Discover our Master of Science program offering.
This program helps students develop skills in agricultural, environmental, and ecological economics with specialization in areas like agribusiness, development, finance, marketing and trade, policy, and resource economics.
Graduates can pursue careers in research, analysis, and decision-making in academia, private companies, NGOs, and government. A听background in Agricultural Economics or Economics, with courses in economic theory, calculus, algebra, statistics, and econometrics, are recommended.
Program details: Agricultural Economics (Thesis) (M.Sc.) (45 credits)
Offered by: Agricultural Economics听(Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences)
Degree: Master of Science
Program credit weight: 45
Program Description
Graduate students receive rigorous training in economic theory, institutional economics, and quantitative methods, with a focus on applying economic concepts and tools to identify, define, analyze, and solve economic problems in the agri-food sector and the environment. The ideal prior preparation is an undergraduate degree in Agricultural Economics or Economics, including undergraduate courses in intermediate economic theory (micro and macro), calculus, algebra, statistics, and econometrics.
Attention is given to analytical skills in the broad areas of agricultural and environmental economics. Students may specialize, by way of their research program, in agribusiness, resource economics, development, finance, marketing, trade, policy, and environmental economics. The program is intended to prepare graduates for rewarding careers in research, analysis, and decision-making in academia, private, NGO, and government sectors.
Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.
Thesis Courses (24 credits)
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Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| AGEC 691 | M.Sc. Thesis 1. | 3 |
M.Sc. Thesis 1. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Thesis proposal development - problem statement.
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| AGEC 692 | M.Sc. Thesis 2. | 3 |
M.Sc. Thesis 2. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Literature review for the thesis research. |
| AGEC 693 | M.Sc. Thesis 3. | 6 |
M.Sc. Thesis 3. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Develop hypotheses for testing and identify the appropriate method. |
| AGEC 694 | M.Sc. Thesis 4. | 6 |
M.Sc. Thesis 4. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Research to be undertaken on hypotheses testing and interpreting results. |
| AGEC 695 | M.Sc. Thesis 5. | 6 |
M.Sc. Thesis 5. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Writing of the final version of the thesis under the supervision of the Supervisory Committee to be submitted for graduation.
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Required Course (3 credits)
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Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| AGEC 690 | Seminar in Agricultural Economics. | 3 |
Seminar in Agricultural Economics. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Current research on economic problems of agriculture, the agri-food system and the environment through presentations by staff, students and special guests. Article discussion on the latest issues and methods in agricultural economics. |
Complementary Courses (18 credits)
6 credits, two theory courses chosen from:
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Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| ECON 610 | Microeconomic Theory 1. | 3 |
Microeconomic Theory 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. This is the first in a two-course sequence in microeconomics. The core microeconomics sequence (ECON 610, ECON 611) provides a rigorous coverage of the economic foundation upon which economic fields are built. Most of the sequence is devoted to building up this foundation of consumer and firm optimisation (including choice under uncertainty), partial and general equilibrium, and welfare economics. The remainder of ECON 611 covers special topics that vary from year to year. These are likely to be drawn from the following: social choice; externalities and public goods; models of asymmetric information; the principal-agent framework; search; basic game theory. |
| ECON 620 | Macroeconomic Theory 1. | 3 |
Macroeconomic Theory 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. This course is the first in a two-course sequence in macroeconomics. The course offers a thorough treatment of the fundamentals of macroeconomic theory. Emphasis is placed on the construction of economic models with microeconomic foundations. Topics include market-clearing and non-market-clearing models, capital accumulation, business cycles, monetary policy and fiscal policy. |
or a theory course, at the 500 level or higher, approved by the Graduate Program Director.
At least 3 credits of quantitative methods course chosen from:
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Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| ECON 665 | Quantitative Methods. | 3 |
Quantitative Methods. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. A survey of quantitative methods frequently used in economic research. Special emphasis will be placed upon the formulation and evaluation of econometric models. Illustrations will be drawn from the existing empirical literature in economics. Required for all Ph.D. students who have not taken Econometrics as a field. |
or a quantitative course, at the 500 level or higher, approved by the Graduate Program Director.
A minimum of 3 credits from the following:
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Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| AGEC 685 | Selected Topics in Agricultural Economics. | 3 |
Selected Topics in Agricultural Economics. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 This course is designed to permit students to explore agricultural economics topics that are not covered in other courses. Students may be asked to prepare a presentation or lead discussion on the selected topic for the benefit of other students and staff. (Pass/Fail grading.) |
Additional Complementary Courses: To complete the 45 credit program requirement from courses in your field or thesis area at the 500 level or higher in consultation with the Agricultural Economics Adviser.
This program focuses on insect ecology, physiology, and diversity. Students who are well-suited to the M.Sc. in Entomology possess a strong background in these areas and are interested in research that helps manage ecosystems. Graduates can go on to work in academia, environmental policy, government, industry, and more.
