EXPLORE
MCGILL
MAC
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FACULTY OF AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM GUIDE (UPDATED)
CONTENTS AREAS OF STUDY................................................................................................................................... /01 JOIN A TOP-RANKED UNIVERSITY................................................................................................../02 STUDY & INNOVATE ............................................................................................................................. /03 HANDS-ON LEARNING........................................................................................................................ /04 BUILD YOUR CAREER.......................................................................................................................... /05 MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR EXPERIENCE................................................................................... /06 LIVE THE STUDENT RESIDENCE LIFE.........................................................................................../07 BSc / AgEnvSc MAJOR IN LIFE SCIENCES— BIOLOGICAL & AGRICULTURAL ........................................... /08 BSc / AgEnvSc MAJOR IN ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY........................................................................................ /10 BSc / AgEnvSc MAJOR IN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS............................................................../12 BSc / AgEnvSc MAJOR IN AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS ..................................................................................../14 BSc / AgEnvSc MAJOR IN ENVIRONMENT................................................................................................................. /16 BEng BIORESOURCE ENGINEERING ........................................................................................................ /18 BSc FOOD SCIENCE ....................................................................................................................................../20 BSc / NutrSc MAJOR IN NUTRITION — NUTRITIONAL SCIENCES.................................................................. /22 BSc / NutrSc MAJOR IN DIETETICS — NUTRITIONAL SCIENCES.................................................................../24 BSc / FSc + NutrSc CONCURRENT DEGREES IN FOOD SCIENCE & NUTRITIONAL SCIENCES.................../26 TAKE THE NEXT STEP.........................................................................................................................../28 DISCOVER OUR COMMUNITY.........................................................................................................../29
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT McGill University is on land which has long served as a site of meeting and exchange amongst Indigenous peoples, including the Haudenosaunee and Anishinabeg nations. We acknowledge and thank the diverse Indigenous peoples whose presence marks this territory on which peoples of the world now gather.
AREAS OF STUDY
OFFERED AT MCGILL’S MACDONALD CAMPUS BSc Agricultural and Environmental Sciences ma
ma
ma
ma
co
sp
op
Agricultural Economics sp
Agribusiness
sp
Environmental Economics
sp
Professional Agrology
Sustainable Agricultural Systems
Molecular Biotechnology sp
Plant Biology
BEng Bioresource Engineering
sp
Livestock
op
Bio-Process Engineering
Environment
op
Bio-Production Engineering
op op
Professional Agrology
Biodiversity and Conservation
Environmetrics
co Food Production and
Environment co
Land Surface Processes and Environmental Change
Bio-Environmental Engineering
BSc Food Science op
Food Chemistry
op
Food Science
BSc Nutritional Sciences ma
Dietetics
ma
Nutrition
co Renewable Resource
Management co Water Environments and
Ecosystems ma
Life Sciences (Multidisciplinary)
sp Microbiology and
Global Food Security
co
OPTION: Specific area of study within a major
Animal Biology and Health
sp
sp
of Health
SPECIALIZATION: Specific area of study within a major
sp
Field Crops and Horticulture
co Ecological Determinants
CONCENTRATION: Specific area of study within a major
Life Sciences
sp
co
MAJOR: Primary area of study
ma
Environmental Biology sp
Applied Ecology
sp
Plant Biology
sp
Wildlife Biology
co
Food Function and Safety
co
Global Nutrition
co
Metabolism, Health, and Disease
co
Sports Nutrition
BSc Food Science and BSc Nutritional Sciences (Concurrent degree)
For application details, please visit: mcgill.ca/applying 01
JOIN A TOP-RANKED UNIVERSITY McGill University is a world-leading institution that attracts expert professors and talented students from more than 150 countries. McGill’s Macdonald Campus is our 650-hectare living lab for teaching and research in agricultural, environmental, food and nutritional sciences, and bioresource engineering.
