Agro-Environmental Sciences


Overview

Feeding the world is one of the biggest challenges we face today. Sustainable agricultural and food production systems are essential for meeting the growing global demand for food, fuel and fibre. Since food production also affects the environment, food systems must be designed with the protection of water, soil, and biodiversity in mind. 

In this program, you can be part of this growing, interdisciplinary, solution-oriented field. This major provides training in the science, biology and management of cultivated plants and animals. It will teach you how to produce food while protecting the environment. 

Practical experience is key: We have unique facilities where you can practice what you learn. Our on-campus farm includes crop fields, orchards, greenhouses, and dairy, swine and poultry facilities for hands-on experiences. Much of what we grow on the farm is used by McGill Food and Dining Services, so as you learn, you can help feed your fellow McGill students!  

This major must be taken with at least one specialization. The recommended specializations are:


Careers

This program leads to a wide variety of careers in all sectors of agriculture. 

If you are interested in being a Professional Agrologist, taking the additional Professional Agrology Specialization along with one of the other specializations above will allow you to apply to the Ordre des agronomes du Québec (OAQ). These professionals are certified to give agricultural advice in Québec, with the overall goal of protecting consumers. You may also be eligible for professional certification in other provinces and countries.

You could become a professional: 

  • Agrologist
  • Crop consultant  
  • Livestock nutritionist  
  • Farm business manager  
  • International development consultant

Student experienceStudent pushes agricultural equipment in a field.

You'll have plenty of opportunities to learn off-campus in this program. Field studies and internships are encouraged, with many students choosing to spend a summer applying what they have learned and gaining new, specialized knowledge and work experience either at home or abroad. 

Students have spent summers interning on a local dairy or vegetable farm, analyzing insect populations in India, researching the genetic improvement of crops in Quebec, giving conferences to youth and women in rural Senegal, working in our own student-run ecological gardens, and much more.


Possible minors

Minors are a great way to customize your academic experience. Many students use minors to pursue interests outside their major, while others choose minors to complement their degree.

Ready to apply?

For this program, you'll need to apply to the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Check the full admission requirements for information about deadlines and whether supporting documents are required as part of your application. 

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