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Graduate support and advising

Completing your graduate degree

Your academic journey will include several essential components including:Ìý

Working with your supervisor Program requirements Graduate exams
Student wearing a blue lab coat holding a clipboard standing on a stool next to green tanks.

Graduate student support

The Faculty of Graduate Studies administers all graduate programs at the University. Learn more about registration, health plans, professional development, and important dates.

How long will it take to complete my degree?

The time required to complete your program will vary depending on the success of your research project. In general:

  • The MSc programÌýusually takes 2-2.5 years to complete
  • The PhD programÌýusually takes 4-5 years to complete

It is important to note that most funding (research stipends, scholarships, etc.), only have a 2 (MSc) or 4 (PhD) years duration.

Progress Reports

Ìý(Login required) are required from all thesis-based graduate students 11Ìýmonths after the start of a new program, and annually thereafter. Once the student reports onÌýtheirÌýprogress over the past year, constructive feedback is required from theÌýgraduate student's supervisor (if applicable), the department's graduate coordinator,Ìýand the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS).Ìý

Progress reports can be completed in Dal Online.

Transferring programs

Please see section in the Academic Calendar.

You can apply to transferÌýfrom the MSc to the PhD programÌýprior to or after your ATC examination.

  • TheÌý transfer should occur within the first 5 terms of the initial registration in the MSc program.Ìý
  • You should first discuss this possibility with your supervisor and write your ATC proposal for a more substantial PhD project.Ìý
  • Students must clearly demonstrate an ability to conduct PhD research and the proposed project must be deemed appropriate for our PhD program. The Faculty of Graduate Studies makes the final decision.
  • If you transfer from a MSc to a PhD program the total time allotted to the program is typically still 4-5 years.

Students can also switch from theÌýPhD program to the MSc program.ÌýYou should discuss this possibility with your supervisor and the Graduate Studies Coordinator.

Forms and documents

Faculty of Graduate Studies forms

  • Graduate students will useÌýÌý(login required) for:
    Graduate class add/drop form
    Leave of Absence Request
    Letter of Permission (to take a course at another institution)
  • Graduate Students will use theÌýÌýto request a:
    Letter to Confirm Degree Requirements have been met
    Letter to Confirm Registration and Upper Time to CompletionÌý
  • For documents required for MSc thesis submission, visit the FGS (login required) webpage.
  • For documents required for PhD thesis submissionÌývisit the FGS Ìý(login required) webpage.

Faculty of Agriculture forms

You can find Faculty of Agriculture exam forms below.

Contact us

Faculty of Agriculture’s Graduate Studies Office

Margaret MulrooneyÌý
Graduate Program Assistant, Faculty of Agriculture