Field Study Semesters and Off-Campus Courses
McGill offers you a chance to put theory into practice through local, regional, and international field study semesters and individual courses. Field studies provide practical experience and a chance to integrate and apply knowledge gained in the classroom. In many cases, field courses can be counted toward major program requirements. You should see your advisor for details.
Field Study Semesters are packages of McGill courses aimed at upper-year students that focus on the physical and social aspects of the environment. They are offered in various regions around the world in the Summer, Fall, or Winter terms. Currently, Field Study Semesters are offered in East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania; see Africa Field Study Semester), the Canadian Arctic (Axel Heiberg Island; see Arctic Field Study Semester), Barbados (see Barbados Field Semester and Barbados Interdisciplinary Tropical Studies Field Semester), and Panama (see Panama Field Study Semester). Enrolment is limited, and application deadlines and costs vary, so you should consult the relevant sections of this publication for details. If you are interested in participating, you should begin planning your courses before the Field Study semester, as some of the field courses may require prerequisites.
Students participating in any one of the field study semesters—i.e., the Africa Field Study Semester (AFSS), the Arctic Field Study Semester (MAFS), the Barbados Field Study Semester (BFSS), the Barbados Interdisciplinary Tropical Studies (BITS) Field Study Semester, or the Panama Field Study Semester (PFSS)—may complete the 18-credit Minor in Field Studies. See Field Study Minor for details.
Off-campus McGill courses are also offered to you and sometimes require separate departmental application. The courses are typically offered during the summer months and can be offered in places as varied as Italy, Mexico, or Brazil, and in disciplines in arts, engineering (including architecture), science, law, or management. See Off-Campus Courses.