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STUDY & INNOVATE McGill’s Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is working to improve the way we produce resources, protect and restore environments and support a healthy population worldwide. Macdonald Campus – affectionately known as “Mac”– is where our students and faculty build solutions for a sustainable future. Across our labs, greenhouses, fields, forest and riverfront, you’ll gain the skills and hands-on training you need for an impactful career.
A degree valued worldwide // Whether your goal is to kickstart a successful career or pursue graduate or professional studies, an undergraduate degree from McGill will set you apart. Top employers and leading universities around the globe recognize and respect the value of a McGill education.
The best of both worlds // Macdonald Campus sits on the western tip of the island of Montreal, in the scenic town of Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue. Students love Mac’s small campus feel and being a short commute from the vibrant culture and nightlife of downtown Montreal. You can take courses, join clubs and attend events on both of McGill’s campuses.
A close-knit campus community // At Mac, you’ll join a friendly and inclusive community where students from around the world quickly feel at home. With small class sizes and supportive professors, it’s easy to build meaningful connections, find your place and thrive, academically and socially.
EXPLORE OUR CAMPUS
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HANDS-ON LEARNING We’re big believers that the best way to learn is through hands-on experience. Your “classroom” could be anything from our greenhouses and culinary labs to the shores of Montreal’s St. Lawrence River and trails of Morgan Arboretum. There’s also a fully functional teaching and research farm. You’ll discuss the theory behind it all in lecture halls and active learning classrooms.
Explore the world through fieldwork // McGill has research institutes in communities around the world. You can apply the knowledge you learn in class during field semesters and courses in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Barbados, Guatemala, and Panama.
Exchanges to expand your perspective // You can go on an exchange semester at one of 150 partner universities in 40+ countries. McGill offers bursaries to help you realize your global learning ambitions and experience another culture. OFFICE OF EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH
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BUILD YOUR CAREER Earning a degree from a world-class institution will set you apart — and gaining work experience is important too! You can pursue internships, research projects, outreach, and volunteer opportunities. We offer funding and support so you can seize experiences that will pay off in your career. You’ll also have the chance to meet prospective employers at our annual career fair and explore other services offered.
Intern with top organizations // Internships are a great way to build connections and gain experience related to your studies. We can help you find opportunities in leading research institutions, industry, and community organizations — local and international.
Launch your research project // Some of the world’s greatest discoveries are happening right here. Even as an undergrad, you’ll have the chance to conduct meaningful research alongside leading minds in your field. We offer funding to help bring your research to life.
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MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR EXPERIENCE Stay active and explore the outdoors // Around campus, you can explore forested trails, kayak on the river, play volleyball, or work out at the indoor or outdoor gyms. You can also swim, take fitness classes, and play intramural sports.
Get involved on campus // No matter what your interests are, you can find a student association or club for it at McGill – chocolate factory tours with the Food Science Association, jam sessions with the Music Club, white-water rafting with the Outdoors Club. Here you’ll have the chance to develop your passions and discover new ones.
Find support when you need it // McGill offers services to support your health, wellness, and success: Campus Life & Engagement Career Planning Service N First Peoples’ House N International Student Services N Office of Religious & Spiritual Life
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Scholarships & Student Aid Student Accessibility & Achievement N Student Wellness Hub
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LIVE THE STUDENT RESIDENCE LIFE Living in residence is a great way to make friends from different cultures and backgrounds and make the most of your McGill experience. Whether you plan to stay here for your first year or your full degree, it’s a great way to get integrated in the community.
Our two residences are just a quick walk away from classes // LAIRD HALL — The classic dormitory-style residence experience, with single or double rooms, shared bathrooms, kitchens, and common spaces. Open to all incoming students. ECO RESIDENCE — Duplex (2 bedroom) or six-plex (6 bedroom) apartments with private single bedrooms. Open to returning and graduate students only.
