While the university formally established a graduate department in 1912, graduate study was first instituted in 1872. The board of trustees accepted recommendations of the faculty on February 15, 1879, which provided definite authority and specific requirements for awarding the graduate degrees of civil engineer, mining engineer, doctor of philosophy, and master of arts on the basis of course work actually done in residence at the institution. (One year’s work was required for the AM; two years’ work was required for the other graduate degrees, with a thesis being additionally required for the doctorate.)
In 1949 the Graduate School came into being as an evolution from the former structure. The Graduate School was dismantled in 2000 during an administrative restructuring process that transferred many of the responsibilities for graduate education to the colleges and departments, or to the offices of Graduate Student Services and the Office of Graduate Studies. In 2006 the Graduate School was reestablished, and the title of dean of the Graduate School was first employed. Dr. Carolyn Hodges was appointed vice provost and dean of the Graduate School.