Note: 91社区鈥檚 new Course Catalogue will replace the eCalendar. The Course Catalogue is expected to go live the week of April 22nd. When the new site is published, "mcgill.ca/study" will be redirected to the new Course Catalogue website.
Course information on this site is not reflective of offerings for the 2025鈥�2026 academic year. Some irregularities may occur as we move operations to the incoming Course Catalogue.
The Department of Natural Resource Sciences offers programs leading to M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in:
The Department possesses, or has access to, excellent facilities for laboratory and field research. Affiliated with the Department are the , the Molson Nature Reserve, the Morgan Arboretum, and the of the St. Lawrence Valley Natural History Society. Details are available on the Natural Resource Sciences website.
Master of Science Degrees
| Master of Science (M.Sc.) Agricultural Economics (Thesis) (45 credits) |
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| This program provides students with applied economic concepts and tools to identify, define, and analyze economic problems affecting the performance of the agri-food sector and the environment. The ideal prior preparation is an undergraduate degree in Agricultural Economics or Economics, including undergraduate courses in intermediate economic theory (micro and macro), calculus, algebra, statistics, and econometrics. Attention is given to the development of analytical skills in the broad areas of agricultural, environmental, and ecological economics. Students may specialize, by way of their research program, in agribusiness, development, finance, marketing and trade, policy, and resource economics. The program prepares graduates for rewarding careers in research, analysis, and decision-making in academia, private and NGO sectors, and government. |
| Master of Science (M.Sc.) Entomology (Thesis) (45 credits) |
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Graduate students in the entomology program work within, and often across, multiple disciplines of basic and applied environmental sciences. Specialties within the program include terrestrial arthropod ecology, physiology, zoogeography, diversity, and systematics. Our students typically have exceptionally strong backgrounds in one or more of these specialties and an interest in research that advances both theory and applied management of ecosystems. After completing their degrees they go on to careers in academia, environmental policy, government agencies, industry, and other fields. |
| Master of Science (M.Sc.) Microbiology (Thesis) (45 credits) |
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Graduate students in the microbiology program work within, and often across, multiple disciplines of basic and applied environmental sciences. Specialties within the program range from the study of microbial diversity in extreme environments, either natural or man-induced, to the role of microbes in managed ecosystems, such as in agriculture and forests. Our students typically have exceptionally strong backgrounds in one or more of these specialties and an interest in research that advances our fundamental knowledge about microorganisms as well as leads to improved efficiencies of our managed ecosystems. After completing their degrees they go on to careers in academia, environmental policy, government agencies, industry, and other fields. |
| Master of Science (M.Sc.) Renewable Resources (Thesis) (45 credits) |
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Graduate students in the renewable resources program work within, and often across, multiple disciplines of basic and applied environmental sciences. Specialties within the program include environmental and ecological economics, environmental health and toxicology, forest ecology, fish and fisheries biology, landscape ecology, limnology, micrometeorology, soil science, and wildlife biology. They typically have exceptionally strong backgrounds in one or more of these specialties and an interest in research that advances both theory and applied management of natural resources. After completing their degrees they go on to careers in academia, environmental policy, government agencies, industry, and other fields. |
| Master of Science (M.Sc.) Renewable Resources (Thesis): Neotropical Environment (45 credits) |
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Please contact the Department for more information about this program. |
Ph.D. Degrees
| Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Entomology |
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Graduate students in the entomology program work within, and often across, multiple disciplines of basic and applied environmental sciences. Specialties within the program include terrestrial arthropod ecology, physiology, zoogeography, diversity, and systematics. Our students typically have exceptionally strong backgrounds in one or more of these specialties and an interest in research that advances both theory and applied management of ecosystems. After completing their degrees, they go on to careers in academia, environmental policy, government agencies, industry, and other fields. |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Microbiology |
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Graduate students in the microbiology program work within, and often across, multiple disciplines of basic and applied environmental sciences. Specialties within the program range from the study of microbial diversity in extreme environments, either natural or man-induced, to the role of microbes in managed ecosystems, such as in agriculture and forests. Our students typically have exceptionally strong backgrounds in one or more of these specialties and an interest in research that advances our fundamental knowledge about microorganisms and leads to improved efficiencies of our managed ecosystems. After completing their degrees they go on to careers in academia, environmental policy, government agencies, industry, and other fields. |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Renewable Resources |
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Graduate students in the renewable resources program work within, and often across, multiple disciplines of basic and applied environmental sciences. Specialties within the program include environmental and ecological economics, environmental health and toxicology, forest ecology, fish and fisheries biology, landscape ecology, limnology, micrometeorology, soil science, and wildlife biology. Our students typically have exceptionally strong backgrounds in one or more of these specialties and an interest in research that advances both theory and applied management of natural resources. After completing their degrees they go on to careers in academia, environmental policy, government agencies, industry, and other fields. |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Renewable Resources: Neotropical Environment |
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Please contact the Department for more information about this program. |
M.Sc. Thesis (Agricultural Economics)
Direct admission to the M.Sc. requires the completion of a B.Sc. in Agricultural Economics or a closely related area, with the minimum equivalent cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0/4.0 (second class鈥搖pper division) or minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.2/4.0 during the last two years of full-time university study. High grades are expected in courses considered by the academic unit to be preparatory to the graduate program.
