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 program听usually takes 2-2.5 years to complete
- The PhD program听usually 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
听(Login required) are required from all thesis-based graduate students 11听months after the start of a new program, and annually thereafter. Once the student reports on听their听progress over the past year, constructive feedback is required from the听graduate student's supervisor (if applicable), the department's graduate coordinator,听and the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS).听
Progress reports can be completed in Dal Online.
Transferring programs
Please see section in the Academic Calendar.
You can apply to transfer听from the MSc to the PhD program听prior to or after your ATC examination.
- The听 transfer should occur within the first 5 terms of the initial registration in the MSc program.听
- You should first discuss this possibility with your supervisor and write your ATC proposal for a more substantial PhD project.听
- 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 the听PhD program to the MSc program.听You should discuss this possibility with your supervisor and the Graduate Studies Coordinator.
Forms and documents
Faculty of Graduate Studies forms
- Graduate students will use (login required) for:
Letter of Permission(to take a course at another institution)
Leave of Absence Request
Notification of Voluntary Withdrawal. - Graduate Students will use the to request a:
Letter to Confirm Registration and Upper Time to Completion听
Letter to Confirm Degree Requirements have been met - For PhD defence timelines and forms consult the Faculty of Graduate Studies, 听(login required) page.
- ATC Extension Request Form听[PDF - 30 kB]
- ATC Guidelines听[PDF - 191 kB]
- ATC Planning Form and Part 1听[PDF - 188 kB]
- MSc Thesis Defense Planning Form听[PDF - 107 kB]
- 听(login required)
- 听(login required)
听
Explore graduate student life
Contact us
Faculty of Agriculture鈥檚 Graduate Studies Office
Margaret Mulrooney听
Graduate Program Assistant, Faculty of Agriculture