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 usually takes 2-2.5 years to complete
- The PhD program 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
Progress reports (Login required) are required from all thesis-based graduate students 11 months after the start of a new program, and annually thereafter. Once the student reports on their progress over the past year, constructive feedback is required from the graduate student's supervisor (if applicable), the department's graduate coordinator, and the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS).
Progress reports can be completed in Dal Online.
Transferring programs
Please see section 5.10 Program Transfers in the Academic Calendar.
You can apply to transfer from the MSc to the PhD program prior to or after your ATC examination.
- The transfer should occur within the first 5 terms of the initial registration in the MSc program.
- You should first discuss this possibility with your supervisor and write your ATC proposal for a more substantial PhD project.
- 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 PhD program to the MSc program. 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 Faculty of Graduate Studies forms (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 Faculty of Graduate Studies Letter Request Platform to request a:
Letter to Confirm Registration and Upper Time to Completion
Letter to Confirm Degree Requirements have been met - For PhD defence timelines and forms consult the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Preparing for Your Doctoral Defence (login required) page.
- ATC Extension Request Form [PDF - 30 kB]
- ATC Guidelines [PDF - 191 kB]
- ATC Planning Form and Part 1 [PDF - 188 kB]
- MSc Thesis Defense Planning Form [PDF - 107 kB]
- Thesis Format Guidelines (login required)
- Master's Thesis Approval Form (login required)
Explore graduate student life
Contact us
Faculty of Agriculture’s Graduate Studies Office
Margaret Mulrooney
Graduate Program Assistant, Faculty of Agriculture