources.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:
- Assignments
- Exams
- Projects
- Presentations
Assessment Criteria:
The program assesses student performance based on:
- Knowledge of agricultural economics principles
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Research skills
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Seminars
- Field trips
- Guest speakers
Faculty:
The program is taught by faculty with expertise in agricultural economics, including:
- Dr. John Smith (Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics)
- Dr. Jane Doe (Assistant Professor of Agricultural Economics)
Unique Approaches:
The program emphasizes:
- Interdisciplinary learning, involving collaboration with students from other faculties, such as the Desautels Faculty of Management and the Faculties of Arts and Science.
- Hands-on experience, through field trips, research projects, and internships.
- Career preparation, through workshops, networking events, and mentorship opportunities.
Careers:
Career Paths:
Graduates can pursue careers in:
- Government
- Non-profit organizations
- Environmental organizations
- International development
- Private sector, including the agri-food industry
Opportunities:
The program provides opportunities for:
- Research and teaching positions
- Management and consulting positions
- Policy analysis positions
