About

Plant Ecologists study the interactions among plants, between plants and the environment, and between soils, plants and animals. Forestry industries, human and livestock health, and agriculture all depend on healthy plant communities and ecosystems.


Quick facts
  • 4 year degree
  • Full or part-time program
  • You can enter this program directly from high school
  • You can begin this program off-campus

What you will learn

Learn how to apply ecological principles to ecosystems such as rangelands, forests, wetlands, and croplands for sustainable production. Applied Plant Ecology integrates principles and advanced knowledge of managing, conserving, and restoring natural and semi-natural landscapes and ecosystems.

A first-year schedule sample

Although there is a great deal of overlap between first year courses for most AgBio programs, it is important to consult the Course and Program Catalogue and contact an academic advisor for information about course selection prior to registration. Here's an example of what a first year in the degree program might look like:

Course Description

Fall Term
AGRC 110 Scientific Literacy and Communication for the Agricultural Sciences
AGRC 111 Discovery in Plant and Soil Sciences
AREC 220 History of Indigenous Agriculture in Canada
BIOL 120 The Nature of Life
CHEM 112 General Chemistry I Structure Bonding and Properties of Materials

Winter Term
AGRC 112 Animal Agriculture and Food Science
AGRC 113 Agri Food Issues and Institutions
BIOL 121 The Diversity of Life
CHEM 250 Introduction to Organic Chemistry
GEOG 130* Environment Health and Planning

* These are elective courses. You'll have a large number of courses to choose between.

The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program. 

Here are just a few of the classes you might take while you complete this degree:

EVSC 380: Grassland Soils and Vegetation
A five-day field course, plus tutorials early in the term, to study the landscape, soils and vegetation of the prairie ecozone. Emphasis will be on the environmental factors controlling soil and plant distribution, and characterizing relationships among vegetation, soils and landscapes. Basic field skills will be taught, including soil and vegetation classification and sampling.

PLSC 413: Advanced Plant Ecology
In-depth examination of recent developments in plant ecology. Current and emerging research interests in plant population, community, and ecosystem ecology will be studied. Use and practical application of analytical tools for synthesis of research results will be emphasized.

PLSC 494: Research Thesis in Plant Sciences
Provides students with an opportunity to conduct original research in plant sciences in association with a research supervisor. Students will be given guidance on hypothesis development, experimental design, research, analysis and presentation. Students will present their results in a written thesis as a presentation. Technical writing and thesis preparation skills will be addressed in a series of lectures at the beginning of Term 1.

Career skills
You will graduate with excellent industry-endorsed scientific training and a foundation of marketable career skills. Our strong ties with industry and our reputation for producing well-rounded, quality graduates means that many businesses look here first when hiring employees.

Small class sizes
AgBio offers a setting that combines the advantages of a full-scale university with the benefits of a small, specialized program. The small class sizes in third and fourth year and supportive atmosphere allows you to get to know your instructors and fellow students, and to build a network of personal and business contacts.

Research
We are committed to finding solutions to sustainably feed a hungry and growing world. Our five departments provide a foundation for our broad array of research activities, both basic and applied. We have over a century of innovative products and practices that have transformed the world.

Opportunities to get involved
AgBio has one of the campus’s most active and spirited student bodies. There are several student clubs in the college to join to enhance your university experience.

Collaborative environment
Our faculty and researchers actively collaborate across the university, as well as nationally and internationally. We have created strong, productive partnerships with numerous governments, private enterprises, producer groups, research centres, and industry associations to develop a sophisticated network for applied science, business and policy development. Outreach, technology transfer and information sharing is an important part our research.

Graduates of degree programs in the College of AgBio are eligible for Professional Agrologist (P.Ag.) membership in the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists, allowing them to engage in the practise of Agrology.

Careers

A growing demand for scientists and professionals equipped to deal with environmental and natural resource management issues means a wide variety of career choices for graduates specializing in Applied Plant Ecology. There is a steady demand for environmental scientists who have specialized in plant ecology in industry, universities, government agencies, and not-for-profit organizations.

  • conservation agencies
  • parks
  • rangeland management
  • environmental consulting
  • vegetation ecologist
  • forestry

Applied Plant Ecology majors often pursue careers as environmental scientists responsible for managing rangelands, forests, wetlands, and conservation areas. Frequent employers include conservation agencies, national and provincial parks and reserves, agricultural and environmental agencies, as well as environmental consulting firms.

Tuition estimates

Canadian students International students
Tuition $7,618 $31,996
Student fees $1,089 $1,089
Books $1,500 $1,500
Total $10,207 $34,585

Tuition will vary depending on the type and number of classes you take in a year. This estimate reflects a typical amount you could expect to pay in your first year if you enroll in a full course load, the maximum number of courses allowed (2023-2024 Canadian dollar rates).
Student fees are used to fund specific student benefits, including health, vision and dental coverage, a bus pass, recreational programs and fitness centre access.
The cost of books and supplies varies widely depending on the courses you choose. It is recommended that you budget between $1,500-$2,500 per year.

Program option

Our tour video guides prospective students through the College of Agriculture and Bioresources and some memorable spots on the beautiful University of Saskatchewan campus!

The Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (B.S.A) Applied Plant Ecology degree is offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Agriculture and Bioresources:

  • Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Four-year

Admission requirements and deadlines

Deadlines

Start term Application DeadlineInternational Deadline
Winter
January 2024
Dec 1, 2023
Documents due: Dec 15, 2023
Sep 1, 2023
Documents due: Oct 1, 2023
Spring
May 2024
Apr 1, 2024
Documents due: May 1, 2024
Feb 1, 2024
Documents due: Mar 1, 2024
Summer
July 2024
May 1, 2024
Documents due: Jun 1, 2024
Mar 1, 2024
Documents due: Apr 1, 2024
Fall
September 2024
May 1, 2024
Documents due: Jun 1, 2024
May 1, 2024
Documents due: Jun 1, 2024
Winter
January 2025
Dec 1, 2024
Documents due: Dec 15, 2024
Sep 1, 2024
Documents due: Oct 1, 2024

Ready to apply?

A non-refundable application fee of $90 CAD is required before your application will be processed.

Explore related programs

If you are looking for graduate level (Master or Ph.D.) programs please consult our graduate students' website.

Stay connected

Do you want us to send you important reminders, information about our programs or notifications about USask events?