About Graduate Studies at the University of Guelph | Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies

About Graduate Studies at the University of Guelph

Welcome from Dr. Sean Lyons

Portrait of Dr. Sean Lyons
Dr. Sean Lyons
Assistant Vice-President
Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

Welcome to the University of Guelph. Thank you for considering us for the next step in your academic journey.

Graduate education is an opportunity to deepen your knowledge, explore questions that matter to you, and develop the expertise and experience to advance your career. Whether you choose a course-based master’s, a research-intensive program, or a PhD, your graduate experience should challenge you and open new professional and academic possibilities.

At U of G, that experience is grounded in our shared commitment to Improve Life. Across disciplines, graduate students bring curiosity and fresh perspectives to the challenges facing our communities and our world. Through professional learning and research, you can work with others, put ideas into action, and build the knowledge, skills, and connections to make a meaningful impact.

Choosing where to pursue graduate studies is an important decision. I invite you to explore our programs, discover the U of G community, and imagine where a graduate degree could take you.

I hope we’ll have the opportunity to welcome you to U of G and support you throughout your graduate journey.

History of Graduate Studies at the University of Guelph

1926
The first graduate degree, a Master of Science in Agriculture, is offered.
1930
Master and Doctor of Veterinary Science degrees are introduced.
1964
The University of Guelph is established, with Hugh Branion as the first Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, and the creation of the Office of Graduate Studies.
1967
Graduate study and research are combined under the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. The University’s first three graduate degrees are granted at convocation.
1970
Administrative responsibility for research moves to the Office of Research.
1972
The first joint doctoral program, a PhD in Philosophy, is established with McMaster University.
1989
Graduate programs are offered in all seven colleges of the time.
2010
Graduate Program Services becomes part of the Office of Graduate Studies
2015
The office expands its mandate to include postdoctoral scholars and adopts the name Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
Current
The University is home to 3,236 graduate students enrolled in over 130 graduate programs across eight colleges.