Agricultural Studies

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Options available

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Science

Campus

  • Lethbridge

Intake

Fall & Spring

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

General-ALL-ALL

​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
  • English Language Arts 30-1
Three of these courses
  • 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
  • Five credits in Advanced-level CTS Computer Science (CSE)
  • One or more distinct languages at the 30 level
One additional
  • 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

Program-AS-BA-BSC

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.

 

 

First year cost estimator

For Agricultural Studies

Let us help you understand your tuition and fees for your first year at the University of Lethbridge.

Adam Fast

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

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