EXPLORE RESIDENCES
CONTACT US
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BSc
AgEnvSc
MAJOR in
LIFE SCIENCES
Biological & Agricultural
This major will help you understand the molecular and biochemical foundations of life that lead to genes, cells, and the organisms around us. Life sciences is a constantly evolving field, with new knowledge and applications in biotechnology, medicine, and forensics emerging each year. Your classroom //
Your courses //
Many of your courses will involve work in fully- equipped science labs to provide you with hands-on experience. You can also take courses with outdoor labs in the unique natural setting of Macdonald Campus.
In this cross-disciplinary program, you’ll take core courses in fundamental biological sciences (animal, plant, microbiology, cell, and molecular) and courses in a specialization of your choice. You can also pursue a research-intensive Honours program in your final year.
Suggested specializations // In the Life Sciences major, you’ll need to choose at least one specialization. We recommend: Animal Biology and Health / Animal physiology, welfare and disease risk Life Sciences (Multidisciplinary) / A flexible, multidisciplinary approach to the study of pure and applied life sciences
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Microbiology and Molecular Biotechnology / Pure and applied microbiology, molecular genetics, pathogenicity, environmental microbiology, genomics, biotechnology, and bioinformatics Plant Biology / Molecular, biochemical, and cellular biology of plants Some students may also choose to do the Wildlife Biology specialization.
Career paths // Life sciences is a broad field that can lead to a variety of careers, including work in research and development or applied science. You can also pursue graduate studies or a secondary degree to work in veterinary science or medicine.
Future studies in health sciences, including medicine N Future studies in veterinary science N Food and fermentation industries N Bioscience and pharmaceutical industries N Agricultural biotechnology N Environmental sciences N Forensic sciences N
Internships and research // As you progress in your program, you can gain essential hands-on experience by completing a field project or internship. Our students have been: Investigating microbes in the Arctic N Researching epigenetics in Grenoble, France N Helping improve water and soil quality in Shanghai N Interning at veterinary clinics in Quebec N
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BSc
AgEnvSc
MAJOR in
ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY This major offers world-class training in the biology, conservation, and ecology of plants, birds, mammals, fish, insects and microbes. By studying human impact on species and ecosystems, you can help solve important environmental challenges. Your classroom //
Your courses //
Environmental Biology has a significant field component. You’ll take outdoor labs in the unique setting of Macdonald Campus and explore the complex biodiversity of our fields, forests, and lakeshore. On and off campus, you can join in cutting-edge research on climate change and its effects on animals and ecosystems.
This program provides a foundation in endangered species conservation, environmental pollution, and protected areas management. You’ll study how organisms adapt to changes in the environment and the consequences for ecosystems. You can also pursue a research-intensive Honours program in your final year.
Suggested specializations // In the Environmental Biology major, you’ll need to choose at least one specialization. We recommend: Applied Ecology / Deepening the understanding of how ecosystems function Plant Biology / Ecology; Molecular, biochemical, and cellular biology of plants Wildlife Biology / Proper management and conservation of essential wildlife species and their habitats
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Career paths // The experience and skills you acquire in this program will prepare you for a wide choice of careers in biological and environmental sciences. You could work in: Wildlife biology Conservation N Zookeeping N Public or private lands management N Environmental impact assessment N Nature documentary filmmaking N N
Internships and research // As you progress in your program, you can gain essential hands-on experience by completing a field project or internship. Our students have been: Assessing environmental changes in Paraguay N Interning at wildlife rehabilitation centers in Canada and the US N Ensuring the protection of sea turtles in Greece N Studying medicinal plants in Peru N Working with Indigenous groups to measure the health of polar bears N Studying puffins in Alaska and the St. Lawrence River N
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BSc
AgEnvSc
MAJOR in
SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS This major provides training in innovative agricultural practices that promote ecological stewardship and improve global food security. In this interdisciplinary and solution-oriented program, you’ll learn how to produce food while protecting the environment. Your classroom //
Suggested specializations //
You’ll gain real-world experience in agricultural production in the crop fields, orchards, greenhouses, and dairy and poultry facilities on campus. This program has a strong hands-on lab component and involves visits to agribusinesses.
