About Graduate Studies at the University of Guelph
Welcome from the Assistant Vice-President Graduate Studies,
Dr. Sean Lyons
Welcome to the University of Guelph, and thank you for considering University of Guelph for the next step in your academic journey.
Graduate education is an opportunity to deepen your knowledge, pursue questions that interest you, develop specialized expertise, and build the skills and experiences to advance your career. Whether you are considering a course-based master’s, a research-intensive program, or a PhD, your graduate experience should challenge you, open new professional and academic possibilities, and prepare you to make a meaningful impact in your field and society.
At the University of Guelph, graduate education is grounded in our shared commitment to Improve Life. Across disciplines, our graduate students bring curiosity, expertise, and new perspectives to complex challenges facing our communities and our world. Whether you are developing professional expertise or advancing knowledge through research, you’ll have opportunities to work with others, put ideas into action, and build the knowledge, skills, and connections to make an impact in your field and beyond.
Choosing where to pursue graduate studies is an important decision. Explore our programs, discover the U of G community, and imagine where a graduate degree from the University of Guelph could take you.
I hope we’ll have the opportunity to welcome you to U of G and support you throughout your graduate journey.
Dr. Sean Lyons
Assistant Vice-President
Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
University of Guelph
History of Graduate Studies at the University of Guelph
In 1926 the first graduate degree (master of science in agriculture) was offered at the University of Guelph.
In 1930, two more graduate degrees were offered (master and doctor of veterinary science).
In 1964, the University of Guelph was officially established with Hugh Branion as the first Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
In 1967, graduate study and research were combined under the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research and the first three graduate degrees were granted at convocation.
In 1970, administrative responsibility for research was separated out to the Office of Research.
In 1972, the first joint doctoral program (PhD in Philosophy) was established with McMaster University.
By 1989 there were graduate programs in the seven colleges of that time.
Currently, there are over 3138 graduate students in 103 programs.