Get a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time UBC international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all eligibility criteria.
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Visit the Faculty of Land and Food Systems website to learn more about Data Analytics.
View full program detailsProgram information
In a time of exceptional computing power and data availability, an economics degree supplemented with data analytics skills is highly valued in the job market. Data Analytics will provide a strong core in applied economics and data analysis, a combination that is fundamental for parsing global influences on food markets and natural resource conservation. Learn how to interpret ever-growing sources of data gleaned from satellites, citizen science, etc., and use it to provide economic insight and advanced analytics for decision-making.
Program overview
- Campus
- Vancouver
- Program length
- 4 years
- Honours This option has additional requirements compared to those required in a Major specialization. Students must maintain high academic standing and may have to write a graduating thesis.
- No
- Co-op Co-op is an optional program where students alternate between academic terms and paid work terms. It’s an opportunity to gain relevant job experience while completing your degree.
- Yes
- Faculty
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems
- Degree
- Bachelor of Science in Food and Resource Economics
What you'll learn
This program will give you specialized knowledge in the economics of natural resource conservation and global food markets. You can choose to tackle critical issues resulting from climate change, resource depletion, biodiversity loss, and slowing agricultural productivity.
You will support your economic analysis using data analysis built on standard coding platforms such Python and R. Data visualization will help you observe and present trends in environmental outcomes and map spatial data. By learning to evaluate causal relationships you can make or reject claims on the efficacy of governmental and non-governmental policies, such as carbon taxes, invasive species restrictions, and certifications.
Life at UBC's Vancouver campus
In this program you’ll have access to the talents and diverse perspectives of instructors in the Food and Resource Economics (FRE) group, the Vancouver School of Economics, and the UBC Sauder School of Business. Flexible electives and opportunity are key strengths of the program.
Program advantages
Study a combination of economics, data analysis, business, and physical sciences and graduate with a unique set of skills for the labour market. Increase your job prospects by developing expertise in sustainable business practices and the green economy. Benefit from a small program that encourages strong connections between students and professors who act as both instructors and mentors.
Courses
There are hundreds of courses you can take within Data Analytics. Here are a few you might like.
Communicating concepts of food systems and links to human and environmental health through writing, elements of argumentation, evaluating evidence, and searching for and citing references to back up claims.
Introduction to tools needed for data analysis of the economic, ecological, health, and scientific components of land and food systems.
Introduction to empirical methods with applications for problems in food and resource economics; standard linear regression and methods to address data deficiencies; interpretation of regression results for forecasting and policy analysis.
Estimating causal relationships in natural resource economics; applied data analysis; econometrics; counterfactual thinking, and applications to the economics of: natural resource conservation, species loss and extraction, protected areas, international trade of wildlife products, and endangered species legislation.
Outcomes
There are many types of jobs for graduates with an undergraduate degree in Food and Resource Economics, especially those with a Data Analytics specialization. Employers may include environmental non-governmental organizations, government agencies involved in natural resource conservation, and the agri-food sector. Potential job titles include:
- Analyst (decision support, credit, market)
- Junior consultant, research assistant
- Economic forecaster
- Sales and marketing associate
Students are also well trained to apply for various graduate programs in agricultural and resource economics, economics, and statistics at UBC and other universities.
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Program requirements
Choose application type:
English-language requirements
English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are numerous ways to meet the English Language Admission Standard.
General admission requirements
IB Diploma Programme
- Completed IB Diploma, including at least three Higher Level courses.
IB Certificate Courses
- IB Certificate courses (Standard and Higher Level) may be used in an admissions average if you are graduating from a recognized high school curriculum that can be used as your basis of admission.
- IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, do not satisfy the math requirement for admission to UBC’s science-based programs, the Faculty of Management, the UBC Sauder School of Business, or the Vancouver School of Economics.
Degree-specific requirements: Food and Resource Economics
- IB Math Analysis and Approaches SL or HL, or IB Math Applications and Interpretations HL. (IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, are not acceptable.)
Related courses
The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in your junior (Grade 11) and senior years.
- Language Arts
- Mathematics and Computation (will consider Chemistry and Physics in this category)
- Social Studies
Want to get a feel for campus?
If you’re unable to visit UBC in person, or you just want to get a sneak peek at your new home campus before you arrive, take one of our virtual tours. Current UBC students walk you through UBC’s residences, study spots, recreational facilities, lecture halls, academic buildings, and more.
Related programs
Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Land and Food Systems website to learn more about Data Analytics.
View full program detailsGet a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time UBC international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all eligibility criteria.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Land and Food Systems website to learn more about Data Analytics.
View full program details