About
Sustainable use of our land, water and plant resources is increasingly recognized as a key societal goal. The Resource Economics and Policy field of study involves the development of policies directly relevant to the management of these resources.
- 4 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
Resource Economics and Policy combines science, field study, economics, policy, and project design and implementation to produce a unique educational experience for students. You will learn about:
- sustainable resource management
- economics of natural resource, water, forestry and land use
- finding practical ways to conserve water, forests, biodiversity and energy
- renewable resource and environmental decision making
- resource and environmental policy development
You will participate in a group project design course and complete a resource management group project, enabling you to gain real-world experience as you develop leadership and management skills. You wll experience:
- practical, hands on experience in assessing environmental challenges
- opportunities to work with fellow students with different perspectives
- the opportunity to develop skills with a range of tools to assist renewable resource decision making
A first-year schedule sample
Although there is a great deal of overlap between first year courses for most AgBio programs, it is important to consult the Course and Program Catalogue and contact an academic advisor for information about course selection prior to registration. Here's an example of what a first year in the degree program might look like:
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
Fall Term |
|
| BIOL 121 | The Diversity of Life |
| ECON 111 | Introductory Microeconomics |
| EVSC 110 | Renewable Resources and Environment |
| MATH 104 | Elementary Calculus |
| HIST 155* | History Matters Science and Environment |
Winter Term |
|
| AGRC 113 | Agri Food Issues and Institutions |
| CHEM 112 | General Chemistry I Structure Bonding and Properties of Materials |
| GEOG 120 | Introduction to Global Environmental Systems |
| INDG 107 | Introduction to Canadian Indigenous Studies |
| RRM 114 | Introductory Resource Economics and Policy |
* These are elective courses. You'll have a large number of courses to choose between.
The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.
Here are just a few of the classes you might take while you complete this degree:
RRM 312: Natural Resource Management and Indigenous Peoples
Explores the concepts, practices and issues associated with the management of land and resources by Canada's Indigenous Peoples. By examining the premises underlying varying approaches to resource management, this course will examine Indigenous rights and management responsibility for fisheries, water resources, wildlife, forestry, parks and protected areas, and non-renewable resources. This course also examines the role of traditional/local ecological knowledge in resource management and impact assessment.
AREC 430: Advanced Natural Resource Economics
Management and allocation of natural resources requires an understanding of the biophysical characteristics of resources, and the economics underlying decisions of resource users and society. This course will develop a series of tools to evaluate natural resource use from the management and policy perspective. The course will focus on renewable resources with some consideration of nonrenewable resources. Students will evaluate existing natural resource and environmental policy measures using the tools developed in the course.
RRM 421: Group Project in Renewable Resource Management
An independent group study that provides experience in the principles and practice of executing a project in renewable resource management from the development stage to the presentation of the final report. Student groups execute a real-world resource management project for a non-university organization under the supervision of U of S faculty. Successful completion of the group project requires students to develop and exercise skills in project management, group coordination and liaising with external stakeholders.
Career skills
You will graduate with excellent industry-endorsed scientific training and a foundation of marketable 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.
Graduates of degree programs in the College of AgBio are eligible for Professional Agrologist (P.Ag.) membership in the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists, allowing them to engage in the practise of Agrology.
Careers
The renewable and non-renewable resource sectors are booming in Western Canada, creating a growing market for graduates. A variety of careers await graduates in both governmental and non-governmental sectors:
- Bioremediation of Contaminated Land
- Vegetation Management technicians
- Environmental Advocacy
- Environmental Consulting and Regulating
- Environmental Research
- Forestry and Agroforestry
- Greenhouse Gas Mitigation
- Indigenous Peoples’ Resource Management
- Parks and Land Management
Graduates of our programs will not only leave with excellent industry-endorsed scientific training, but also with a foundation of marketable career skills.
As well, the College's strong ties with industry and reputation for producing well-rounded, quality graduates means that many businesses turn here first when recruiting employees.
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
The Bachelor of Science in Renewable Resource Management [B.SC. (RRM)] is offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Agriculture and Bioresources.
Admission requirements and deadlines
Deadlines
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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