Agricultural Studies

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All programs Faculty of Arts & Science Department website

Credentials available

Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science

Campus

Lethbridge

Intake

Fall & Winter

Admission requirements

Program description

Agricultural studies delves into the relationships between the social, economic, political and environmental factors that affect the agricultural sector — from farm level production to international policy.

This unique program focuses on both the art and the science of agricultural practices from theoretical and applied perspectives, including extensive lab experience and a special emphasis on current issues and cutting-edge research.

You will develop an expansive breadth and depth of knowledge in all things agriculture. Firmly grounded in the humanities and natural and social sciences, this liberal education approach ensures comprehensive, multi-faceted exposure to the study of agriculture and agri-food.

Agricultural studies takes full advantage resources and course offerings in the Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Geography and Economics.

This broad range of perspectives will expand your understanding of issues such as policy development, the farm as a production unit and the environmental implications of land use. You’ll also be exposed to the latest developments in genetic engineering, precision farming and animal nutrition, to name just a few.

Student clubs | The Agricultural Students’ Society has an active presence on campus, organizing a number of events including tours of local ag-based businesses and research facilities, offering you invaluable fellowship and learning opportunities.

Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA) | Once you have completed your degree, you may apply to the Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA) to be registered as a Professional Agrologist within Alberta. Contact us early in your degree for further information.

Concentrations (Optional) | Students in the BA in agricultural studies program may declare a concentration in agricultural business. Students in the BSc in agricultural studies program may declare a concentration in geographical information science.

Minors | Adding a minor to your degree is a great way to explore academic interests beyond your major. A minor is a set of courses comprising a secondary focus of interest. It is generally not related to your major. A minor may be required or optional. Pursue a second passion by adding a minor to your degree.

Honours thesis | If your GPA is high enough in your fourth year, you can opt to complete an Undergraduate Thesis course. This is an excellent opportunity for you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree.

Experience learning | Our students have a number of experiential learning opportunities available to them including co-operative education, international exchanges, independent and applied studies as well as volunteer opportunities. uLethbridge is the only university in Alberta to offer co-operative education to all majors in the arts & sciences, at both the undergrad and grad level. Transfer students can actually head out on their first work term before ever stepping foot on campus! For example, many transfer students have completed a summer work term before starting classes in September.

Skills acquired | In addition to developing exceptional written and oral communication skills in this program, you’ll also develop strong critical and analytical thinking skills, advanced information acquisition and management skills, as well as precise attention to detail. All of these abilities are highly sought after in the business world and can be applied to practically any scenario.

Possible careers

BSc Program

Entomology
Plant Science
Agricultural Engineering
Horticulture
Animal Science
Agricultural Product Inspection

BA Program

Marketing & Technical Advisory Services
Farm Commodity Marketing Services
Animal & Plant Production Management
Resource Management
Trade Development
Agribusiness Consultation
Agronomy
Land Development Industries

Professional disciplines & graduate studies. Your undergraduate degree in agricultural studies provides an excellent foundation for environmental law, management and education. The University of Lethbridge’s School of Graduate Studies offers programs, at the master's and doctoral levels in more than 60 disciplines — so why not consider pursuing grad school right here in Lethbridge! Whether you choose to do your advanced studies at uLethbridge or another institution, know that your undergraduate degree has set you on the path to post-graduate success.

Admission requirements for Agricultural Studies

Choose a Province/Territory:

For admission, Canadian high school students in Alberta must have completed five of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:

This course is required:

English Language Arts 30-1

Three of these courses are required:

Aboriginal Studies 30
Art 30 or Art 31
Biology 30
Chemistry 30
Choral Music 30, General Music 30, or Instrumental Music 30
Dance 35
Drama 30
Mathematics 30-1 or Mathematics 30-2
Mathematics 31
Physics 30
Science 30
Social Studies 30-1 or Social Studies 30-2
Five credits in Advanced-level CTS Computer Science (CSE)
One or more distinct languages at the 30 level

One additional requirement from this list:

That has not already been used
May be from the list above
Must be at the 30 level
Must be worth at least five credits (multiple courses worth a total of five or more credits can be used)
Cannot be a Special Project

This program also requires

If you are taking it as a Bachelor of Arts that one of the courses you include is:

Mathematics 30-1 or 30-2

If you are taking it as a Bachelor of Science that three of the courses you include are:

Biology 30
Chemistry 30
Mathematics 30-1

Students who do a concentration in Geographic Information Science can choose between Mathematics 30-1 or 30-2.

Not a Canadian high school student? Find your admission requirements here

First year cost estimator
for Agricultural Studies

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The U of L has taught me how to think critically, which is very useful in the field of agriculture.
- Adam, Agricultural Studies

Sample classes

Evolution of Agriculture
Modelling of Agricultural Systems
Cellular Basis of Life
Principles of Genetics
Economics of Agricultural Issues
Food Systems Analysis
Soils

Quick links

Transfer Credit Equivalencies Database

View uLethbridge Program Planning Guides

Additional information

The University of Lethbridge AGILITY is pleased to announce a new scholarship opportunity, the Cor Van Raay AGILITY Award in Agriculture. Continuing undergraduate students who are interested in agriculture or agribusiness innovation or entrepreneurship are eligible to apply.

Cor Van Raay AGILITY Award in Agriculture