The ideal preparation includes courses in agricultural economics, economic theory (intermediate micro and macro), calculus, linear algebra, and statistics. Students with deficiencies in these areas will be required to take additional courses as part of their degree program.
M.Sc. Thesis (Entomology, Microbiology, Renewable Resources)
Candidates are required to have a bachelor's degree with a minimum equivalent CGPA of 3.0/4.0 (second class鈥搖pper division) or a minimum GPA of 3.2/4.0 during the last two years of full-time university study. High grades are expected in courses considered by the academic unit to be preparatory to the graduate program.
M.Sc. in Renewable Resources (Non-Thesis) 鈥� Environmental Assessment Option
Applications are not being accepted for the current academic year; the program is currently under review.
Ph.D. Thesis (Entomology, Microbiology, Renewable Resources)
Candidates are normally required to hold an M.Sc. degree and will be judged primarily on their ability to conduct an original and independent research study.
Qualifying Program
Some applicants whose academic degrees and standing entitle them to serious consideration for admission to graduate studies, but who are considered inadequately prepared in the subject selected, may be admitted to a Qualifying program if they have met the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies minimum CGPA of 3.0/4.0. The course(s) to be taken in a Qualifying program will be prescribed by the academic unit concerned. Qualifying students are registered in graduate studies, but not as candidates for a degree. Only one Qualifying year is permitted. Successful completion of a Qualifying program does not guarantee admission to a degree program.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available but limited and highly competitive. It is suggested that students give serious consideration to their financial planning before submitting an application. Normally, a student will not be accepted unless adequate financial support can be provided through a scholarship/award and/or by the student鈥檚 supervisor. Academic units cannot guarantee financial support via teaching assistantships.
English Language Proficiency
For graduate applicants whose mother tongue is not English, and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized Canadian or American (English or French) institution or from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction, documented proof of English proficiency is required prior to admission. For a list of acceptable test scores and minimum requirements, visit mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/international/proficiency.
91社区鈥檚 online application form for graduate program candidates is available at mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/apply.
See University Regulations & Resources > Graduate > Graduate Admissions and Application Procedures > Application Procedures for detailed application procedures.
Application opening dates are set by Enrolment Services in consultation with Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS), while application deadlines are set by the Department of Natural Resource Sciences and may be revised at any time. Applicants must verify all deadlines and documentation requirements well in advance on the appropriate 91社区 departmental website; please consult the list at mcgill.ca/gps/contact/graduate-program.
Information on application deadlines is available at mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/how-apply/application-steps/application-deadlines.
Admission to graduate studies is competitive; accordingly, late and/or incomplete applications are considered only as time and space permit.
Graduate students receive rigorous training in economic theory, institutional economics, and quantitative methods, with a focus on applying economic concepts and tools to identify, define, analyze, and solve economic problems in the agri-food sector and the environment. The ideal prior preparation is an undergraduate degree in Agricultural Economics or Economics,...
For more information, see Master of Science (M.Sc.) Agricultural Economics (Thesis) (45 credits).
For more information, see Master of Science (M.Sc.) Entomology (Thesis) (45 credits).
The Master of Science in Microbiology is a thesis program of 45 credits. The program involves research within, and often across, multiple disciplines of basic and applied environmental sciences that advances our fundamental knowledge about microorganisms as well as leads to improved efficiencies of our managed ecosystems. Specialties within the program range from...
For more information, see Master of Science (M.Sc.) Microbiology (Thesis) (45 credits).
Includes Micrometeorology, Forest Science, Soil Science and Wildlife Biology as areas of research.
For more information, see Master of Science (M.Sc.) Renewable Resources (Thesis) (45 credits).
The Master of Science in Renewable Resources; Neotropical Environment is a thesis program of 45 credits. The program is offered in association with several University departments, the 91社区 School of Environment, and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI-Panama). The program involves research on environmental issues relevant to the Neotropics and Latin...
For more information, see Master of Science (M.Sc.) Renewable Resources (Thesis): Neotropical Environment (45 credits).
The Doctor of Philosophy in Entomology is a program that involves research primarily within the discipline of entomology but also across multiple disciplines of basic and applied environmental sciences, that advances both theory and applied management of natural resources. Specialties within the program include terrestrial arthropod ecology, physiology,...
For more information, see Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Entomology.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology involves research within, and often across, multiple disciplines of basic and applied environmental sciences that advances our fundamental knowledge about microorganisms as well as leads to improved efficiencies of our managed ecosystems. Specialties within the program range from the study of microbial ecology and diversity...
For more information, see Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Microbiology.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Renewable Resources is a Resources program that involves research within, and ...
For more information, see Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Renewable Resources.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Renewable Resources; Neotropical Environment is a research-based program offered in association with several University departments, the 91社区 School of Environment, and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI-Panama). The program involves research on environmental issues relevant to the Neotropics and Latin American...
For more information, see Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Renewable Resources: Neotropical Environment.
