The 1950s–70s marked a period of academic and structural transformation. In 1956, McGill launched a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering, one of only three in Canada. By 1969, the department conferred its first Ph.D.
Under Professor Robert Broughton’s leadership (1962 onward), the department developed a strong graduate program and expanded research in soil and water resources.
Infrastructure also evolved: the Agricultural Engineering Building (1946) became the hub until the Macdonald–Stewart Complex opened in 1979. The Technical Services Building (1976) consolidated all shop work, strengthening the department’s technical and teaching facilities.