Agro-Environmental Sciences

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:

• Animal Production
• Ecological Agriculture
• Plant Production
• Professional Agrology

• Canadian citizenship or Canadian permanent residency
• 23 years of age or older by the start of classes (21 years of age for the Faculties of Management and Music)
• No high school, college or university level studies within the last five years that would constitute a basis for admission
• Two letters of reference
• Mature Student Statements:
  • Letter of Intent, including description of all educational experiences
  • Complete resume of employment and other activities, highlighting points relevant to the application
• In some cases, an interview may be required
• Demonstrate academic potential by successfully completing a minimum number of specific courses (see 'Minimum grades & prerequisites' below) within the three-year period prior to admission and no later than May 15th of the year of application for the intended program (May 1 for some programs). These courses, which may be completed at CEGEP or university, will also fulfill prerequisites for the intended program. 

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

1. Know your deadlines.

   Mark your calendar with these important dates regarding your application. 

2. Decide what to study.

   Use the program finder tool to explore over 300 undergraduate programs and find your best match. 

3. Make sure you're eligible.

   Admission to most programs is based on grades only. In this step, you'll find:
   • How your academic record is reviewed
   • The grades that gained entrance to your program in previous years
   • The prerequisites for your program

4. Get ready to apply.

   As of October 1, you can apply. Complete each step of the pre-application to-do list, including:

   • Understand the deadlines that apply to you
   • Prepare your academic documents
   • Identify supporting documents you'll need to provide

5. Submit your application.

   Review our tips on how to apply and see what the application fees will be. Remember that you can apply to two programs.

6. Apply for an entrance scholarship.

   Look into entrance scholarships early! The deadline is usually a week after your application deadline. This page provides information about entrance scholarships, bursaries, and other funding opportunities.

7. Submit documents and keep in touch.

   We'll connect with you by email to let you know when to upload supporting documents, if required. In this step, you'll see:
   • How to follow your applications status
   • Supporting documents you may need to prepare
   • How to submit supporting documents, including self-reporting your grades