In the Sustainable Agricultural Systems major, you’ll need to choose at least one specialization:
Your courses // In this program you’ll explore the basic and applied biology of cultivated crops, domestic animals, arable soils, and the economics of agriculture. You’ll also choose a specialization in a connected discipline.
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Field Crops and Horticulture / Biology, physiology, breeding, propagation, and management of domesticated crops and vegetables Global Food Security / Understanding how agriculture can further sustainable development, alleviate poverty, improve nutrition, and achieve food security Livestock / Livestock management practices that incorporate precision animal agriculture and highlight regional industries in a global context
Students who wish to apply to the Ordre des agronomes du Québec (OAQ) [Order of Agrologists of Quebec] can substitute a set of 9 specific credits within their complementary coursework.
Career paths //
Our students have been:
This program leads to a wide variety of careers in all sectors of agriculture, including agronomy if taken with the Professional Agrology coursework. You could work in:
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Crop consulting N Livestock nutrition N Food system design and improvement N Farm business management N International development consulting N
Internships and research // You’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn off campus in this program through field studies and internships.
Interning at local dairy and vegetable farms N Analyzing insect populations in India N Giving conferences to youth and women in rural Senegal N Testing new optical technology to assess the quality of beef carcasses N Optimizing the performance of autonomous weed removal robots N Documenting the welfare of dairy calves on Quebec farms N Improving fungal disease management on Quebec golf courses
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BSc
AgEnvSc
MAJOR in
AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS This major will show you how to use economic and management principles to understand and optimize the way we produce and distribute food. You’ll gain a foundation in agriculture and international development, food systems, trade and natural resource management, and policy. Your classroom // Your courses will be taken at the Macdonald Campus and on the Downtown Campus, in the Desautels Faculty of Management. Some of your classes may also have fieldwork or lab components.
Your courses // In this flexible, interdisciplinary program, you’ll take courses in economics, marketing, finance, resource economics, and public policy. You can also explore environmental issues or agriculture in more depth depending on your chosen specialization.
Suggested specializations // In the Agricultural Economics program, you will need to choose at least one specialization: Agribusiness / Understanding agriculture and food systems, including financial and market
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analysis and the appropriate policies for agriculture and food systems Environmental Economics / Economics, environmental policies, and the management of natural resources integrated with biological and environmental sciences Professional Agrology / Agrology encompasses the science and technology required for agricultural production To become a member of the Ordre des agronomes du Québec (OAQ) [Order of Agrologists of Quebec], you will need to take both the Agribusiness and Professional Agrology specializations.
Career paths //
Internships and research //
This program will prepare you for careers in many sectors, including government and non-profit organizations, international development, and the multibillion-dollar agri-food industry. You could work in:
You can choose to complete an internship either on a farm or at an agri-food or environmental-related business as one of your complementary courses. Our students have been:
Agribusiness, farming, or natural resources management N Environmental economy N Environmental and agricultural policy analysis N Banking, finance, marketing (agri-food industry) N Professional agrology
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You could also pursue graduate studies in areas like agricultural economics, environmental management, and law, among others.
Optimizing software used by Quebec dairy producers to manage their business N Documenting grain trading activities among businesses undergoing a merger N Evaluating agricultural producers’ funding requests to financial institutions N Exploring alternative means of pricing pork meat in Quebec
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BSc
AgEnvSc
MAJOR in
ENVIRONMENT [ BIELER SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENT ]
The Major in Environment brings together a broad range of perspectives, ideas, and expertise to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing our world. This major will prepare you to address complex and uncertain problems through systems thinking, and to propel change and inform policy through effective communication. Your classroom //
Your courses //
Most of your lectures and labs will take place on the Macdonald Campus. You can also explore courses and other opportunities on the Downtown Campus. Many Environment students pursue field courses and research activities locally and around the world, including field study semesters in Panama, Barbados, and Africa.
