Program overviewÂ
This thesis-based program will allow students to pursue advanced-level knowledge in agriculture and develop expert skills in their discipline of focus, while producing original, high-quality research that will impact audiences ranging from international scholars to local farmers.
Through the PhD program in Agricultural Sciences, doctoral students will become independent, competent, critical thinkers who will be ready for a wide range of career options in academia, private industry, and government.
Students in the PhD in Agricultural Sciences program will join an intellectually and socially vibrant university community of professors, instructors, dedicated staff, undergraduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and fellow graduate students.
Application process
How to apply:
There are several steps in the process to apply for graduate school at »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥. The formal graduate application is processed through the Faculty of Graduate Studies but specific requirements for the Faculty of Agriculture must also be met.
Supporting documents
List the information applicants need to know about the supporting documents required for consideration for admissions.
Applications must include a research proposal.
Include an abstract from the MSc thesis. Links to any other publicly available reports or peer-reviewed scholarly works attributed to the applicants may also be included in this section.
Applicants should hold a four-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline from an institution recognized by »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ with a minimum 3.0 a 4.3 scale (B average) in the last two years (60 credits) of study.
As per Faculty of Graduate Studies regulations, we cannot accept applicants that do not have an undergraduate degree.ÌýÌý
- Unofficial/partial transcripts:Ìý
- These are acceptable at the time of application. HOWEVER, official/final versions must be submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies within 90 days of starting the program, if accepted. A hold will be placed on your account if you do not meet this deadline. Please make a plan ahead of time to obtain and submit your official transcripts.
- Please upload unofficial transcripts to the .Ìý
- Official/final transcripts:
- Must include all final marks, the degree name/type, and the date the degree was conferred (graduation date). If this is not stated on the transcript, documentation must be provided from the University confirming this information.
- Submission options are: Electronic file-transfers from the issuing institution and from services such as Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse, eScrip-Safe, or TranscriptNetwork.ÌýAll electronic transcripts must be sent to graduate.studies@dal.ca.
Important transcript details:
- Please submit one copy of all official transcripts from ALL post-secondary institutions attended (including transfer credits, study abroad, incomplete programs).
- Transcripts submitted with applications become the property of »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥, are subject to verification, are not available for copying, and will not be returned to the applicant.  
- Notarized transcripts will not be accepted. 
- Transcripts in languages other than English or French must be accompanied by an English translation provided by the institution issuing the transcript.  
- Transcript grading keys must be included with the transcript.  
- Official transcripts are not required for any courses or degree you have completed at »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥Â (unless courses were taken through the Faculty of Open Learning and Career Development) or University of King’s College. Our office will obtain these transcripts on your behalf.  
Applications must include two letters of recommendation.
Include an updated Curriculum Vitae that summarizes academic and professional achievements, published, or disseminated scholarly works, work experiences, and any other relevant information to support the review of the application package.
After you apply
Program and course details
The PhD thesis is defended at an oral examination. All doctoral students who have earned a thesis-based MSc degree (or equivalent), will complete a minimum of two required courses:Ìý
AGRI6700 Advanced Research Methods (Year 1)Â
AGRI6800 Advanced Graduate Research Seminar (in Years 2 or 3)Â
Additional courses or activities may be required as part of the program of study at the discretion of the Supervisory Committee, as per Faculty of Graduate Studies guidelines. All courses should be completed before the comprehensive exam.
Students will prepare and defend their thesis proposal during their preliminary exam within one year of their commencement in the program, and undertake a comprehensive exam within thirty (30) months of entering the program and at least one year prior to the thesis defense.
Doctoral students will complete a teaching assistantship (paid positions) in two half-credit courses at the undergraduate level of study.
Fees and funding
Estimated cost breakdown
Consult the Tuition Fee Schedules for more details on the cost of tuition and other student fees at »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥.
Consult the tuition calculator to estimate how much your education might cost per year and adjust based factors such as on your citizenship, course load and options for including residence housing and meal plans.
The Faculty of Agriculture and individual researchers may be able to provide limited financial support to successful applicants. It is strongly recommended that students confirm funding with supervisors or otherwise acquire funding from scholarships prior to application.Ìý
Faculty-specific scholarships
The Faculty of Agriculture has a small number of competitive scholarships for students entering their graduate program. These scholarships are through generous donations from external sources and are based on academic achievement.
Employment opportunities
Learn about teaching assistantship positions within the Faculty and how to apply.
Research grant
In some cases, a supervisor may use their research grant funds to fully or partially support a student who is not eligible for an external or »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ scholarship. Such arrangements must be worked out between the supervisor and graduate student.
