StudyQA — Master: Agriculture — University of Alberta

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The Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at the University of Alberta offers students a comprehensive and multidisciplinary education designed to prepare future leaders in the agricultural sector. This program integrates foundational science with practical applications, equipping students with the skills necessary to address global challenges related to food security, sustainable farming, environmental stewardship, and rural development. Students will engage in coursework covering areas such as crop science, soil science, animal science, agricultural economics, and environmental conservation, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of modern agriculture. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through laboratory experiments, field studies, and internships that provide real-world experience in various agricultural settings. Students also have opportunities to collaborate with industry partners and research institutions, fostering innovation and entrepreneurial thinking. The curriculum is designed to cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and leadership qualities, preparing graduates to contribute effectively to the agricultural industry or pursue advanced studies. The university’s state-of-the-art facilities, expert faculty, and strong network within the agricultural community support student success and professional development. Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture program are well-equipped to pursue careers in agribusiness, crop and livestock production, agricultural consulting, research, policy development, and environmental management. They are prepared to meet the demands of a growing global population by developing sustainable and efficient agricultural practices. The program encourages students to engage in lifelong learning and continuous improvement, ensuring they remain adaptable and innovative throughout their careers. With a focus on sustainability, technological advancements, and community engagement, the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at the University of Alberta aims to develop future champions of the agricultural industry who can make meaningful contributions to society and the environment.

Master of Agriculture programs consist of

ten three-credit graduate level courses;
a project that is equivalent to a one-term course;
Ethics, Professionalism, and Academic Integrity Program.

Students are expected to participate in the department seminar series through attendance and presentation of their research project results

Admission Requirements

A four year baccalaureate degree, in a relevant field with a grade point average of at least 3.0 (6.5 on previous GPA system), in the last 60 units of course weight of undergraduate study;
Appropriate academic background in the undergraduate program.

Students entering the MAg program, specializing in Agricultural Economics, should typically have completed the following types of courses in the undergraduate program:

Undergraduate coursework in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Quantitative Methods (Calculus, Linear Algebra, Statistics) and Applied Economics (Development Economics, Environmental Economics, Trade, Money and Banking, Finance)

Based on our experience, without this type of background, students are unlikely to be successful in applying for admission to this program.

Applicants for this program are normally expected to have completed three years of satisfactory professional experience in agriculture.

International Applicants

English Proficiency is demonstrated by:

possession of a degree or its academic equivalent from an institution recognized by the University of Alberta and where the language of instruction is English. Proof that the instruction for the degree was in English will be required; or
demonstration of sufficient English language coursework at the secondary school level from select countries (ie. Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden & Switzerland). See English Language Proficiency: Secondary School Coursework; or
a satisfactory score on one of the approved English language examinations.

Language certificate requirements:

TOEFL: minimum score of 550 (paper-based), or a total score of 88 with a score of at least 20 on each of the individual skill areas (internet-based);
MELAB: minimum score of 85;
IELTS: minimum overall band score of 6.5, with at least 5 on each band (Academic);
CAEL: overall minimum score of 60, with at least 60 on each subtest;
PTE Academic: overall minimum score of 59.

Department Funding

Funding opportunities are available on a competitive basis from the Department of Resource Economics and Environmental Sociology (REES). All successful applicants for admission to graduate programs in REES will be assessed for possible funding.

B.J. McBain Scholarship

One scholarship awarded annually to a graduate student of outstanding academic merit interested in pursuing research in the economics of food and agriculture, for the purpose of encouraging and supporting applied research and development that will be of direct benefit to primary producers of basic food products in Western Canada. Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

ALES Bar None International Experience Award

Awarded annually to a student or students with satisfactory academic standing registered full-time in an undergraduate or graduate degree program within the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences and participating as an outgoing or incoming student in a Faculty-approved formal exchange program, international study abroad program, international internship, or practicum opportunity in a developing country.

Brett Cortus Memorial Graduate Scholarship

Awarded annually to a student registered full-time in a graduate degree program in the Department of Rural Economy working in the area of Agricultural and Research Economics. The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of outstanding academic merit to a student interested in pursuing research in environmental stewardship in agriculture, for the purpose of encouraging and supporting applied research and development that will be of direct benefit to Canada. The applicant must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or be studying on a valid student visa in the Department of Rural Economy.

Doug Penney Award

Awarded to a student entering the first year of a masters or doctoral degree in the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences. Applicants must have a demonstrated interest in soil science or agronomy as it relates to agriculture. Selection based on academic standing and the quality of the application.