Honours in Sustainability, Science and Society

The grand challenge of the 21st century is sustainable well-being; that is, to improve human well-being while maintaining the Earth's life-support systems. This B.A. & Sc. program provides the interdisciplinary and integrative knowledge and skills required to effectively understand and address this challenge in its multiple dimensions-scientific-technological, socio-economic, political-institutional, ethical, and human behavioural - and to chart a transition to sustainability. It is built upon three pillars: 1) Science and Technology, to provide an in-depth understanding of the underpinnings of the problems of concern along these dimensions; 2) Economics, Policy, and Governance, to understand how we can make the sustainability transition; and 3) Ethics, Equity, and Justice, to discuss why we need change, and the issues of equity and justice associated with taking action. This program is a partnership between Geography and the Bieler School of Environment and will be administered through Geography.

The Honours program allows students to pursue a research project with the supervision of a McGill University faculty member, leading to an honours thesis. Applicants must have a minimum program GPA (GPA of all required and complementary courses taken at McGill) of 3.3 to enter the Honours program. Students must earn a B grade (3.0) or higher for the Honours Research course (ENVR 495, 6 credits). Students are required to achieve a minimum overall CGPA of 3.0 at graduation, and a minimum Program GPA of 3.3 to obtain Honours. Honours students need to identify a supervisor, an honours project, and register in ENVR 495. Honours students are encouraged to participate in 500-level seminars with graduate students.

• 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. 

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