Program details: Entomology (Thesis) (M.Sc.) (45 credits)
Offered by: Natural Resource Sciences听(Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences)
Degree: Master of Science
Program credit weight: 45
Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.
Thesis Courses (36 credits)
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Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| NRSC 691 | M.Sc. Thesis Research 1. | 12 |
M.Sc. Thesis Research 1. Terms offered: Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Independent research under the direction of a supervisor towards the completion of the M.Sc. degree. |
| NRSC 692 | M.Sc. Thesis Research 2. | 12 |
M.Sc. Thesis Research 2. Terms offered: Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Independent research under the direction of a supervisor towards the completion of the M.Sc. degree. |
| NRSC 693 | M.Sc. Thesis Research 3. | 12 |
M.Sc. Thesis Research 3. Terms offered: Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Completion of the M.Sc. thesis, its approval by reviewers and acceptance by Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies all required for a pass to be granted. |
Required Courses (3 credits)
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Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| NRSC 643 | M.Sc. Proposal Seminar. | 1 |
M.Sc. Proposal Seminar. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 M.Sc. students in the first year of the programdevelop a research proposal and present aseminar. |
| NRSC 644 | M.Sc. Update Seminar. | 1 |
M.Sc. Update Seminar. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 M.Sc. students in their second or third semesterpresent oral and poster presentations onresearch progress. |
| NRSC 651 | M.Sc. Final Seminar. | 1 |
M.Sc. Final Seminar. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 M.Sc. students present a final research seminarafter completing all other course and seminarrequirements. |
Complementary Courses (6 credits)
Two 3-credit courses at the 500, 600, or 700 level; normally one of these will be a course in statistics.
Complimentary courses听听(courses that NRS students typically take but that are not specifically listed in our programs)
In the microbiology program, graduate students study microbes in different environments, from extreme natural places to managed ecosystems like farms and forests. They usually have strong backgrounds in these areas and are interested in research that helps us understand microorganisms better and improve ecosystem management. Graduates can go on to work in academia, environmental policy, government, industry, and other fields.
Program details: Microbiology (Thesis) (M.Sc.) (45 credits)
Offered by: Natural Resource Sciences听(Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences)
Degree: Master of Science
Program credit weight: 45
Program Description
The Master of Science in Microbiology is a thesis program of 45 credits. The program involves research within, and often across, multiple disciplines of basic and applied environmental sciences that advances our fundamental knowledge about microorganisms as well as leads to improved efficiencies of our managed ecosystems. Specialties within the program range from the study of microbial ecology and diversity in natural, human-induced and extreme environments, molecular genetics, bioinformatics, and bacterial pathogens.
Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.
Thesis Courses (36 credits)
Expand allContract all
Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| NRSC 691 | M.Sc. Thesis Research 1. | 12 |
M.Sc. Thesis Research 1. Terms offered: Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Independent research under the direction of a supervisor towards the completion of the M.Sc. degree. |
| NRSC 692 | M.Sc. Thesis Research 2. | 12 |
M.Sc. Thesis Research 2. Terms offered: Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Independent research under the direction of a supervisor towards the completion of the M.Sc. degree. |
| NRSC 693 | M.Sc. Thesis Research 3. | 12 |
M.Sc. Thesis Research 3. Terms offered: Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Completion of the M.Sc. thesis, its approval by reviewers and acceptance by Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies all required for a pass to be granted. |
Required Courses (3 credits)
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Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| NRSC 643 | M.Sc. Proposal Seminar. | 1 |
M.Sc. Proposal Seminar. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 M.Sc. students in the first year of the programdevelop a research proposal and present aseminar. |
| NRSC 644 | M.Sc. Update Seminar. | 1 |
M.Sc. Update Seminar. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 M.Sc. students in their second or third semesterpresent oral and poster presentations onresearch progress. |
| NRSC 651 | M.Sc. Final Seminar. | 1 |
M.Sc. Final Seminar. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 M.Sc. students present a final research seminarafter completing all other course and seminarrequirements. |
Complementary Courses (6 credits)
Two 3-credit 500-, 600-, or 700-level courses; normally one of these will be a course in statistics.
Complimentary courses听听(courses that NRS students typically take but that are not specifically listed in our programs)
In the renewable resources program, graduate students study various environmental sciences, like forest ecology, fish biology, soil science, and wildlife biology. They usually have strong backgrounds in these areas and are interested in research that helps manage natural resources. Graduates can go on to work in academia, environmental policy, government, industry, and other fields.
Program details: Renewable Resources (Thesis) (M.Sc.) (45 credits)
Offered by: Natural Resource Sciences听(Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences)
Degree: Master of Science
Program credit weight: 45
Program Description
Includes Micrometeorology, Forest Science, Soil Science and Wildlife Biology as areas of research.
Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.
