University of Guelph

The Master of Science program in Rural Planning and Development provides the opportunity for graduate study, research and professional development in either the Canadian or International rural planning and development streams. The program objective is to ensure that students have the knowledge and skill to conduct interdisciplinary research and, in a professional capacity, guide processes of change in the rural planning and development context. The focus of the Canadian rural planning and development program is on rural and regional dimensions of Canada.

The objective of the Ph.D. program in Rural Studies is to provide opportunities for advanced studies and research on the integration of socio-cultural and bio-physical components for capacity development, design, or planning of landscape systems and rural communities. Graduates are prepared to become leading specialists in addressing sustainable landscapes and rural communities issues. Interdisciplinary research is emphasized, building on the disciplines of capacity development and extension, landscape architecture, and rural planning and development within SEDRD.

As exemplified by the case of global warming, solving many of the world’s persistent environmental problems requires more than just enhanced scientific knowledge and improved technology – they require new and innovative approaches to governing. Hence, there is an essential need for graduates who have a solid understanding of environmental governance.