This interdisciplinary program will introduce you to different approaches to viewing and understanding our social and natural ecosystems in all their complexity. At the core of your program will be courses on global change, sustainability science, environmental ethics, and environmental research design. Some of your courses will also include group research projects.
Concentrations // In this major, you’ll choose a concentration. You could focus on: Biodiversity and Conservation Ecological Determinants of Health N Environmetrics N Food Production and Environment N Land Surface Processes and Environmental Change N Renewable Resource Management N Water Environments and Ecosystems N N
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Career paths //
Internships and research //
This program provides broad training which can lead to a variety of careers. You’ll be prepared to tackle pressing environmental issues from many angles. Some examples:
As you progress in your program, you can gain valuable hands-on experience by completing a field course or internship. You can also gain research experience with a professor over the summer, through independent study, and through the Honours program.
Community outreach and conservation N Environmental assessment N Managing sustainable development or environmental programs N Public health N Environmental sciences N Environmental policy advising and development N Advising in corporate, social, and environmental responsibility N Biostatistics N Climate change analysis N Environmental communication and education N Environmental / green innovation and entrepreneurship N
Our students have been:
Interning on agroforestry projects in Ecuador N Working with Parks Canada and the City of Montreal N Assisting with research on a Quebec beaver census N Educating the public as local Environment Awareness Agents N
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BEng
Bioresource
BIORESOURCE ENGINEERING
As the world’s population grows, so does our need for food, renewable energy, and biomaterials. In this program, you’ll learn how to connect natural sciences and engineering design to optimize our use of bioresources while protecting the environment. Your classroom //
Stream selection //
Your courses will include lectures, problem-solving sessions, hands-on labs, and other experiential learning activities. In some courses, you’ll visit relevant industrial sites. Most of your courses will be offered at the Macdonald Campus, but at least one semester of courses will be taken on the Downtown Campus.
In the Bioresource Engineering program, you can choose to follow one of three streams:
Your courses // You’ll follow a core set of engineering courses, as well as complementary engineering, natural science, and social sciences classes, which you can choose based on your interests.
Bio-Environmental Engineering / Focus on knowledge of soil and water engineering, ecological engineering, organic waste management, and related topics essential for humanity’s sustainable development, resilience to climate change, and other contemporary challenges. Bio-Process Engineering / Apply engineering skills to design nature-inspired infrastructure for transforming agricultural and other natural resources into products such as food, fiber, biofuel, biomaterials, and sustainable composites. Bio-Production Engineering / Complementing the legacy of the agricultural engineering profession, this stream explores new realities of smart farming, controlled production systems, and emerging bio-production processes. A Professional Agrology Option is available for students interested in obtaining agrology licensing through the Ordre des Agronomes du Québec (OAQ) [Order of Agrologists of Quebec]. Students can also enroll in an Honours program and pursue several minors.
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Career paths // Bioresource Engineering is a professional engineering program accredited by Engineers Canada. Graduates can obtain professional engineering (PEng) licensing in all Canadian provinces, including with the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec [Order of Engineers of Quebec]. As a licensed PEng, you can pursue a career in many areas, including: Biofuel and Bioenergy Engineering Ecological and Environmental Engineering N Food Process Engineering N Machinery Design N Organic Waste Management Engineering N Post-Harvest Technologies N Water Resource Management Engineering N N
Internships and research // Following your study plan, you can gain essential hands-on experience through undergraduate research and internships, as well as clubs. Our students have been:
Working for the United Nations Food Program N Interning on urban rooftop farms in Washington, DC N Joining Engineers Without Borders projects in rural Africa N Developing new soil moisture sensors and bee smokers N Integrating food production systems with the Canadian Space Agency N Designing plant production systems for Controlled Environment Agriculture N Conducting laboratory research work with US-based universities N Working on quarter-scale tractor and agricultural robotics design projects N Working with professional societies like the Canadian Society for Bioengineering and American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineering N
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BSc
FSc
FOOD SCIENCE
Food scientists are working to meet the global demand for safe, nutritious, and sustainable foods. In this multidisciplinary field, you’ll learn how concepts of chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering can be applied to better understand food processes and improve food products. Your classroom //
Program options //
Your courses will include lectures and hands-on learning in specialized food science labs. You’ll use high-performance equipment to test and develop new products. You’ll also conduct focus groups and taste panels in unique facilities.
