About

The Bachelor of Science in Food Industry Management [B.Sc.(FIM)] degree meets the industry demand for graduates with interdisciplinary training in food science, agribusiness and marketing. Students in this program will learn advanced knowledge of food science, agri-food economics, food management practices, and food industry policy to prepare them for jobs in the booming agri-food sector.


Quick facts
  • Four-year degree
  • Full- or part-time program
  • You can enter this program directly from high school
  • You can begin this program off-campus

What you will learn

You will learn how agricultural commodities, bioproducts, transportation, processing and business policies can profitably support the delivery of safe and sustainable food sources.

To address emergent needs in the agri-food sector, you will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as advanced knowledge of:

  • food safety and quality control, food processing, analysis, and food chemistry
  • the role of food ingredients and their impact on product quality and functionality
  • the application of micro- and macro-economics to agri-food sector challenges
  • food management practices associated with the sector, supply chains and trade
  • the role of policy in food industry development

A first-year schedule sample

This degree program is flexible and offers you the opportunity to take courses in many different subject areas. Here’s what a typical first-year schedule might look like:

Course Description

Fall Term
FABS 110 The Science of Food
AGRC 110 Scientific Literacy and Communications for Agriculture
AREC 220 History of Indigenous Agriculture in Canada
BIOL 120 The Nature of Life
CHEM 112 General Chemistry I Structure Bonding and Properties of Materials

Winter Term
AGRC 113 Introduction to Agri-Food Economics
ECON 111 Introductory Microeconomics
COMM 101 Introduction to Business
MATH 104 Elementary Calculus
ENG 114 Literature and Composition Reading Culture

The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.

AREC 230: Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Explores the historical and economic roles of entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector of the Canadian economy. Included in this will be a discussion of the important role that entrepreneurship has played in the growth of the prairie economy. Students will be exposed to theory and practice of entrepreneurship in the context of both independent and corporate organizations. The theory of entrepreneurship is investigated through discussion of classical and current literature. Entrepreneurship practice is explored through interviews and discussions with entrepreneurs.

FABS 452: Quality Assurance and HACCP
Principles of quality assurance as applied to the food industry. Theory and in-class group-based workshops (designed around real-world scenarios) examine food regulations, analytical methods, quality control, and implementing and auditing the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) as well as quality assurance systems.

AREC 495: Agribusiness Venture Management
Designed to assist students in developing and understanding the skills and tools required in the preparation and presentation of a complete and professional business plan for a business entity in the food industry management sector. All aspects of the business plan are included in the project: operations, human resources, marketing, and finance. Students will be expected to form groups to complete a major project.

Career skills
You will graduate with excellent industry-endorsed scientific training and a foundation of professional career skills. Our strong ties with industry and our reputation for producing well-rounded, quality graduates means that many businesses look here first when hiring employees.

Small class sizes
AgBio offers a setting that combines the advantages of a full-scale university with the benefits of a small, specialized program. The small class sizes in third and fourth year and supportive atmosphere allows you to get to know your instructors and fellow students, and to build a network of personal and business contacts.

Research
We are committed to finding solutions to sustainably feed a hungry and growing world. Our five departments provide a foundation for our broad array of research activities, both basic and applied. We have over a century of innovative products and practices that have transformed the world.

Opportunities to get involved
AgBio has one of the campus’s most active and spirited student bodies. There are several student clubs in the college to join to enhance your university experience.

Collaborative environment
Our faculty and researchers actively collaborate across the university, as well as nationally and internationally. We have created strong, productive partnerships with numerous governments, private enterprises, producer groups, research centres, and industry associations to develop a sophisticated network for applied science, business and policy development. Outreach, technology transfer and information sharing is an important part our research.

Careers

The agri-food sector in Canada generates $134.9 billion annually and accounts for 6.8% of the country's gross domestic product. It also provided one of every nine jobs in Canada in 2021 (Agriculture Canada and Agri-Food Canada, 2021).

There is strong demand for graduates with a scientific background in food science together with expertise in business and marketing for private sector and government jobs.

The B.Sc. in Food Industry Management degree will prepare you for a variety of careers in the food agribusiness sector, including:

  • Management Consultant
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Food Processor and Product Development Consultant
  • Food Marketing Manager
  • Business Development Officer
  • Food Operations Manager
  • Food Policy and Regulatory Analyst
  • Food Industry Entrepreneurs

Tuition estimates

Canadian students International students
Tuition $8,113 $39,267
Student fees $1,121 $1,121
Books $1,500 $1,500
Total $10,734 $41,888

Tuition will vary depending on the type and number of classes you take in a year. This estimate reflects a typical amount you could expect to pay in your first year if you enroll in a full course load, the maximum number of courses allowed (2024-2025 Canadian dollar rates).
Student fees are used to fund specific student benefits, including health, vision and dental coverage, a bus pass, recreational programs and fitness centre access.
The cost of books and supplies varies widely depending on the courses you choose. It is recommended that you budget between $1,500-$2,500 per year.

Program options

Our new tour video guides prospective students through the College of Agriculture and Bioresources and some memorable spots on the beautiful University of Saskatchewan campus!

The Bachelor of Science in Food Industry Management [B.Sc.(FIM)] degree is offered by the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Agriculture and Bioresources:

This program is not accepting applications for Winter January 2023.

Admission requirements and deadlines

Deadlines

Start term Application DeadlineInternational Deadline
Winter
January 2025
Dec 1, 2024
Documents due: Dec 15, 2024
Sep 1, 2024
Documents due: Oct 1, 2024
Spring
May 2025
Apr 1, 2025
Documents due: May 1, 2025
Feb 1, 2025
Documents due: Mar 1, 2025
Summer
July 2025
May 1, 2025
Documents due: Jun 1, 2025
Mar 1, 2025
Documents due: Apr 1, 2025
Fall
September 2025
May 1, 2025
Documents due: Jun 10, 2025
May 1, 2025
Documents due: Jun 1, 2025
Winter
January 2026
Dec 1, 2025
Documents due: Dec 15, 2025
Sep 1, 2025
Documents due: Oct 1, 2025

Ready to apply?

Create an admissions account and start your application today. When you are ready to submit your application, you will be assessed a non-refundable application fee of $90 CAD. Effective December 2, the application fee is increasing to $120 CAD.

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If you are looking for graduate level (Master or Ph.D.) programs please consult our graduate students' website.

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