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Graduate Exams

Your thesis defense

Preparing and defending a thesis is a pivotal milestone in both master's and PhD programs, marking the culmination of a student’s academic journey and original research.

This section provides essential information on navigating your way to the big finale.

MSc Agriculture

ATC Exam

The Admission to Candidacy Exam must be done within the first six months of beginning the MSc program. The ATC should be completed before actual experimental work is begun, although students may have done a pilot study. 

ATC Information & Forms

Master’s Thesis

While your thesis must be submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies, the Faculty of Agriculture’s Graduate Studies Office will help you plan and schedule your defence.

MSc Defence Information & Forms

PhD Agricultural Sciences

Preliminary Exam

The Preliminary Exam must be done within the first year of beginning the PhD program.  It is a means to engage the student in the development of the proposed research direction early in the PhD program.

Preliminary Exam Information & Forms

Comprehensive Exam

Students are encouraged to complete the Comprehensive Exam in their second year of study, but no later than 30 months of entering the program and at least one year prior to the thesis defence.

Comprehensive Exam Information & Forms

Doctoral Thesis

While the Faculty of Graduate Studies schedules PhD defences, the Faculty of Agriculture’s Graduate Studies Office will help you nominate an external examiner, a crucial and sometimes challenging part of the process.

Doctoral Defence Information & Forms