Earth System Science

Earth System Science (ESYS) concentrates on the links between the Earth's biological, chemical, physical and human subsystems. It examines the cycling of energy and matter through the biosphere, the atmosphere, the cryosphere, the hydrosphere and the solid Earth.

This integrated and holistic approach is needed to tackle the complex and challenging global problems facing the Earth. It draws upon expertise from disciplines like ecology, environment, geography, geology, meteorology and oceanography.

McGill's ESYS program will equip you with the skills and knowledge to address six "Grand Challenges" fundamental to our understanding of how the Earth operates. These are:

• Global biogeochemical cycles
• Climate Variability and Change
• Land use and land cover change
• Energy and resources
• Earth hazards, such as volcanoes, earthquakes and hurricanes
• Earth-atmosphere observation, analysis and prediction.

Visit the Earth System Science website for more info, or contact the Program advisor:

Dr. William Minarik
Email: william.minarik@mcgill.ca
 

• 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. 

With their solid training in quantitative methods and basic and natural sciences, our students often go on to graduate studies (M.Sc. or Ph.D.) in a variety of disciplines including Earth System Science, Geography, Atmospheric Sciences, Geology, and Oceanography.

However, the systems approach is applicable to a wide range of careers options, and recent graduates of the Earth System Science program have been finding many diverse employment opportunities right after their B.Sc. degree.

Private sector careers include environmental consulting firms that assess environmental impacts and design remediation strategies, re-insurance research groups that assess and manage risk, and product life-Cycle management that seeks to minimize resource use and environmental costs. Some graduates have worked in software development with the aim of fusing science, policy, and economic algorithms to advise farmers on crop choices, or businesses on product inventory and more.

Our graduates also work in government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). These organizations serve the public in environmental assessment, climate change mitigation and adaptation, evaluation of natural hazards, assessment and management of natural and energy resources using remote sensing and data analytics.

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