In 1959, the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Edmonton allowed some students to work toward their degrees at the University of Alberta in Calgary. The Faculty of Graduate Studies was later established at the University of Calgary in 1964. The Faculty is governed by a Graduate Faculty Council of which all Heads of Departments that offer graduate programs are members. The Council determines policies for the Graduate Faculty including admission standards, fee schedules, enrolments, approval of new programs and thesis requirements. The Joint University/Schools Liaison Committee is a standing committee of the Graduate Faculty Council that reports to the Council through the Dean. The Liaison Committee has authority for approval or rejection of research proposals for graduate student theses or academic staff research.

A major objective of the Faculty of Graduate Studies is to provide leadership and support for excellence in graduate education and research. An important responsibility is to ensure that graduate degrees granted by the University of Calgary meet high national and international standards. The faculty works to ensure that the best students are recruited and admitted to the University of Calgary and promotes uniform standards of excellence across programs.

Deans of the Faculty of Graduate Studies: J.B. Hyne, 1968-1976; G.M. Greig, 1976-1977 (Acting); J.B. Hyne, 1977-1989; D.J. Bercusson, 1989-1997; B.R. Gaines, 1997-2000; J. Frideras, 2000-2001 (Acting); R.L. Mansell, 2001-2004; W.L. Veale, 2004-2007; F. Hall, 2007-2011; L. Young, 2011 (Interim), 2012-.