Thesis Courses (36 credits)
Expand allContract all
Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| NRSC 691 | M.Sc. Thesis Research 1. | 12 |
M.Sc. Thesis Research 1. Terms offered: Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Independent research under the direction of a supervisor towards the completion of the M.Sc. degree. |
| NRSC 692 | M.Sc. Thesis Research 2. | 12 |
M.Sc. Thesis Research 2. Terms offered: Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Independent research under the direction of a supervisor towards the completion of the M.Sc. degree. |
| NRSC 693 | M.Sc. Thesis Research 3. | 12 |
M.Sc. Thesis Research 3. Terms offered: Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Completion of the M.Sc. thesis, its approval by reviewers and acceptance by Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies all required for a pass to be granted. |
Required Courses (3 credits)
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Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| NRSC 643 | M.Sc. Proposal Seminar. | 1 |
M.Sc. Proposal Seminar. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 M.Sc. students in the first year of the programdevelop a research proposal and present aseminar. |
| NRSC 644 | M.Sc. Update Seminar. | 1 |
M.Sc. Update Seminar. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 M.Sc. students in their second or third semesterpresent oral and poster presentations onresearch progress. |
| NRSC 651 | M.Sc. Final Seminar. | 1 |
M.Sc. Final Seminar. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 M.Sc. students present a final research seminarafter completing all other course and seminarrequirements. |
Complementary Courses (6 credits)
Two 3-credit courses at the 500 level or higher recommended by the supervisory committee; one of which must be in quantitative methods/techniques.
Complimentary courses听听(courses that NRS students typically take but that are not specifically listed in our programs)
Program details: Renewable Resources (Thesis): Neotropical Environment (M.Sc.) (45 credits)
Offered by: Natural Resource Sciences听(Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences)
Degree: Master of Science
Program credit weight: 45
Program Description
The 秀色直播-STRI Neotropical Environment Option (NEO) is a research-based option for Masters or PhD students in the departments of Anthropology, Biology, Bioresource Engineering , Geography, Natural Resource Sciences, Plant Science, and Political Science at 秀色直播. NEO is aimed at students who wish to focus their graduate research on environmental issues relevant to the Neotropics and latin american countries. NEO favors interdisciplinary approaches to research and learning through the participation of researchers from 秀色直播 and from STRI. Students will complete their research in Latin America and NEO's core and complementary courses will be taught in Panama. NEO's educational approach seeks to facilitate a broader understanding of tropical environmental issues and the development of skills relevant to working in the tropics.
Whether applying to a Master or a PhD, students are expected to meet all the degree.
Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.
Thesis Courses (33 credits)
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Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| NRSC 691 | M.Sc. Thesis Research 1. | 12 |
M.Sc. Thesis Research 1. Terms offered: Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Independent research under the direction of a supervisor towards the completion of the M.Sc. degree. |
| NRSC 692 | M.Sc. Thesis Research 2. | 12 |
M.Sc. Thesis Research 2. Terms offered: Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Independent research under the direction of a supervisor towards the completion of the M.Sc. degree. |
| NRSC 694 | M.Sc. Thesis Research 4. | 9 |
M.Sc. Thesis Research 4. Terms offered: Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Independent research under the direction of a supervisor towards the completion of the M.Sc. degree. |
Required Courses (9 credits)
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Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| BIOL 640 | Tropical Biology and Conservation. | 3 |
Tropical Biology and Conservation. Terms offered: Summer 2025 Long-term research at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute will be organized and synthesized to examine historical assembly and ecological maintenance of tropical communities. This synthesis will draw on phylogenetic concepts for historical insight and will examine the probable resilience of these communities to global change, pollution and biodiversity loss. |
| ENVR 610 | Foundations of Environmental Policy. | 3 |
Foundations of Environmental Policy. Terms offered: Summer 2025 Analysis of current environmental policies to reveal implicit and explicit assumptions regarding scientific methods, hypothesis testing, subject/object, causality, certainty, deities, health, development, North-South concerns for resources, commons, national sovereignty, equity. Discussion of implications of such assumptions for building future environmental policies. |
| NRSC 643 | M.Sc. Proposal Seminar. | 1 |
M.Sc. Proposal Seminar. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 M.Sc. students in the first year of the programdevelop a research proposal and present aseminar. |
| NRSC 644 | M.Sc. Update Seminar. | 1 |
M.Sc. Update Seminar. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 M.Sc. students in their second or third semesterpresent oral and poster presentations onresearch progress. |
| NRSC 651 | M.Sc. Final Seminar. | 1 |
M.Sc. Final Seminar. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 M.Sc. students present a final research seminarafter completing all other course and seminarrequirements. |
Note: Participation in the MSE-Panama Symposium presentation in Montreal is also required.
Elective Courses (3 credits)
3 credits, at the 500 level or higher, on environmental issues to be chosen in consultation with and approved by the student鈥檚 supervisor AND the Neotropical Environment Options Director.