In the Food Science major, you can choose one of two program options:
Your courses // Food Science is a multidisciplinary program accredited by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), which includes courses in chemistry, microbiology, physics, sensory analysis, and engineering. You’ll study topics like food processing and packaging, quality assurance, and flavour chemistry.
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Food Chemistry / Includes two additional research projects and qualifies students for the Ordre des chimistes du Québec (OCQ) [Order of Chemists of Quebec] Food Science / Integrates courses from many disciplines related to the science of food, including biochemistry, microbiology, and processing
Career paths //
Internships and research //
This multidisciplinary program will prepare you for an exciting career path in agri-food, pharmaceutical, and related industries. You could work in areas like:
As you progress in your program, you can gain essential hands-on experience by completing an internship or research project. Our students have been:
Food and flavour industries N Food safety and quality N Technical sales and marketing N Research (university, government, private sector) N Food biotechnology N Environmental sciences N Forensic sciences N
Creating award-winning new foods Learning quality control in a Malaysian beverage factory N Designing healthy meals in a Parisian bakery N Interning at large food plants in Canada N N
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BSc
NutrSc
MAJOR in
NUTRITION
Nutritional Sciences
In this research-based major you’ll explore how diet and nutrition impact human health and disease. By understanding the link between nutrients, health, environment, and society, you can improve lives in local and international communities. Your classroom //
Suggested concentrations //
Your courses will involve lectures and hands-on training with high-performance equipment in specialized nutritional science labs.
In the Nutrition major, you’ll need to choose one concentration:
Your courses // This major covers the scientific fundamentals of nutrition and metabolism throughout the lifespan. You’ll take courses in biochemistry, physiology, advanced nutrition, statistics, genetics, and food chemistry. In your second year, you can apply to an Honours program and study the design, execution, interpretation, and reporting of research in human nutrition.
Food Function and Safety / Health effects of phytochemicals and food toxicants, food chemistry and analysis, food safety, product development, and influence of constituents of food on health Global Nutrition / Interactions between nutrition, diet, water, environment, and infection Metabolism, Health, and Disease / Influence of diet and nutrition on human health and the pathophysiology of inherited and acquired chronic disease Sports Nutrition / Influence of exercise and physical activity on health and chronic disease prevention
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Career paths // This major will equip you to work in several health and scientific fields, and prepares you for graduate or professional studies such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, or veterinary school. You could work in: International nutrition and health promotion N Pharmaceutical industries (sales, product development and testing, education, marketing, industrial associations) N Food product research and development N Food labeling and food inspection N Government and non-governmental organizations (program administration and development, public policy, research) N Science communication, technical writing and media N
The Nutrition Major does not lead to professional licensure as a dietititian-nutritionist. See Dietetics Major on page 24.
Internships and research // This is a flexible program that offers you the chance to participate in research and field studies, as well as internships. Our students have been: Working in university and hospital research labs N Collaborating with McGill researchers in other departments, such as Kinesiology N Doing nutritional marketing in New York City N Interning in local community kitchens N
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BSc
NutrSc
MAJOR in
DIETETICS
Nutritional Sciences
After completing this professional program, you are eligible to become a registered dietitian-nutritionist. By studying the connection between food, nutrition, and health, you can help individuals and communities make healthier choices, and improve lives. Your classroom //
Career paths //
Many of your courses will include lectures and hands-on learning in our specialized food and nutrition labs. In the lab, you’ll have access to high-performance equipment to test food products and explore the science of foods.
