The Department of Resource Economics and Environmental Sociology (REES)

The University of Alberta's Department of Resource Economics and Environmental Sociology (REES) faculty and students pursue excellence in socio-economic research and teaching. A unique group of applied economists and sociologists, REES focuses on agriculture, forestry and issues of the environment. Our students and over 18 faculty are involved in cutting-edge research on the socio-economic aspects of managing natural resources. This research is interdisciplinary and involves collaborative efforts among natural and social scientists.

Our resources are many, including our six support staff, and the benefit of excellent library services through the University of Alberta and from our own REES Reading Room. In addition, the REES Graduate Computing Laboratory provides excellent computing facilities for graduate students and research associates, complementing the facilities provided through the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences and the University of Alberta.

Teaching is a primary responsibility of our faculty members and the courses offered in REES play a major role in the Faculty undergraduate programs leading to the BSc in Agriculture, BSc in Agricultural/Food Business Management, the BSc in Environmental and Conservation Sciences, the BSc Forestry program and BSc in Forest Business Management. At the graduate studies level, the Department offers Masters and Doctoral degrees in each of its specialization areas: Agricultural and Resource Economics, Forest Economics and Rural Sociology. In addition, course-based Masters of Agriculture (MAg) programs are offered. Together with the School of Business, we offer a joint dual-degree MBA-MAg program. REES also offers service courses to students in other programs throughout the University.

The research of staff and students in the REES is focused in the areas of Agricultural Economics and Business; Resource/Environmental/Forestry Economics and Rural/Resource Sociology. Many of our staff are recognized nationally and internationally for their research contributions.

Graduate students contribute to much of our success in research and we place a great deal of emphasis on attracting the very best students from around the world. If you would like additional information on our graduate programs and available scholarships, please contact our Graduate Student Service Coordinator, Robin McClelland.