This program is recognized by the Ordre des diététistes-nutritionnistes du Québec (ODNQ) [Order of dietitiansnutritionists of Quebec]. Upon being registered with a provincial regulatory body, you will be qualified to work as a dietitian, which opens the door to many career opportunities in food and nutrition. As a licensed health professional, you can work in settings like:
Your courses // You’ll cover subjects like nutrition and health, metabolism and human nutrition, food fundamentals, clinical nutrition, and more.
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Private practice Clinical nutrition in hospitals, medical clinics, community clinics, and long-term care centres N Food provision management N Nutrition and health promotion agencies N Nutrition communication agencies and the media N N
Internships and research // Supervised internships (known as stages) are integrated into the program to help you gain essential hands-on experience. Your stages are organized by the school and will be completed over 40 weeks. All students complete their clinical nutrition stages at hospitals, clinics and/ or long-term care centers in Quebec, mostly in the Montreal region. You’ll gain experience in community nutrition or public health nutrition by working with various groups including children and members from disadvantaged communities.
Food provision management experiences are completed at hospitals, long term care facilities, or food banks. You can complete additional stages (up to 6 weeks) in your final year in areas such as media, nutrition communications, sports nutrition, food industry, or private practice. French proficiency is an admission requirement to allow students to complete the mandatory stages.
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BSc
2 FSc+ NutrSc
CONCURRENT DEGREES in
FOOD SCIENCE & NUTRITIONAL SCIENCES In this unique program, you’ll study the complementary disciplines of food and nutritional sciences, earning two degrees. You’ll learn how to create better-tasting, longer-lasting food, and understand the role nutrition plays in health and disease. Your classroom // Your courses will include lectures and hands-on work in our specialized food and nutrition labs. You’ll develop and test new foods and products using high-performance equipment, and take your research deeper with taste panels and focus groups.
Your courses // Your food science courses will explore the chemistry of food and the scientific principles of food preservation, processing, and packaging. You’ll work to discover new ingredients and explore how they can be incorporated in foods. In your nutrition courses, you’ll explore the nutritional aspects of food and metabolism, and the link between nutrition, health, and disease.
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Career paths //
Internships and research //
This degree leads to opportunities in many industries, including work in the private sector, government, and nongovernmental organizations. You can also pursue graduate studies and conduct advanced research in food science, nutrition, education, and public health. You could work in:
In this program, you’ll apply and further develop your skills in a professional working environment.
Agri-food companies N Food chemistry N Food inspection N Food labeling and packaging N Food product research and development N Nutraceutical industries
In a nutrition industry internship, students can conduct clinical research alongside medical practitioners, work with international NGOs in developing countries, or work in other areas like food product development, nutritional labelling, and educational/promotional material.
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In a food industry internship, students carry out specific functions within a company, including new product development, quality assurance, sensory analysis, food analysis, and food processing.
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TAKE THE NEXT STEP What will it cost? // The answer depends on where you’re from, what you choose to study, and where you want to live. Use our calculator to get a better sense of your costs.
Need financial help? // Whether you’re a Canadian or international student, McGill can help finance your education. We offer basic and major merit-based scholarships, as well as an extensive financial aid program.
Want to visit? // The best way to know if this is the place for you is to see it with your own eyes, so why not book a campus tour? You’ll be able to speak with your student tour guide and find out about experiences, and meet with an Academic Advisor. Tours are booked online.
How do I apply? // If you’re ready to apply, consult our guide for more information on admission requirements, deadlines, and how to apply.
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DISCOVER OUR COMMUNITY ENGLISH 49% MOTHER TONGUE
OTHER 29%
FRENCH 21%
QUEBEC 50%
PLACE OF ORIGIN
INTERNATIONAL 27%
REST OF CANADA 23% All figures based on 2025 enrollments
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N To Quebec City
40 LAVAL
ISLAND OF MONTREAL DOWNTOWN CAMPUS 20 To Ottawa 15
Vaudreuil-Dorion MACDONALD CAMPUS To Toronto
To the USA
mcgill.ca/macdonald/prospective
Information updated as of July 2026